Softwr

Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs QGIS

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

Open-source geocoding tool for OpenStreetMap data, providing address search and reverse geocoding capabilities

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Q

QGIS

Maps

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Nominatim the public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Nominatim and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and QGIS differ
AttributeNominatimQGIS
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (freemium), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Nominatim

Nothing recorded that QGIS does not also cover.

Only in QGIS

Nothing recorded that Nominatim does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Nominatim

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding servicesnot QGIS
  • Address lookup and location searchnot QGIS
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot QGIS

QGIS

  • Creating thematic maps showing population density by regionnot Nominatim
  • Digitizing building footprints from satellite imagery for urban planningnot Nominatim
  • Analyzing proximity of retail stores to competitor locationsnot Nominatim
  • Performing spatial analysis of wildlife habitat suitabilitynot Nominatim

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Nominatim

  • The public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second
  • Bulk geocoding must run in a single thread and cannot be distributed across machines
  • Scripts running longer than a day or on a schedule are limited to 4 requests per minute
  • Autocomplete search against the public API is explicitly prohibited
  • Systematic queries such as grid based reverse lookups and complete data downloads are prohibited
  • Reselling geocoding results or acting as an API intermediary is prohibited
  • Every request must send a valid HTTP Referer or User-Agent identifying the application, and default library headers are rejected
  • Results must be cached client side, and repeated identical queries can lead to blocking
  • Attribution to OpenStreetMap under ODbL must be displayed

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

Nothing in the data separates Nominatim from QGIS on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Nominatim review

Choose QGIS if

  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim starts at On request and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Nominatim or QGIS?
Nominatim starts at On request and QGIS at On request.
Does Nominatim or QGIS run on more platforms?
Nominatim runs on Web. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
What is Nominatim best used for?
Nominatim is most often used for geocoding and reverse geocoding services, address lookup and location search, openstreetmap-based geolocation data. Of those, geocoding and reverse geocoding services and address lookup and location search are not what QGIS is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Nominatim: Is Nominatim free?

Nominatim is open source software built on OpenStreetMap data. It appears to be free to use, though commercial usage may require separate licensing or terms. Check the project repository or contact support for clarity on licensing.

Source
QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

Source
Nominatim: What is Nominatim's pricing model?

Nominatim does not publish a standard pricing model on its website. As open source software, it is available for free, but commercial or large-scale deployments may require reviewing their licensing terms or contacting project maintainers.

Source
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Nominatim

More on QGIS

Keep looking

Other head to heads