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Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs Sygic GPS Navigation

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sygic GPS Navigation logo

Sygic GPS Navigation

Maps

Premium navigation app offering high-quality 3D offline maps from TomTom

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Sygic GPS Navigation has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Nominatim the public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second; Sygic GPS Navigation offline map downloads limited by area size, requiring multiple selections for larger countries
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Nominatim and Sygic GPS Navigation actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and Sygic GPS Navigation differ
AttributeNominatimSygic GPS Navigation
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebiOS, Android, Apple Watch
FoundedUnknown2004

Identical on both: 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 Sygic GPS Navigation does not also cover.

Only in Sygic GPS Navigation

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 Sygic GPS Navigation
  • Address lookup and location searchnot Sygic GPS Navigation
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot Sygic GPS Navigation

Sygic GPS Navigation

  • Turn-by-turn car navigation with offline maps (no data connection needed)not Nominatim
  • Real-time traffic rerouting and speed camera/limit warningsnot Nominatim
  • Motorcycle-specific navigation (twisty roads, elevation tracking)not Nominatim
  • CarPlay-integrated in-dash navigationnot Nominatim
  • Trip planning with POI search, parking and fuel price infonot 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

Sygic GPS Navigation

  • Offline map downloads limited by area size, requiring multiple selections for larger countries
  • Occasional inaccuracies in POIs and speed limit data in less-updated regions
  • Battery consumption increases significantly with AR navigation and dashcam features enabled
  • Limited free features; most functionality requires Premium+ subscription

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

Sygic GPS Navigation

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Sygic GPS Navigation review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

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

Nominatim review

Choose Sygic GPS Navigation if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
Sygic GPS Navigation review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or Sygic GPS Navigation better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim starts at On request and Sygic GPS Navigation at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Nominatim or Sygic GPS Navigation?
Sygic GPS Navigation has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Nominatim and Free for Sygic GPS Navigation.
Does Nominatim or Sygic GPS Navigation run on more platforms?
Nominatim runs on Web. Sygic GPS Navigation runs on iOS, Android, Apple Watch.
Can I use Sygic GPS Navigation for free?
Yes. Sygic GPS Navigation has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Nominatim starts at On request.
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 Sygic GPS Navigation 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
Sygic GPS Navigation: Does Sygic work without internet?

Yes. Sygic Premium+ includes offline 3D maps with monthly updates, allowing navigation in areas without cellular coverage.

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
Sygic GPS Navigation: What is the cost of Sygic Premium+ subscription?

Sygic Premium+ costs €29.99 per year or €13.99 for three months. Premium lifetime licenses are no longer available.

Source
Sygic GPS Navigation: Does Sygic work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Sygic integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including specialized versions for trucks, caravans, and motorcycles.

Source
Sygic GPS Navigation: What maps and regions does Sygic support?

Sygic covers navigation globally with particular focus on Europe. Users must download offline maps by region, with size limitations that may require multiple downloads for larger countries.

Source
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