Softwr

Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs TomTom

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TomTom logo

TomTom

Maps

Global leader in navigation and mapping products, offering maps, traffic information, navigation

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only TomTom 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; TomTom free app lacks specific feature details on landing page
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Nominatim and TomTom actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and TomTom differ
AttributeNominatimTomTom
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebiOS, Android
FoundedUnknown1991

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 TomTom does not also cover.

Only in TomTom

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 TomTom
  • Address lookup and location searchnot TomTom
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot TomTom

TomTom

  • Turn-by-turn car navigation with offline downloadable mapsnot Nominatim
  • Live traffic rerouting and incident/hazard alertsnot Nominatim
  • Speed camera and speed-limit warningsnot Nominatim
  • Truck-specific routing (vehicle dimensions, hazardous cargo restrictions, rest stops) via GO Expertnot Nominatim
  • EV charging station location and fuel price lookup (Android)not 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

TomTom

  • Free app lacks specific feature details on landing page
  • Monetization model not transparent
  • No published pricing for premium features
  • No information about subscription tiers or in-app purchases

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

TomTom

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TomTom review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

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

Nominatim review

Choose TomTom if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
TomTom review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or TomTom better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim starts at On request and TomTom at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Nominatim or TomTom?
TomTom has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Nominatim and Free for TomTom.
Does Nominatim or TomTom run on more platforms?
Nominatim runs on Web. TomTom runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use TomTom for free?
Yes. TomTom 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 TomTom 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
TomTom: Is the TomTom app free to download and use?

Yes, the TomTom app is available as a free download. The page states 'Download for free' with no mention of paid tiers on the landing page.

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
TomTom: Are there paid features or premium tiers for TomTom?

The landing page does not disclose any pricing information for premium features or subscription tiers. Users must download the app to discover any in-app monetization details.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Nominatim

More on TomTom

Keep looking

Other head to heads