Software · head to head
OpenLayers vs CARTO
OpenLayers
Software
High-performance, feature-packed JavaScript library for creating interactive maps on the web with
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: OpenLayers free and open source under the 2-clause BSD License, with no commercial tier; CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
- They diverge on capability: OpenLayers covers Core Functionality, CARTO covers Spatial Analysis.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which OpenLayers and CARTO actually diverge.
| Attribute | OpenLayers | CARTO |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | Free |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Founded | Unknown | 2012 |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 OpenLayers
- Core Functionality
- User Interface
Only in CARTO
- Spatial Analysis
- Interactive Maps
- Data Observatory
- Workflows
- APIs
- Snowflake
- BigQuery
- PostgreSQL
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
OpenLayers
No use cases recorded yet. See the OpenLayers review.
CARTO
- Spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehousenot OpenLayers
- Building interactive maps and location dashboardsnot OpenLayers
- Geocoding and routing through location data servicesnot OpenLayers
- Site selection and territory planningnot OpenLayers
- Self-hosted geospatial analytics for regulated environmentsnot OpenLayers
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
OpenLayers
- Free and open source under the 2-clause BSD License, with no commercial tier
CARTO
- No prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
- Metered on four separate axes: workflow runs, map loads, API calls and location data service operations
- API access and tokens are limited on pay-as-you-go and unlimited only from the Strategic tier
- Self-hosting is available on Enterprise and included only on the Custom tier
- The 14 day trial explicitly forbids production use
Pricing, plan by plan
OpenLayers
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the OpenLayers review.
CARTO
Free- Professional$199/month
- Spatial Analysis
- Data Observatory
- Builder
Which should you pick?
Choose CARTO if
- You need spatial analysis.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want interactive maps.
Questions people ask
- Is OpenLayers or CARTO better?
- Neither clearly leads. OpenLayers starts at On request and CARTO at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, OpenLayers or CARTO?
- CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for OpenLayers and Free for CARTO.
- Does OpenLayers or CARTO run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use CARTO for free?
- Yes. CARTO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. OpenLayers starts at On request.
- What can OpenLayers do that CARTO cannot?
- OpenLayers covers Core Functionality, User Interface. CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows.