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Software · head to head

OpenRouteService vs CARTO

OpenRouteService logo

OpenRouteService

Software

Open-source routing, geocoding, and isochrone APIs based on OpenStreetMap data for developers and enterprises

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
C

CARTO

Software

Location Intelligence Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OpenRouteService free tier is limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day; CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • They diverge on capability: OpenRouteService covers Core Functionality, CARTO covers Spatial Analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OpenRouteService and CARTO actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenRouteService and CARTO differ
AttributeOpenRouteServiceCARTO
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierNoYes
FoundedUnknown2012

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 OpenRouteService

  • 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.

OpenRouteService

No use cases recorded yet. See the OpenRouteService review.

CARTO

  • Spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehousenot OpenRouteService
  • Building interactive maps and location dashboardsnot OpenRouteService
  • Geocoding and routing through location data servicesnot OpenRouteService
  • Site selection and territory planningnot OpenRouteService
  • Self-hosted geospatial analytics for regulated environmentsnot OpenRouteService

Where each one falls short

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

OpenRouteService

  • Free tier is limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day

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

OpenRouteService

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

CARTO

Free
  • Professional$199/month
    • Spatial Analysis
    • Data Observatory
    • Builder

Which should you pick?

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
OpenRouteService review

Choose CARTO if

  • You need spatial analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want interactive maps.
CARTO review

Questions people ask

Is OpenRouteService or CARTO better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenRouteService 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, OpenRouteService or CARTO?
CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for OpenRouteService and Free for CARTO.
Does OpenRouteService 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. OpenRouteService starts at On request.
What can OpenRouteService do that CARTO cannot?
OpenRouteService covers Core Functionality, User Interface. CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows.
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