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Maps · head to head

OpenRouteService vs QGIS

OpenRouteService logo

OpenRouteService

Maps

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

From
Free
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

  • Only OpenRouteService has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OpenRouteService free tier limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day; 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 OpenRouteService and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenRouteService and QGIS differ
AttributeOpenRouteServiceQGIS
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux

Identical on both: pricing model (freemium), 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 OpenRouteService

Nothing recorded that QGIS does not also cover.

Only in QGIS

Nothing recorded that OpenRouteService 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.

OpenRouteService

  • Directions routing for cars, trucks, bikes, walking, hiking, wheelchairnot QGIS
  • Reachability analysis with isochrones for time and distance calculationsnot QGIS
  • Many-to-many distance matrix calculationsnot QGIS
  • Location geocoding and conversion to coordinatesnot QGIS
  • Points of interest discovery and mappingnot QGIS
  • Elevation data enrichment using SRTM satellite datanot QGIS
  • Vehicle routing problem optimizationnot QGIS

QGIS

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

Where each one falls short

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

OpenRouteService

  • Free tier limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day
  • API restrictions exist but details not fully documented on main page
  • Specific pricing tiers and costs not published on primary website

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

OpenRouteService

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenRouteService review

Choose QGIS if

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

Questions people ask

Is OpenRouteService or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenRouteService starts at Free and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenRouteService or QGIS?
OpenRouteService has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenRouteService and On request for QGIS.
Does OpenRouteService or QGIS run on more platforms?
OpenRouteService runs on Web. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use OpenRouteService for free?
Yes. OpenRouteService has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. QGIS starts at On request.
What is OpenRouteService best used for?
OpenRouteService is most often used for directions routing for cars, trucks, bikes, walking, hiking, wheelchair, reachability analysis with isochrones for time and distance calculations, many-to-many distance matrix calculations, location geocoding and conversion to coordinates. Of those, directions routing for cars, trucks, bikes, walking, hiking, wheelchair and reachability analysis with isochrones for time and distance calculations are not what QGIS is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

OpenRouteService: How much does OpenRouteService cost?

OpenRouteService is free to use and open source. The free tier includes up to 500 Isochrones requests per day. Specific pricing for higher usage tiers is not published on the main pricing page.

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
OpenRouteService: Is there a free version of OpenRouteService?

Yes, OpenRouteService is completely free to use and built on open source technology. All services are presented as free to use and based on user-generated and collaboratively collected geographic data from OpenStreetMap.

Source
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

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

Source
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