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Maps · head to head

OpenRouteService vs TomTom

OpenRouteService logo

OpenRouteService

Maps

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

From
Free
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

  • Each has a real cost: OpenRouteService free tier limited to 500 Isochrones requests per day; 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 OpenRouteService and TomTom actually diverge.

Attributes where OpenRouteService and TomTom differ
AttributeOpenRouteServiceTomTom
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWebiOS, Android
FoundedUnknown1991

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 TomTom does not also cover.

Only in TomTom

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 TomTom
  • Reachability analysis with isochrones for time and distance calculationsnot TomTom
  • Many-to-many distance matrix calculationsnot TomTom
  • Location geocoding and conversion to coordinatesnot TomTom
  • Points of interest discovery and mappingnot TomTom
  • Elevation data enrichment using SRTM satellite datanot TomTom
  • Vehicle routing problem optimizationnot TomTom

TomTom

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

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

OpenRouteService

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenRouteService review.

TomTom

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TomTom review.

Which should you pick?

Choose OpenRouteService if

  • You want to start without paying.
OpenRouteService review

Choose TomTom if

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

Questions people ask

Is OpenRouteService or TomTom better?
Neither clearly leads. OpenRouteService starts at Free and TomTom at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OpenRouteService or TomTom?
OpenRouteService starts at Free and TomTom at Free.
Does OpenRouteService or TomTom run on more platforms?
OpenRouteService runs on Web. TomTom runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use OpenRouteService for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 TomTom 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
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
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
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
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