Google Maps Platform vs OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)(2026)
Google Maps Platform is better for teams that need best global coverage. OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) is the stronger choice if completely free. Google Maps Platform is freemium (from $0) and OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) is open-source (from $0).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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Google Maps Platform
Google Maps Platform provides maps, geocoding, routing, places, and street view APIs — powering location features in millions of apps worldwide with the most comprehensive global data.
Starting at $0
Visit Google Maps PlatformOpenStreetMap (Nominatim)
OpenStreetMap provides free, community-maintained global map data with the Nominatim geocoding API — use it for free with Leaflet.js or self-host the tile server and geocoder.
Starting at $0
Visit OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)How Do Google Maps Platform and OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) Compare on Features?
| Feature | Google Maps Platform | OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | open-source |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| Maps JS API | ✓ | — |
| Geocoding | ✓ | — |
| Directions API | ✓ | — |
| Places API | ✓ | — |
| Street View | ✓ | — |
| Distance Matrix | ✓ | — |
| Routes API | ✓ | — |
| Free geocoding (Nominatim) | — | ✓ |
| Tile server | — | ✓ |
| Overpass API | — | ✓ |
| Community-maintained data | — | ✓ |
| Self-hostable | — | ✓ |
| No API key required | — | ✓ |
| Global coverage | — | ✓ |
Google Maps Platform Pros and Cons vs OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)
Google Maps Platform
OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)
Should You Use Google Maps Platform or OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)?
Choose Google Maps Platform if…
- •Best global coverage
- •Most accurate data
- •Street View
Choose OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) if…
- •Completely free
- •No vendor lock-in
- •Community corrections