Quick Overview
- 1#1: Google Maps Platform - Provides industry-leading routing APIs with real-time traffic, multimodal options, and global coverage for developers.
- 2#2: Mapbox - Offers customizable mapping SDKs and turn-by-turn navigation with advanced routing for mobile and web apps.
- 3#3: HERE Technologies - Delivers premium location services including truck-optimized routing, EV range, and traffic-aware navigation APIs.
- 4#4: TomTom Maps APIs - High-precision routing with fuzzy search, matrix calculations, and EV routing for automotive and logistics applications.
- 5#5: GraphHopper - Flexible open-source routing engine supporting bikes, cars, trucks, and custom profiles with hosted API options.
- 6#6: Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) - Fast, high-performance routing server using OpenStreetMap data for shortest path calculations.
- 7#7: openrouteservice - Free API for directions, isochrones, and optimization with OpenStreetMap-based routing and analysis tools.
- 8#8: Valhalla - Open-source routing engine with multimodal support, costing, and map-matching for custom GPS applications.
- 9#9: ArcGIS Network Analyst - Advanced GIS routing extension for vehicle routing problems, service areas, and closest facility analysis.
- 10#10: Route4Me - Multi-stop route planner with optimization algorithms for delivery fleets and field sales teams.
These tools were selected for their robust feature sets—including real-time traffic, multimodal support, and industry-specific optimization—coupled with reliability, ease of use, and value across diverse applications like delivery fleets, EV navigation, and mobile development.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular GPS routing software tools, featuring Google Maps Platform, Mapbox, HERE Technologies, TomTom Maps APIs, GraphHopper, and others, to guide users in evaluating their options. Readers will learn about key features, pricing structures, integration flexibility, and use-case suitability to find the best fit for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Maps Platform Provides industry-leading routing APIs with real-time traffic, multimodal options, and global coverage for developers. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Mapbox Offers customizable mapping SDKs and turn-by-turn navigation with advanced routing for mobile and web apps. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | HERE Technologies Delivers premium location services including truck-optimized routing, EV range, and traffic-aware navigation APIs. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | TomTom Maps APIs High-precision routing with fuzzy search, matrix calculations, and EV routing for automotive and logistics applications. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | GraphHopper Flexible open-source routing engine supporting bikes, cars, trucks, and custom profiles with hosted API options. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) Fast, high-performance routing server using OpenStreetMap data for shortest path calculations. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.0/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | openrouteservice Free API for directions, isochrones, and optimization with OpenStreetMap-based routing and analysis tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Valhalla Open-source routing engine with multimodal support, costing, and map-matching for custom GPS applications. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 9 | ArcGIS Network Analyst Advanced GIS routing extension for vehicle routing problems, service areas, and closest facility analysis. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.7/10 | 4.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Route4Me Multi-stop route planner with optimization algorithms for delivery fleets and field sales teams. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
Provides industry-leading routing APIs with real-time traffic, multimodal options, and global coverage for developers.
Offers customizable mapping SDKs and turn-by-turn navigation with advanced routing for mobile and web apps.
Delivers premium location services including truck-optimized routing, EV range, and traffic-aware navigation APIs.
High-precision routing with fuzzy search, matrix calculations, and EV routing for automotive and logistics applications.
Flexible open-source routing engine supporting bikes, cars, trucks, and custom profiles with hosted API options.
Fast, high-performance routing server using OpenStreetMap data for shortest path calculations.
Free API for directions, isochrones, and optimization with OpenStreetMap-based routing and analysis tools.
Open-source routing engine with multimodal support, costing, and map-matching for custom GPS applications.
Advanced GIS routing extension for vehicle routing problems, service areas, and closest facility analysis.
Multi-stop route planner with optimization algorithms for delivery fleets and field sales teams.
Google Maps Platform
enterpriseProvides industry-leading routing APIs with real-time traffic, multimodal options, and global coverage for developers.
Routes API's matrix routing and advanced optimizations for real-world constraints like live traffic predictions and commercial fleet needs
Google Maps Platform is a comprehensive suite of APIs and SDKs designed for developers to integrate advanced mapping, routing, and location-based services into applications. For GPS routing, it excels with the Directions API and premium Routes API, providing real-time traffic-aware directions, multi-modal routing (driving, walking, cycling, transit), and optimizations for tolls, fuel efficiency, and electric vehicles. It powers custom navigation solutions with global coverage and high accuracy derived from Google's vast data ecosystem.
Pros
- Unmatched global coverage and real-time traffic data for precise routing
- Advanced optimizations like toll avoidance, EV routing, and fuel-efficient paths
- Seamless integration with extensive APIs, SDKs for web, iOS, and Android
Cons
- Usage-based pricing can become costly at high volumes
- Requires developer expertise for implementation and customization
- Dependency on Google's ecosystem may limit flexibility for some use cases
Best For
Developers and enterprises building scalable, high-accuracy GPS routing into custom apps, fleets, or logistics platforms.
Pricing
$200 monthly free credit; pay-per-use starting at $5/1,000 requests for Directions API, $10/1,000 for premium Routes API.
Mapbox
enterpriseOffers customizable mapping SDKs and turn-by-turn navigation with advanced routing for mobile and web apps.
Advanced custom routing profiles supporting unique scenarios like EV charging or heavy trucking restrictions
Mapbox is a developer-focused platform providing advanced APIs and SDKs for GPS routing, including the Directions API for optimized routes and the Navigation SDK for turn-by-turn guidance. It excels in handling complex routing scenarios like multi-stop optimization via the Matrix API, real-time traffic integration, and support for driving, walking, cycling, and trucking modes. With customizable map styles and offline capabilities, it's designed for embedding high-performance navigation into apps and services.
Pros
- Highly accurate routing with real-time traffic and ETAs
- Customizable profiles for vehicles, pedestrians, and logistics
- Scalable APIs and SDKs for enterprise-level applications
Cons
- Requires coding knowledge for integration
- Costs scale quickly with high-volume usage
- Documentation can be overwhelming for non-developers
Best For
Developers and companies building custom navigation apps, delivery services, or location-based experiences.
Pricing
Generous free tier (up to 100,000 monthly active users), then usage-based: ~$0.50-$5 per 1,000 requests depending on service.
HERE Technologies
enterpriseDelivers premium location services including truck-optimized routing, EV range, and traffic-aware navigation APIs.
Advanced truck and EV routing with automatic consideration of vehicle-specific restrictions, weight, height, and charging needs
HERE Technologies offers a comprehensive location platform with advanced GPS routing APIs designed for developers and enterprises. It provides precise route calculation supporting multiple transport modes including cars, trucks, EVs, pedestrians, and public transit, while incorporating real-time traffic, road restrictions, and predictive ETAs. The service powers navigation in automotive, logistics, and mobile apps with high-accuracy proprietary maps updated frequently.
Pros
- Exceptional routing accuracy with real-time traffic and predictive analytics
- Specialized options for trucks, EVs, and complex restrictions like hazardous materials
- Scalable enterprise-grade APIs with global coverage and frequent map updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced custom integrations
- Usage-based pricing can become expensive at high volumes
- Lacks a consumer-facing app; focused on developer APIs
Best For
Enterprise developers and logistics companies needing robust, customizable routing for professional applications.
Pricing
Freemium with free tier up to 250k transactions/month; pay-as-you-go from $0.50-$2 per 1k transactions, plus enterprise custom plans.
TomTom Maps APIs
enterpriseHigh-precision routing with fuzzy search, matrix calculations, and EV routing for automotive and logistics applications.
Advanced multi-profile routing including truck-specific restrictions and EV battery range optimization
TomTom Maps APIs offer robust developer tools for mapping, search, and especially routing, enabling precise GPS navigation solutions. The core Routing API delivers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic integration, and specialized profiles for cars, trucks, EVs, bikes, and pedestrians. Ideal for embedding advanced routing into apps, websites, or backend systems, it supports route optimization, matrices for logistics, and historical traffic analysis.
Pros
- Highly accurate routing with real-time traffic and predictive ETAs
- Specialized profiles for trucks (with restrictions like hazmat/weight) and EVs (range-aware)
- Comprehensive global coverage and fast API response times
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume usage
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like route optimization matrices
- Limited free tier compared to some competitors
Best For
Developers and companies building logistics, fleet management, or navigation apps requiring precise, traffic-optimized GPS routing.
Pricing
Free tier with 2,500 daily transactions; paid plans are volume-based starting at ~€0.50 per 1,000 requests, with custom enterprise contracts.
GraphHopper
specializedFlexible open-source routing engine supporting bikes, cars, trucks, and custom profiles with hosted API options.
Customizable vehicle profiles with detailed restrictions like weight, height, and axle loads for precise routing
GraphHopper is an open-source routing engine leveraging OpenStreetMap data to deliver fast, accurate GPS routing for cars, bikes, trucks, pedestrians, and more. It supports advanced features like custom vehicle profiles, elevation data, turn restrictions, and multimodal routing via a flexible Java-based core and REST API. Ideal for developers, it can be self-hosted for offline use or accessed through managed cloud services for scalable applications.
Pros
- Open-source core with no licensing fees
- Exceptional routing accuracy and speed via optimized algorithms
- Highly customizable profiles for diverse vehicles and scenarios
Cons
- Complex setup and configuration for self-hosting
- Requires technical expertise and server resources
- Limited built-in UI, focused more on API integration
Best For
Developers and businesses needing customizable, high-performance routing engines for apps or logistics.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; Directions API free tier (500 req/day), then pay-as-you-go from $0.50/1k requests, enterprise hosting from €99/month.
Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM)
otherFast, high-performance routing server using OpenStreetMap data for shortest path calculations.
Contraction Hierarchies algorithm enabling sub-second route computations on continental-scale datasets
The Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) is a high-performance, open-source routing engine optimized for computing the shortest paths in large-scale road networks. It supports multiple profiles like car, bicycle, and foot routing, delivering detailed turn-by-turn instructions and handling complex queries efficiently. OSRM is primarily designed for backend integration into mapping applications, custom navigation systems, or services like ride-sharing platforms.
Pros
- Ultra-fast routing queries thanks to contraction hierarchies preprocessing
- Highly customizable with support for multiple transport profiles and map data
- Free, open-source, and scalable for production use
Cons
- Steep setup process requiring data extraction, preprocessing, and server deployment
- No built-in user interface, maps, or real-time traffic integration
- High initial resource demands for map data processing and storage
Best For
Developers and enterprises building scalable, custom routing backends for navigation apps or logistics systems.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under the permissive 2-clause BSD license.
openrouteservice
specializedFree API for directions, isochrones, and optimization with OpenStreetMap-based routing and analysis tools.
Isochrone generation for visualizing accessible areas within specified travel times
OpenRouteService (openrouteservice.org) is an open-source API-based routing platform powered by OpenStreetMap data, offering directions for cars, bikes, pedestrians, trucks, and more. It provides advanced features like isochrones for reachability analysis, route optimization, geocoding, and matrix calculations for multiple origins/destinations. Designed for developers, it enables seamless integration into web, mobile, or desktop GPS applications with high accuracy and customization options.
Pros
- Generous free tier with 2,000 daily requests
- Supports diverse routing profiles including multimodal and heavy vehicles
- Rich API ecosystem with isochrones, optimization, and elevation data
Cons
- Free plan has strict request limits for high-volume use
- Accuracy varies with OpenStreetMap data quality in some regions
- Requires development effort for integration, not a plug-and-play app
Best For
Developers and businesses integrating scalable, cost-effective routing into custom GPS or logistics applications.
Pricing
Free up to 2,000 requests/day; paid subscriptions from €49/month or pay-per-use for higher volumes.
Valhalla
otherOpen-source routing engine with multimodal support, costing, and map-matching for custom GPS applications.
Customizable weighted profile system for fine-tuned multimodal routing behaviors
Valhalla is an open-source routing engine from Mapbox that delivers high-performance, multimodal routing for driving, biking, walking, and transit using OpenStreetMap data. It supports advanced capabilities like map matching, isochrones, elevation-aware routing, and customizable cost functions for tailored navigation. Designed primarily for developers, it powers scalable backend services for custom mapping and navigation applications.
Pros
- Exceptional multimodal routing with transit support and advanced features like isochrones and map matching
- Highly customizable profiles and cost functions for precise control
- Scalable, high-performance engine suitable for production-scale applications
Cons
- Complex setup requiring data tiling and server configuration
- Steep learning curve for non-developers
- No built-in user interface or frontend
Best For
Developers and enterprises building custom, high-performance navigation apps needing flexible routing backend.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under Apache 2.0 license.
ArcGIS Network Analyst
enterpriseAdvanced GIS routing extension for vehicle routing problems, service areas, and closest facility analysis.
Advanced Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) solver with multi-depot, time windows, driver breaks, and resource constraints for optimized fleet dispatching.
ArcGIS Network Analyst is an advanced extension within Esri's ArcGIS platform designed for sophisticated network-based spatial analysis, including route optimization, vehicle routing problems (VRP), service areas, closest facility, and origin-destination matrices. It excels in handling complex scenarios like time-dependent travel, live traffic integration, multimodal networks, and custom network datasets with barriers or restrictions. Primarily targeted at GIS professionals, it provides enterprise-grade tools for logistics, transportation planning, and fleet management rather than simple consumer GPS navigation.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in network solvers for VRP, time windows, capacities, and hierarchical networks
- Seamless integration with ArcGIS for rich spatial data visualization and analysis
- Supports massive datasets, live traffic, and custom impedances for real-world accuracy
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring GIS expertise and ArcGIS proficiency
- High cost tied to enterprise ArcGIS licensing, not ideal for individuals or small teams
- Not a standalone app; demands full ArcGIS Pro or Server deployment
Best For
GIS analysts, logistics planners, and enterprise transportation teams needing customizable, large-scale routing integrated with spatial workflows.
Pricing
Included in ArcGIS Pro Advanced licensing at ~$700-$4,500/user/year (depending on edition); custom enterprise pricing for ArcGIS Enterprise.
Route4Me
enterpriseMulti-stop route planner with optimization algorithms for delivery fleets and field sales teams.
Capability to optimize routes with up to 200,000+ addresses using multilayer algorithms
Route4Me is a cloud-based route optimization platform that enables users to plan, optimize, and track multi-stop routes for delivery, field service, and logistics operations. It leverages advanced algorithms to minimize travel time, distance, and fuel costs while accounting for traffic, priorities, and constraints. The software includes mobile apps for drivers with turn-by-turn GPS navigation, real-time updates, and comprehensive reporting tools.
Pros
- Handles large-scale optimization for thousands of stops efficiently
- Free plan with solid basic features for small users
- Strong mobile apps with real-time GPS tracking and proof-of-delivery
Cons
- User interface feels dated and cluttered
- Advanced analytics and custom integrations locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional optimization inaccuracies with complex constraints
Best For
Small to medium-sized delivery fleets and field service teams seeking affordable multi-stop route planning without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Free plan (up to 10 stops/day); Pro starts at $139.99/user/year; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Selecting the best GPS routing software hinges on individual requirements, but Google Maps Platform leads as the top choice, boasting industry-defining APIs, real-time traffic insights, and global reach that suit diverse needs. Mapbox impresses with customizable mapping tools for apps, while HERE Technologies stands out for truck and EV-specific routing, both excellent alternatives for specialized use cases.
Don't wait—explore Google Maps Platform to unlock its robust features and elevate your navigation or logistics operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison