Side by side
OpenLayers vs QGIS
Both stand on geo tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
OpenLayers provides broad mapping and rendering options for web development, with a stable API within each major release series. Use the npm package for production work rather than the hosted development build.
Visit OpenLayers
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
QGIS covers mapping, analysis, reporting, and web-service publishing without a listed software charge. Users in sensitive environments should audit plugins, as submissions do not receive advanced code assessments.
Visit QGISThe facts
| OpenLayers | QGIS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | openlayers.org | qgis.org |
| On geo tools | #16 of 26 | #12 of 26 |
OpenLayers: what it does well
- Supports tiles, OGC services, and untiled layers
- Renders numerous vector data formats
- Uses Canvas 2D and WebGL
- Mobile support is included
- Free under the 2-clause BSD License
What to know first
- Hosted build is not recommended for production
- Full library build omits geotiff and ol-mapbox-style
QGIS: what it does well
- Free and open source under GNU GPL version 2 or later
- Includes hundreds of analysis tools
- Community has developed more than 2,000 plugins
- QGIS Server publishes OGC-compatible services
- Long Term Release option prioritizes stability
What to know first
- No QGIS mobile app is listed
- Plugin submissions do not receive advanced code QA
- Mobile field apps listed are third-party apps
Alternatives to OpenLayers Alternatives to QGIS The whole list