OpenCage Geocoding API Review, Pricing vs Distancematrix.ai Comparison 2025

Distancematrix.ai is a platform that offers geolocation solutions, seamlessly integrating geocoding and distance matrix calculations into one cohesive ecosystem. 

The market offers many options for geocoding. As our thorough comparison of Google Geocoding API with other solutions shows, each service has its own unique features, advantages, and limitations.

OpenCage geocoding API stands out from the competition as an affordable solution. The company offers transparent pricing and reliable functionality. However, modern businesses also need distance calculation, route optimisation, and travel time analysis.

Let's take a look at the features, pricing models, data quality, and performance of OpenCage by comparing it to Distancematrix.ai. Read our review and make the best decision to drive your project forward.

Introduction to OpenCage and Distancematrix.ai

OpenCage has been operating as a specialized geocoding service since its launch in 2013. The platform focuses on two main tasks: direct geocoding, which converts addresses into coordinates, and reverse geocoding, which retrieves addresses from coordinates. Built on a foundation of open data, primarily from OpenStreetMap, the service ensures accessibility and transparency for developers around the globe.

Distancematrix.ai serves as an ecosystem for geospatial computations. The platform offers: 

• distance calculations;
• analysing journey times based on traffic conditions;
• integration of different modes of transport into a single system.

The fundamental difference is in the approach: OpenCage focuses on coordinate transformation tasks, while Distancematrix.ai covers the entire spectrum of geolocation analytics. If your project requires only geocoding functions — for example, map services or simple location display applications — OpenCage is a great choice.

If your business requires an in-depth analysis of spatial data, such as logistics, delivery services, fleet management, or route planning, Distancematrix.ai provides all the necessary tools on a single platform.

Key Features of OpenCage Geocoder API

OpenCage offers its users important benefits:

• forward and reverse address conversion;
• simultaneous processing of up to 10 location requests. 
• ideal coverage in Europe and North America.

Important note: in developing regions, coverage may be limited due to the use of OpenStreetMap.

Distancematrix.ai takes geocoding to the next level with two specialized APIs: the Accurate Geocoding API and the Fast Geocoding API. The Accurate variant focuses on maximum precision by leveraging an extensive database to achieve superior location accuracy.

It provides fast multilingual responses with additional customization options including regional preferences and language settings for optimal accuracy.

OpenCage geocoder API Fast retains the functionality of the exact version, but is optimized for speed, with a simplified database tuned to achieve the best response time. Both versions support forward and reverse geocoding, with the fast version being particularly effective for English queries in English-speaking markets.

What makes Distancematrix.ai stand out is its distance matrix capabilities — a feature not found in OpenCage geocoder. While OpenCage is limited to coordinate transformations, Distancematrix.ai calculates trip distances, travel times, and optimal routes between multiple origin and destination points.

The integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple API subscriptions, making it ideal for logistics, delivery services, and transportation applications. Furthermore, Distancematrix.ai delivers live traffic information and supports various transportation methods.

Opencage Data Sources

Data quality is the foundation for making effective business decisions in location-dependent applications. If geocoding is done poorly, it can lead to failed deliveries, errors in location analytics, and frustrated customers.

Opencage data uses OpenStreetMap as its primary data source, supplementing it with other open sets. The approach provides excellent coverage in Europe and the US, where OpenStreetMap data is extensive and regularly updated. However, the situation is worse in other regions, as OpenStreetMap's contribution there is limited.

To provide global coverage around the world, Distancematrix.ai combines information from a variety of closed and open sources. If one source does not provide information for a particular location, alternative sources fill in the gaps.

Opencage Geocoder API Documentation

Both platforms offer well-structured documentation. The OpenCage geocoder API documentation provides clear explanations of parameters and response formats.

Distancematrix.ai provides documentation for four API options: forward and reverse geocoding, each available in Accurate and Fast versions. The documentation also includes detailed integration examples.

OpenCage API Key – How to Get and Use It

Obtaining an OpenCage api key requires account creation. The signup process includes exploring different subscription levels to understand usage limitations.

Free accounts receive 2,500 requests per day with a speed limit of 1 request per second. Paid plans offer different speed limits, ranging from 15 requests per second for the X-Small plan to 40 requests per second for the Large plan.

Distancematrix.ai’s registration takes only two clicks. Just enter your email address and start using the service immediately. New users instantly get access to a dashboard with 1,000 free elements each month across all APIs.

The Distancematrix.ai platform allows you to create up to 5 different apps within a free plan. Each app has dedicated API keys for the Distance Matrix and Geocoding API. Developers can test different configurations before scaling. 

Pricing Structure: OpenCage vs Distancematrix.ai

Different tariff plans can affect operating costs. To make the right decision, you need to compare each condition by matching it to your needs.

Cost-effectiveness analysis

Distancematrix.ai offers meaningful benefits in most business scenarios. Consider, for instance, a company that uses 100,000 geocodes each month.

OpenCage offers fixed subscriptions with prices ranging from $0.11 to $0.17 per 1,000 queries, depending on volume. Their plans range from 10,000 to 300,000 queries per day and only provide geocoding features.

Distancematrix.ai's pay-as-you-go model offers financial flexibility. Startups can start with minimal costs and grow organically, while OpenCage's fixed subscription requires an upfront commitment regardless of actual usage.

Additional economic benefits of Distancematrix.ai:

• No hidden fees or additional overage charges
• Single platform eliminates the need to integrate with multiple providers
• Compatibility with the Google Maps API helps reduce migration costs
• Transparent pricing with decreasing rates as volume increases

Explore our pricing plan to accurately calculate the cost based on your needs.

Make the Smart Choice for Your Geolocation Strategy

Opencage is a reliable and budget-friendly geocoding solution perfect for projects that need to convert addresses into coordinates, especially with consistent coverage across Europe and North America. Service shines in situations where budget constraints are a top priority, and geocoding is the sole location-based requirement.

On the other hand, Distancematrix.ai offers exceptional value for businesses that require comprehensive geolocation analytics. Platform seamlessly combines accurate geocoding with distance matrix calculations, route optimization, and real-time traffic data, all wrapped up in a cost-effective package.

Companies that are involved in logistics, shipping, transportation, or any application where both geocoding and distance calculations are needed benefit greatly from the integrated approach.

Distancematrix.ai becomes particularly suitable in several common business scenarios, for example:

• Multi-location businesses that regularly calculate distances and travel times between various points;
• Delivery and logistics companies where route optimization directly impacts operational costs;
• Applications serving international markets that require consistent global data coverage;
• Organizations migrating from Google Maps APIs to reduce geocoding expenses
• Growing businesses that prefer flexible pricing over fixed monthly commitments.

The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs: if you need a simple and budget-friendly geocoding solution, go for OpenCage. And if you're looking for deeper geolocation tools that will grow with your business, then Distancematrix.ai is your best choice.