Compare software

OpenStreetMap vs Headway: catalog facts
OpenStreetMap	Headway
Best for: People who want an open world map and the ability to improve it	Best for: Self-hosters who want private map search and routing
Free Free to use; the map data is available under an open license.	Free Free to download and run from its public repository.
Web	Web, Self-hosted
Map data free to use under an open license Anyone can correct or add places All 3 strengths for OpenStreetMap Map data free to use under an open license Anyone can correct or add places Built-in routing with several engines	Search and routing on your own server Docker Compose setup with optional transit routing All 3 strengths for Headway Search and routing on your own server Docker Compose setup with optional transit routing Can cover a single region or the whole planet
Coverage and detail vary by region The website itself has no offline use; offline access needs a separate app	Requires server resources and map data preparation Aimed at people comfortable running several services
Web application	Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for OpenStreetMap openstreetmap.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Headway github.com/headwaymaps/headway Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.