MapTools
Google Maps Platform
vs
Leaflet

Google Maps Platform: Google's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs. Leaflet: The lightweight open-source JavaScript library for interactive maps.

Google Maps PlatformLeaflet
CategoryBasemaps & Map TilesMap Libraries & SDKs
Pricing modelPaidOpen source
Starts atSee websiteFree
Free tierMonthly free usage per API (see current pricing)—
Open sourceNoYes
Software licence—BSD-2-Clause
APIYes—
PlatformsWeb, JavaScript, iOS, Android, APIJavaScript
Made byGoogle—
Commercial usePaid planAllowed
Export / print imagesNot allowedAllowed
Offline / cachingNot allowedAllowed
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Google Maps Platform features

  • Maps JavaScript API and mobile SDKs
  • Places, Geocoding and Routes APIs
  • Photorealistic 3D Tiles
  • Map styling
  • Street View

Paying for the API grants online display rights, not download rights. Content may not be pre-fetched, stored or cached except where the terms allow, and offline use is prohibited. Place IDs may be stored. Google Maps content must not be shown on a non-Google map.

Google Maps Platform alternatives

Leaflet features

  • Raster tile layers
  • Markers, popups, vectors and GeoJSON
  • Hundreds of plugins
  • Tiny footprint

The library is free. The tiles you load keep their provider's terms.

Leaflet alternatives

Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.