Google Maps Platform: Google's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs. Mapbox: Custom map styles, vector tiles and location APIs for developers.
| Google Maps Platform | Mapbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Basemaps & Map Tiles |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starts at | See website | See website |
| Free tier | Monthly free usage per API (see current pricing) | Monthly free web map loads and API requests |
| Open source | No | No |
| Software licence | — | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API |
| Made by | Mapbox | |
| Commercial use | Paid plan | Allowed |
| Export / print images | Not allowed | With conditions |
| Offline / caching | Not allowed | With conditions |
| Visits from MapTools | 7 | 8 |
| Visit | Visit |
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 alternativesMapbox features
- Mapbox Studio style editor
- Mapbox GL JS and mobile SDKs
- Geocoding, directions, isochrone APIs
- Satellite and terrain layers
- Static Images API
Commercial use is allowed under Mapbox's terms. Static and printed maps must be attributed like a photo credit. Images from the Mapbox Studio print export require contacting Mapbox sales before use. Offline use is limited to the mobile SDKs' offline features.
Mapbox alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.