Google Maps Platform: Google's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs. Mapbox GL JS: Mapbox's WebGL library for vector maps and 3D.
| Google Maps Platform | Mapbox GL JS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Map Libraries & SDKs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starts at | See website | See website |
| Free tier | Monthly free usage per API (see current pricing) | Billed through Mapbox map loads |
| Open source | No | No |
| Software licence | — | Proprietary (v2+) |
| API | Yes | — |
| Platforms | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API | JavaScript |
| Made by | Mapbox | |
| Commercial use | Paid plan | Allowed |
| Export / print images | Not allowed | With conditions |
| Offline / caching | Not allowed | Check terms |
| Visits from MapTools | 7 | 2 |
| 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 GL JS features
- Vector maps and globe view
- 3D terrain and buildings
- Custom layers
- Tight integration with Mapbox Studio
Version 2 and later require a Mapbox account and are billed per map load.
Mapbox GL JS alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.