Mapbox GL JS: Mapbox's WebGL library for vector maps and 3D. MapLibre GL JS: Open-source vector map rendering for the web and mobile.
| Mapbox GL JS | MapLibre GL JS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Map Libraries & SDKs | Map Libraries & SDKs |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Starts at | See website | Free |
| Free tier | Billed through Mapbox map loads | — |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Software licence | Proprietary (v2+) | BSD-3-Clause |
| API | — | — |
| Platforms | JavaScript | JavaScript, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Mapbox | — |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Allowed |
| Export / print images | With conditions | Allowed |
| Offline / caching | Check terms | Allowed |
| Visits from MapTools | 2 | 6 |
| Visit | Visit |
Mapbox 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 alternativesMapLibre GL JS features
- WebGL vector tile rendering
- Style spec compatible with Mapbox styles
- 3D terrain and extrusions
- Native iOS and Android SDKs
Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.