Mapbox: Custom map styles, vector tiles and location APIs for developers. Natural Earth: Public domain map data at small scales.
| Mapbox | Natural Earth | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Open Geodata Sources |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starts at | See website | Free |
| Free tier | Monthly free web map loads and API requests | — |
| Open source | No | No |
| Software licence | — | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Platforms | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API | Data download |
| Made by | Mapbox | — |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Allowed |
| Export / print images | With conditions | Allowed |
| Offline / caching | With conditions | Allowed |
| Visits from MapTools | 8 | 6 |
| Visit | Visit |
Mapbox 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 alternativesNatural Earth features
- Admin boundaries
- Physical features
- Three scales
- Public domain
Public domain. No permission needed; credit appreciated.
Natural Earth alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.