Mapbox: Custom map styles, vector tiles and location APIs for developers. OpenLayers: Full-featured open-source library for web GIS applications.
| Mapbox | OpenLayers | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Map Libraries & SDKs |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Starts at | See website | Free |
| Free tier | Monthly free web map loads and API requests | — |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Software licence | — | BSD-2-Clause |
| API | Yes | — |
| Platforms | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API | JavaScript |
| Made by | Mapbox | — |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Allowed |
| Export / print images | With conditions | Allowed |
| Offline / caching | With conditions | Allowed |
| Visits from MapTools | 8 | 2 |
| 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 alternativesOpenLayers features
- Any projection
- WMS, WFS, WMTS support
- Vector tiles
- Drawing and editing interactions
Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.