Protomaps: Self-host an entire world basemap as a single PMTiles file. Thunderforest: Specialist OpenStreetMap map styles for cycling, outdoors and transport.
| Protomaps | Thunderforest | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Basemaps & Map Tiles |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Starts at | Free | See website |
| Free tier | — | Hobby tier |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Software licence | BSD-3-Clause (code); ODbL (OSM data) | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, JavaScript, Command line | Web, API |
| Made by | — | — |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Paid plan |
| Export / print images | Allowed | With conditions |
| Offline / caching | Allowed | Check terms |
| Visits from MapTools | 9 | 2 |
| Visit | Visit |
Protomaps features
- PMTiles single-file tile archives
- Daily world basemap builds from OpenStreetMap
- Serve from S3, R2 or any static host
- Open basemap styles for MapLibre
When you host the tiles yourself, only the OpenStreetMap attribution and ODbL terms apply.
Protomaps alternativesThunderforest features
- OpenCycleMap and outdoor styles
- Transport style
- Raster and vector tiles
Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.