12 best Google Maps API alternatives on the market right now

If you're building location-based services or apps, Google Maps API might seem like the go-to choice. But with rising costs, usage restrictions, and increasing competition, it's time to explore alternatives that offer flexibility, affordability, and unique features tailored to your specific needs.

In this piece, we'll dive into the top Google Maps API alternatives, why developers are making the switch, and how these options could be the key to unlocking the full potential of your location-based project.

Why look for an alternative to Google Maps API?

It's best to add these based on user reviews. Here are some more general ideas you can use as your starting points:

Cost: Google Maps API uses a freemium pricing model. While they offer a generous free tier, high-volume usage can become expensive quickly. Some alternatives offer more competitive pricing or even completely free options for certain use cases.  

Customization and control: You might want more control over the look and feel of your maps. Some alternatives offer greater flexibility in terms of map styling, adding custom features, and integrating with other data sources.  

Data ownership and privacy: Using Google Maps API means sharing your data with Google. Some alternatives prioritize data privacy and give you more control over your data.  

Open-source preference: You might prefer using open-source solutions that offer transparency and community-driven development. OpenStreetMap, for example, is a popular open-source alternative.  

Specific feature requirements: Perhaps you need a specific feature or functionality that Google Maps API doesn't offer, such as offline maps, advanced routing options, or integration with specific hardware.

Key features to consider in a Google Maps API alternative

Core mapping features

Global coverage: Ensure the alternative has comprehensive and accurate map data for the regions you need.

Zoom levels: A wide range of zoom levels is essential for detailed views and broader perspectives.

Points of interest (POI): A rich database of POIs (restaurants, businesses, landmarks) is crucial for many applications.  

Geocoding and reverse geocoding: Accurate conversion between addresses and coordinates is fundamental.  

Routing and navigation: If your application requires directions, evaluate routing algorithms, transport modes supported (car, pedestrian, bicycle, public transit), and features like turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates.

Customization and flexibility

Map styling: Control the visual appearance of your maps to match your brand or application's aesthetics.  

Custom markers and overlays: Add your own markers, icons, and layers to represent specific data or points of interest.  

Data integration: Seamlessly integrate with your own datasets or third-party data sources.

Technical considerations

APIs and SDKs: Robust and well-documented APIs and SDKs for various programming languages are essential for easy integration.

Performance and reliability: Fast loading times and reliable uptime are critical for a good user experience.

Offline access: If your application needs to function without internet connectivity, consider alternatives offering offline maps.

Pricing and support

Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate pricing models (e.g., per request, subscription-based) and compare them to your budget and usage needs.

Free tier: A generous free tier can be beneficial for testing or low-volume usage.  

Support and documentation: Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive support channels can save you time and effort.

Data privacy and security

Data ownership: Understand how the alternative handles your data and whether you retain ownership.

Privacy policy: Review the provider's privacy policy to ensure it aligns with your requirements.

Top 12 Google Maps API alternatives to consider

1. Radar
2. TomTom Maps
3. Mapbox
4. HERE Maps
5. OpenStreetMap
6. Geoapify
7. Bing Maps
8. OpenLayers
9. Hypertrack
10. Loqate
11. MapTiler
12. GraphHopper

1. Radar

Radar is a comprehensive geolocation platform offering a compelling alternative to Google Maps API. In addition to a comprehensive set of maps APIs, Radar provides powerful geofencing capabilities, accurate location tracking, and place detection, enabling developers to build location-aware applications across various industries. With its focus on cost-effectiveness, ease of integration, and privacy, Radar is ideal for businesses looking to enhance user experiences with precise and efficient location services.

Key features of Radar

Complete set of maps APIs: With geocoding APIs (forward, reverse, IP), search APIs (autocomplete, address validation, places search), routing APIs (distance, matrix, route optimization, route matching, directions), and base maps, Radar has it all.

Enterprise ready and flexible: Radar handles over 100 billion API calls per year from over 100 million devices. Radar is easy to integrate and allows for flexible usage and data caching to fit your architecture.

Global coverage: Radar incorporates open and commercial datasets for maximum coverage at an affordable price.

Cost-effective and reliable: 50%-90% less expensive than Google and enterprise ready. Radar is free up to 100,000 requests per month and only $0.50 for every 1,000 calls after that, with volume discounts available.  

Beautiful vector basemaps: Radar provides visually appealing and customizable vector basemaps in classic, dark, and light themes. These maps are designed to be performant and can be easily integrated into your website or application using the Radar JavaScript SDK. This allows for flexibility in design and creates a visually engaging user experience for your users.  

Powerful and flexible geofencing: This is a core strength of Radar. It goes beyond basic circular geofences, offering precise shapes like polygons for accurate boundaries around complex areas, advanced triggers like "dwell time" (how long someone stays within a geofence), chained geofences that trigger actions based on sequences of geofences, and time-based geofences that activate only during specific times.

Developer friendly experience: Radar is designed for easy integration with well-documented SDKs for various platforms, remote configuration, and pre-built integrations with other tools. Its open-source SDKs provide transparency and community support. The platform also includes a dashboard and tools to visualize geofences, manage locations, debug issues, and analyze data.

Privacy and compliance: Radar prioritizes user privacy and data security. It is GDPR and CCPA-compliant, offers customizable tracking options to balance accuracy with privacy and battery usage, and ensures that you retain control of your location data.

Why do companies choose Radar over Google Maps API?

Here are some key features that make Radar a strong Google Maps API alternative:

Radar documentation

2. TomTom Maps

TomTom Maps is a leading location technology provider known for its highly accurate and detailed maps, robust navigation tools, and comprehensive SDKs. Trusted by major companies like Microsoft and Uber, it offers a strong alternative to Google Maps API, especially for applications requiring precise routing, traffic information, and global coverage. Whether you're building an app for navigation, logistics, or location-based services, TomTom Maps provides the tools and data to create seamless and efficient location experiences.

Key features

High-quality maps: TomTom boasts fresh and accurate map data with global coverage, including detailed road networks, points of interest, and real-time traffic information. This ensures reliable navigation and accurate location-based services.

Advanced navigation: TomTom is renowned for its navigation expertise, offering turn-by-turn directions, route planning with various options (fastest, shortest, eco-friendly), and real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion and optimize travel time.

SDKs and APIs: TomTom provides comprehensive SDKs for various platforms (iOS, Android, Web) and APIs for accessing map data, geocoding, search, routing, and traffic information. This allows for seamless integration with your applications.

Customization options: You can customize the look and feel of TomTom Maps to match your branding and integrate your own data or POIs for a tailored user experience.

Offline maps: TomTom offers offline map downloads, allowing users to access maps and navigation even without an internet connection, which is crucial for reliable navigation in areas with poor connectivity.

Industry-specific solutions: TomTom caters to various industries with specialized solutions for fleet management, logistics, automotive, and more, providing tailored tools and features for specific use cases.

3. Mapbox

Mapbox is a popular mapping and location platform known for its highly customizable maps, extensive developer tools, and innovative features like 3D maps and AR navigation. It's a strong alternative to Google Maps API, especially for developers who want greater control over the visual style and functionality of their maps. Mapbox is used by companies like Facebook, Snapchat, and The Weather Channel to power location-based experiences in their applications.

Key features

Customization: Mapbox allows for extensive customization of map styles, including colors, fonts, terrain, and points of interest. This lets you create unique maps that match your brand or application's aesthetics.

Developer tools: Mapbox offers robust SDKs for various platforms (iOS, Android, Web) and APIs for accessing map data, geocoding, navigation, and location search.

Advanced features: Mapbox provides innovative features like 3D maps for immersive experiences, AR navigation for real-world guidance, and studio tools for creating custom map designs.

Data visualization: Mapbox allows you to visualize your own data on maps, creating heatmaps, custom markers, and interactive layers for data-driven storytelling and analysis.

Open source and community: Mapbox embraces open source and has a vibrant developer community, fostering collaboration and innovation in the mapping space.

4. HERE Maps

HERE Technologies is a global leader in location data and technology, providing highly accurate maps, advanced navigation, and location services for various industries. It's a comprehensive alternative to Google Maps API, offering solutions for automotive, logistics, and enterprise applications. HERE is known for its precise location data, offline capabilities, and focus on data privacy.

Key features

Accurate and fresh maps: HERE maintains high-quality map data with global coverage, including detailed road networks, building footprints, and real-time traffic information.

Offline maps: HERE offers offline map downloads, enabling navigation and location services even without an internet connection, which is crucial for reliable performance in remote areas or situations with limited connectivity.

Indoor mapping: HERE provides indoor maps for venues like airports, shopping malls, and train stations, allowing for seamless navigation and location-based services within buildings.

Location services: HERE offers a suite of location services beyond mapping, including positioning, tracking, geofencing, and routing, providing a comprehensive platform for location-aware applications.

Industry solutions: HERE caters to specific industries with tailored solutions for automotive (in-car navigation, ADAS), logistics (fleet management, route optimization), and transport & logistics.

5. OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free and open-source map of the world, built by a community of volunteers who contribute and maintain its data. It's a collaborative project that allows anyone to edit and improve the map, making it a constantly evolving and highly detailed resource. OpenStreet maps is a popular alternative to Google Maps, especially for those who value open data, community involvement, and data privacy.

Key features

Free and open-source: OSM data is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, making it ideal for projects with limited budgets or those that prioritize open-source solutions.

Community-driven: OSM is built and maintained by a global community of volunteers who contribute data, edit maps, and ensure accuracy. This collaborative approach often results in highly detailed and up-to-date maps, particularly for local areas.

Detailed and customizable: OSM data includes a wide range of information, from roads and buildings to natural features and points of interest. This data can be customized and styled to create unique maps for various purposes.

Offline availability: OSM data can be downloaded for offline use, making it a valuable resource for travelers, hikers, and those in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Versatility: OSM data is used in a wide range of applications, from navigation and routing to disaster relief and humanitarian mapping.

6. Geoapify

Geoapify is a location platform that provides maps, routing, geocoding, and other location-based services using OpenStreetMap data. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and APIs for developers to build location-aware applications. Geoapify focuses on ease of use, customization, and affordability, making it a good alternative to Google Maps API for various use cases.

Key features

OpenStreetMap based: Geoapify leverages the rich and constantly updated data of OpenStreetMap, providing accurate and reliable location information.

Developer-friendly aPIs: Geoapify offers easy-to-use APIs and SDKs for various platforms, allowing developers to integrate maps, routing, geocoding, and other location features into their applications.

Customization options: Geoapify allows for customization of map styles, markers, and other elements to match your brand or application's visual identity.

Routing and navigation: Geoapify provides routing and navigation capabilities with support for different modes of transport, including walking, cycling, and driving.

Affordable pricing: Geoapify offers flexible and competitive pricing plans, making it a cost-effective alternative to Google Maps API for many projects.

7. Bing Maps

Bing Maps is Microsoft's mapping service, offering a range of features similar to Google Maps. It provides high-quality maps, aerial imagery, streetside views, and various APIs for developers. Bing Maps is a viable alternative to Google Maps API, particularly for those already within the Microsoft ecosystem or needing specific features like bird's-eye views.

Key features

Comprehensive mapping data: Bing Maps offers global coverage with detailed road networks, points of interest, and 3D models of buildings and landmarks.

Aerial imagery and streetside views: Bing Maps provides high-resolution aerial imagery and streetside views for many locations, offering a more immersive and realistic mapping experience.

Developer APIs: Bing Maps offers APIs for map display, geocoding, routing, traffic information, and spatial data services, enabling developers to integrate location features into their applications.

Integration with Microsoft services: Bing Maps integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services and platforms, making it a natural choice for those already using tools like Azure or Power BI.

Traffic and transit information: Bing Maps provides real-time traffic updates and public transit information, helping users plan their journeys and avoid delays.

8. OpenLayers

OpenLayers is a powerful open-source JavaScript library for displaying interactive maps on the web. It provides a rich set of features for creating dynamic and customizable map applications. OpenLayers is a good alternative to Google Maps API if you need a flexible and highly customizable mapping solution for your web projects.

Key features

Open-source and free: OpenLayers is a free and open-source library, giving you the freedom to use, modify, and distribute it without restrictions.  

Highly customizable: OpenLayers provides extensive customization options for map styles, interactions, and data layers. You can create unique map experiences tailored to your specific needs.  

Support for various data sources: OpenLayers can display maps from a variety of sources, including OpenStreetMap, Bing Maps, Mapbox, and custom tile servers.  

Advanced features: OpenLayers supports advanced mapping features like vector layers, animations, data projections, and spatial analysis tools.  

Large and active community: OpenLayers has a large and active community of developers, providing support, resources, and a wealth of examples and tutorials.

9. Hypertrack

HyperTrack is a live location platform focused on enabling real-time location tracking and operational visibility for businesses with on-demand workforces. It goes beyond simple mapping by providing tools to track deliveries, service calls, and other field operations. HyperTrack is a good alternative to Google Maps API if your primary need is to monitor and manage moving assets or personnel in real-time.

Key features

Live location tracking: HyperTrack provides real-time location updates for people and assets on the move, allowing for continuous monitoring and efficient dispatching.

Trip tracking and ETAs: HyperTrack automatically detects and tracks trips, providing estimated arrival times (ETAs) and live progress updates for improved customer communication and operational efficiency.

Geofences and alerts: HyperTrack supports geofencing to create virtual boundaries and trigger alerts when objects enter or exit specific areas, enabling location-based automation and notifications.

SDKs and APIs: HyperTrack offers SDKs for iOS and Android, as well as APIs for integrating location data with your existing systems and applications.

Focus on operations: HyperTrack is designed specifically for businesses with on-demand workforces, providing tools for task assignment, route optimization, and performance monitoring.

10. Loqate

Loqate (formerly PCA Predict) is a location intelligence company that specializes in address verification, data validation, and geocoding. It helps businesses ensure the accuracy and completeness of their address data, improving data quality and customer experience. Loqate is a good alternative to Google Maps API if your primary focus is on address accuracy and global address validation.

Key features

Address verification: Loqate verifies addresses in real-time, correcting errors and standardizing formats to ensure data accuracy and reduce delivery failures.

Global coverage: Loqate supports address verification for over 250 countries and territories, making it suitable for businesses operating internationally.

Geocoding and reverse geocoding: Loqate accurately converts addresses to geographic coordinates and vice versa, enabling precise location mapping and analysis.

Data enrichment: Loqate can enrich address data with additional information, such as property attributes, demographics, and risk scores, providing valuable insights for business decisions.

Integration options: Loqate offers various integration options, including APIs, web services, and plugins for popular CRM and e-commerce platforms.

11. MapTiler

MapTiler is a platform that provides customizable maps, easy-to-use tools, and comprehensive datasets for developers and businesses. It offers a user-friendly interface for creating and styling maps, along with APIs and SDKs for integrating those maps into various applications. MapTiler is a good alternative to Google Maps API if you need a simple and affordable way to create custom maps with global coverage and offline capabilities.

Key features

Customizable maps: MapTiler allows you to customize the look and feel of your maps with different styles, colors, fonts, and data layers. You can create maps that match your brand or application's visual identity.  

Global coverage: MapTiler offers worldwide map data with high accuracy and detail, including street maps, satellite imagery, terrain data, and points of interest.  

Easy-to-use tools: MapTiler provides a user-friendly interface for creating and styling maps, as well as a simple API and SDKs for integrating maps into your applications.  

Offline maps: MapTiler allows you to download maps for offline use, making it ideal for mobile apps, embedded systems, and areas with limited internet connectivity.  

OpenStreetMap and commercial data: MapTiler offers both OpenStreetMap data and commercial data sources, giving you flexibility and choice in your mapping solutions.

12. GraphHopper

GraphHopper is an open-source route planning engine that helps developers add navigation, optimization, and other location-based features to their applications. It uses OpenStreetMap data to provide accurate and efficient routing for various modes of transport, including cars, bikes, and pedestrians. GraphHopper is a good alternative to Google Maps API if you need a flexible, customizable, and cost-effective routing solution, especially for applications with specific routing needs or those that require offline capabilities.

Key features

Fast and efficient routing: GraphHopper uses advanced algorithms to calculate routes quickly and efficiently, taking into account factors like road type, speed limits, elevation, and traffic conditions.  

Multi-modal routing: GraphHopper supports routing for various modes of transport, including cars, bicycles (different types like road bikes, mountain bikes, etc.), motorcycles, pedestrians, and even public transportation in some areas.  

Route optimization: GraphHopper can optimize routes for various criteria, such as shortest distance, fastest time, or lowest fuel consumption. It also supports route optimization for multiple destinations (traveling salesman problem).  

Customizable and extensible: GraphHopper is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor its behavior to your specific needs. You can define custom vehicle profiles, add cost functions, and integrate with other data sources.  

Offline capabilities: GraphHopper can be used offline, allowing you to embed routing capabilities directly into your applications without relying on an internet connection. This is particularly useful for mobile apps and embeddedsystems.  

Open source and community-driven: GraphHopper is an open-source project with an active community of developers contributing to its development and improvement. This ensures transparency, flexibility, and continuous innovation.

Radar: the #1 Google Maps API alternative

Radar offers a comprehensive Maps Platform, including base maps, geocoding APIs (forward geocoding, reverse geocoding, IP geocoding), search APIs (address autocomplete, address validation, address autocomplete), routing APIs (distance, matrix, route optimization, route matching, directions), and UI kits (address autocomplete).

Check out this case study to learn how Bojangles cut their maps bill by 60% by switching to Radar.

From creating meaningful location experiences for our guests and our restaurants to saving almost 60% in cost, Radar's new Maps Platform will be a game changer for the industry. With this latest platform release, Radar has solidified their position as the premier all-in-one location platform.

— Sergio Perez, Senior Director of Omnichannel, Bojangles

Check out this case study to learn how DICK'S Sporting Goods also powers its Store Mode with Radar's Geofencing Platform.

Choosing Radar was easy. When you look at the geofencing industry, they are the clear leader in the space, and they continue to keep their foot on the gas when it comes to innovation.

— Matt Walker, Group Product Manager, DICK'S Sporting Goods