10 Free API Maps Alternatives to Google Maps: Pros and Cons of Each (2024)

As software and digital services deepen their roots throughout our daily lives, they become integral to how we work. Maps are one example - think about your life before Google Maps revolutionized navigation; you could barely get from point A to B without completely losing yourself.

Thankfully, there is now a wide range of alternative API maps out there that yield almost identical results to Google Maps – so if you're wondering which solution will best suit your project's needs– look no further.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deeply into ten alternatives to Google's iconic web mapping service and explore their pros and cons compared to Google Maps.

Overview of Google Maps and Alternatives

Google Maps is a free web mapping service (across desktops, mobiles, and tablets) developed by Google. It offers street maps, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for traveling by car, bicycle, foot, or public transport.

Its alternatives generally offer a free or low-cost map service with some of the same features as Google Maps, including satellite imagery and street maps. Many also provide more specialized services such as real-time traffic information, route planning, navigation services, and other features.

So, let's get started with the ten free API map alternatives to Google Maps.

10 Free Google Map Alternatives

1. Mapbox

This free API has made a name for itself in the mapping world with its extensive customization options, like live-updating maps and 3D rendering capabilities. Their advanced data analysis features allow you to track user activity and optimize your UX accordingly.

Pros: It's free, highly customizable, and offers free hosting and geocoding services.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version has limited features.

2. Apple Maps

Apple's free mapping service is an excellent alternative to Google Maps for iOS users. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, and 3D flyover views of maps in select areas.

Pros: It’s free and includes traffic data updates on an hourly basis.

Cons: The free version doesn't support custom styles or points of interest (POIs).

3. Bing Maps

This free API from Microsoft provides detailed aerial imagery with precise street-level detail, making it ideal for map applications like route optimization and real estate sites. It also offers free geocoding and routing services.

Pros: The free service includes hosting, geocoding, and route optimization.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version only supports basic features.

4. HERE Maps

HERE's free map API is renowned for its up-to-date maps of over 200 countries worldwide and offers detailed coverage of roads, points of interest (POI), public transport stops, and more. Its free starter plan allows you to make up to 250 requests per day without needing a credit card or contract.

Pros: It’s free, easy to use, with no registration required for the free version, and offers free geocoding and hosting services.

Cons: The free version is limited to 250 requests per day, and the free mapping data needs to be more detailed than other free services.

5. Open Street Map

This free service uses crowd-sourced geographic data from volunteers worldwide, making it one of the most reliable free mapping APIs. It can be used for bike routing, creating heat maps, mobile navigation apps, and more.

Pros: All its features are free (no need for an API key), plus it provides detailed street map information in dozens of languages.

Cons: Its database lacks certain POI types, such as hospitals and police stations, which are available on other free services.

6. MapQuest

This free API offers detailed maps of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, plus free geocoding and routing services. It can be used for creating mobile applications, map mashups, route optimization, and more.

Pros: The free version includes free hosting and geocoding services.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version only supports basic features like street maps of US states.

7. TomTom

TomTom's free API offers detailed maps of over 200 countries and free geocoding, routing, traffic flow, speed limits, and points of interest (POIs). It also provides free hosting services for your app.

Pros: It’s free and includes free hosting services.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version only supports basic features.

8. OpenLayers

This free API is a JavaScript library for creating interactive maps and data visualizations. It supports popular formats like GeoJSON, WMS, KML, GML, and more.

Pros: It’s free and open source, with no API key needed. Plus, it's highly customizable.

Cons: It’s not as easy to use as some of the other free mapping APIs, and it doesn't offer free hosting services.

9. Esri ArcGIS

This free API from Esri offers detailed worldwide maps, geocoding services, address validation services, and more. It also offers free hosting and geospatial data, making it ideal for creating location-based apps and websites.

Pros: It’s free and includes free hosting and free geospatial data.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version only supports basic features.

10. GraphHopper

GraphHopper's free API provides detailed maps of the world and free geocoding, routing, and route optimization services.

Pros: It offers free hosting, geocoding, and route optimization services.

Cons: You need an API key to use it, and the free version only supports basic features.

With so many free mapping APIs available, you have plenty of options for creating powerful map applications. Each of these free APIs has its pros and cons, so be sure to research them carefully to find the one that best suits your needs.

Which free API map alternative should you use?

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, these free APIs offer something for everyone. These are just some of the free Google Map API alternatives available. With such a wide range of free options, you're sure to find one that meets your needs. Whether you need street-level detail, free hosting, or interactive maps and data visualizations, there’s a free API for you.

And if you need more features than the free options offer, you can always look into the paid versions of these APIs. So if you're ready to start creating custom maps, get started with one of these free Google Map API alternatives today.