A maps API lets your website or app show interactive maps, draw routes and add location features without building a map stack yourself. Platforms differ on map styles, routing, mobile SDKs, open data and how usage is counted, so match the provider to the feature you need most. Ten options follow in no particular order.
A map looks like one feature, but it's usually four: the map tiles people see, the routing that draws a path, the SDK that makes it work on a phone and the location logic behind it, such as geofences. Most apps only need two of those, and that should drive your choice.
The ten options below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from each vendor's own website or documentation, read as of Oct 2026. If what you need is turning addresses into coordinates, my guide to geocoding APIs covers address lookup in depth.
Maps and location APIs at a glance
I checked the free plan column on each vendor's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page names a free plan, a free version or an open source edition. Trial only means the page names a time-limited free trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, so check the vendor's own site before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esri ArcGIS | GIS developer platform | Mapping, spatial analysis and offline apps | Not stated |
| Geoapify | Maps, geocoding and routing | Map tiles, routing and places in one platform | Yes |
| Google Maps Platform | Maps API platform | Interactive and 3D maps, plus Maps data for AI | Not stated |
| GraphHopper | Routing and maps API | Route planning and route optimisation | Yes |
| LocationIQ | Maps and geocoding APIs | Map tiles and routing on OpenStreetMap data | Not stated |
| Mapbox | Maps and navigation SDKs | Custom web and mobile maps with navigation | Not stated |
| MapTiler | Map tiles and SDKs | Ready-made styles, custom maps and a TypeScript SDK | Not stated |
| Radar | Location infrastructure | Geofencing, location verification and live tracking | Not stated |
| Stadia Maps | Map, geocoding and routing APIs | Maps and routing compatible with Leaflet and MapLibre | Not stated |
| TomTom | Maps and traffic APIs | Map display, traffic and automotive navigation | Not stated |
Ten maps APIs for web and mobile apps
Esri ArcGIS
Best for: GIS-heavy apps needing basemaps, spatial analysis, data hosting and offline mapping that works when connectivity is unreliable or absent.
Geoapify
Best for: Startups wanting map display, route planning, place discovery and reachability analysis in one platform, with a free plan to begin.
Google Maps Platform
Best for: Apps wanting familiar interactive and 3D maps, plus tools that bring fresh Maps data to AI models through MCP.
GraphHopper
Best for: Delivery and field service teams, from solo couriers to large fleets, needing route optimisation with traffic adaptation and custom routing profiles.
LocationIQ
Best for: Developers wanting static or dynamic map tiles and routing with worldwide coverage from OpenStreetMap, OpenAddresses and other open data.
Mapbox
Best for: Product teams building custom web maps with Mapbox GL JS and mobile maps for iOS and Android, plus in-car navigation.
MapTiler
Best for: Designers and developers wanting ready-to-use map styles, a map designer, satellite and outdoor maps, and an on-prem option.
Radar
Best for: Apps that need hyper-accurate geofencing, location verification for fraud and compliance, and arrival detection rather than map display alone.
Stadia Maps
Best for: Teams wanting interactive, static and satellite maps plus turn-by-turn routing, built to work with open source standards like Leaflet and MapLibre.
TomTom
Best for: Automotive and mobility apps wanting map display, traffic data and a navigation SDK for automotive grade applications.
Read how usage is counted before you build
Here's the insight I'd want before writing a line of code. Stadia Maps' own page calls out unpredictable map loads and charging based on monthly active users, which can grow faster than your revenue when an app takes off. Whatever provider you choose, find out exactly what counts as one billable unit: a map load, a tile, a request or an active user.
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The second thing to check is lock-in. Some providers build around proprietary SDKs, while others are compatible with open source libraries such as Leaflet and MapLibre, which makes switching providers much easier later.
Map display, routing or location logic?
- Map display. Tiles and styles for web and mobile maps, from streets to satellite and outdoor maps.
- Routing and navigation. Directions, route optimisation for fleets and turn-by-turn navigation SDKs.
- Location logic. Geofencing, arrival detection and location verification, often with no visible map at all.
- GIS. Spatial analysis, data hosting and offline maps for specialist apps.
Maps APIs are being rebuilt for AI agents
A newer trend runs through these vendor pages: maps data for AI. Google's page offers tools that bring fresh Maps data to models through MCP, and Radar has introduced an MCP server with ChatGPT and Claude integrations. If you're building an assistant that answers location questions, check MCP support alongside the usual SDKs.
What to test in a maps API trial
- Coverage. Check map detail and routing quality in the countries your users are in, not just the vendor's demo city.
- Mobile. Test the iOS and Android SDKs on real devices, including offline behaviour if your users travel.
- Styling. Can you match the map to your brand without fighting the defaults?
- Attribution and terms. Read what you must display and where the data comes from, such as OpenStreetMap.
- Limits. Know the rate limits and what happens when you hit them.
Location APIs are still APIs. My guide to API testing tools helps you check responses and limits before launch.
Do you make a maps API? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a maps API
Pick on the job, not the brand. If you need a familiar map with search, start with a big platform. If you need routing for a fleet, test a routing specialist. If your app is mostly geofences and arrivals, a location infrastructure tool may do more with no map at all. Then model your usage with each provider's counting rules before you commit.
If you're exposing your own location features to partners, my roundup of API management platforms covers keys, quotas and access.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is a maps API?
It's a service that lets developers add interactive maps, routes and location features to a website or app by calling a provider's tiles, SDKs and endpoints.
What's the difference between a maps API and a geocoding API?
A maps API shows maps and often routes. A geocoding API turns addresses into coordinates and back. Many providers offer both, but they're separate jobs.
Is there a free maps API?
Some providers name a free plan or an open source edition on their own pages, shown in the free plan column. Check usage limits before you build on one.
Can I switch maps provider later?
Yes, but it's easier if you build on open source libraries such as Leaflet or MapLibre rather than a proprietary SDK.
Do maps APIs work offline?
Some do. One GIS platform here documents offline mapping apps for unreliable or absent connectivity, so ask each provider about offline support.
