Maps and location · Comparison
Google Maps vs Mapbox vs Leaflet
Two of these are hosted map services that bill by use; Leaflet is a free library that draws whichever map tiles you give it. The choice comes down to data quality, how much control you want over the look, and the bill as traffic grows.
3 options · 9 questions side by side · updated
| Compare | Google Maps | Mapbox | Leaflet |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hosted maps, places and routes | Hosted maps, styling tools and location APIs | Open-source library for web maps |
| Map data | Google's own, with rich places data | Largely OpenStreetMap, plus its own | Whatever tiles you choose, often OSM-based |
| Styling | Some control through cloud styling | Full control in Mapbox Studio | Set by the tile provider |
| Rendering | Vector or raster, with 3D options | Vector with WebGL, 3D terrain | Mostly raster tiles, no WebGL |
| Search and directions | Places, geocoding and Routes APIs | Search, geocoding and directions APIs | Plugins that call outside services |
| Mobile apps | Native Android and iOS SDKs | Native Android and iOS SDKs | Web only |
| Free each month | 10,000 web map loads; mobile SDK maps free | 50,000 web map loads; 25,000 mobile users | The library is free; tiles depend on the provider |
| Lock-in | High: terms bar mixing with other maps | Medium: proprietary SDK licence | Low: switch tiles by changing a URL |
| Best for | Address search and local places | Branded or data-heavy maps | Simple maps on a small budget |
How to choose between Google Maps, Mapbox and Leaflet
- Pick Google Maps when accurate places, address autocomplete and familiar directions matter more than the size of the bill.
- Pick Mapbox for maps that must match a brand or show lots of data, with a larger free allowance on the web.
- Pick Leaflet for a simple, low-cost web map, such as a store locator or delivery area, paired with an OpenStreetMap-based tile provider.
The options
- Google MapsGoogle's paid set of map services for apps and websites: interactive maps, address search, places, directions and more, built on the same data as Google Maps.
- MapboxA map platform for developers known for fully custom map styles, smooth vector maps and a large free allowance, with search and directions APIs alongside.
- LeafletA small, free JavaScript library for interactive maps on websites. It draws the map from tiles you choose, most often ones based on OpenStreetMap.
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