Mapbox vs Google Maps: free tiers, licensing and data

How do Mapbox and Google Maps free tiers compare?

Both bill per request or per map load above a free monthly allowance, with lower rates at higher volume. At 1,000 requests a month, both cost nothing. Google starts charging above 10,000 free events, while Mapbox’s allowances run to 50,000 or 100,000. Allowances come from the Mapbox pricing page and the Google Maps Platform price list, checked November 10, 2026.

Mapbox place search has two free allowances: 50,000 category requests a month at introductory preview pricing, and 25,000 at standard pricing. Google’s nearest match, Text Search Pro, gives 5,000 free.

What does Google Maps Platform charge after the free caps?

Google bills per 1,000 events above each free cap, with volume tiers. The first paid rates are $7 per 1,000 web map loads, $5 per 1,000 geocodes, $5 per 1,000 directions requests or matrix elements, $2 per 1,000 static maps and $32 per 1,000 Text Search Pro requests. Prices checked November 10, 2026.

Google also sells subscriptions for steady use. Its Starter plan costs $100 a month for 50,000 combined Dynamic Maps and Geocoding calls.

• Google Maps API pricing in detail

What differs besides price?

Licensing rules can decide the choice before price does. Check these before you build.

• Google’s terms bar using Places, Geocoding, Directions or Routes content with a non-Google map. Pair Google data with a Google map.
• Google allows caching latitude and longitude from Places and Routes for at most 30 days. Place IDs may be kept.
• Mapbox’s default geocoding is its Temporary Geocoding API, for results you do not keep. To store results, Mapbox sells a Permanent Geocoding API through its sales team.
• Mapbox requires a Commercial Application License for business intelligence, analytics, sales performance management, real estate and vehicle use.
• Google’s mobile Maps SDK is free without limit. Mapbox bills mobile maps per monthly active user above 25,000.
• Mapbox sells support plans separately, starting with a plan for individuals.

Can an AI agent use Mapbox or Google Maps through Locus Pro?

Mapbox, yes. Locus Pro lists Mapbox as a known vendor, so an agent can geocode, route and draw static maps from one prepaid balance with no Mapbox account or token. Google Maps Platform has no endpoints in the Locus catalog.

Locus Pro charges each call from prepaid credits, and the agent can read the price for free before it calls. That fits an agent that geocodes or routes a few hundred points inside a larger task and already pays for other tools through Locus. For an app that geocodes or routes at steady volume, Mapbox can cost less per call with your own Mapbox account and API key.

• Browse the tool catalog

Should you choose Mapbox or Google Maps?

Decide on data and licensing first, then on price.

• You need Google’s place data or show results on a Google map: Google Maps Platform.
• A mobile app with many users and a simple map: Google, whose mobile SDK is free.
• Web maps, geocoding or routing at high volume with your own styling: Mapbox, which costs less at almost every tier.
• Storing geocoded addresses: Mapbox Permanent Geocoding, or Google within its caching rules.
• An agent that needs a handful of geocodes or routes next to other paid tools: Mapbox through Locus Pro.