Best Maps API · head-to-head
Mapbox vs LocationIQ
A sourced, side-by-side comparison for maps api. Mapbox has the lower entry price. Every figure links to the vendor's own page and the date we captured it.
At a glance
- Price: Mapbox $0/mo vs LocationIQ $0/mo — Mapbox is cheaper to start.
- Free tier: Mapbox Yes; LocationIQ Yes.
- HIPAA: Mapbox —; LocationIQ —.
Side by side
| Mapbox | LocationIQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0/mo (Maps GL JS (Web)) | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA (BAA) | — | — |
| SOC 2 | Yes | — |
| GDPR | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Apps requiring deep visual map customization | Cost-sensitive startups seeking Google Maps alternative |
Sources — Mapbox: mapbox.com (verified 2026-06-14). LocationIQ: locationiq.com (verified 2026-06-14).
Key features
Mapbox: Mapbox GL JS for highly customizable vector maps; Navigation SDK with 3D lane guidance (automotive-grade); MapGPT AI assistant integrated with location data; Studio visual map editor; Traffic data and population movement patterns; Address Autofill and Search Box for checkout/form UX; 60+ CDN edge locations across 5 continents; Private maps (Enterprise: private by default)
LocationIQ: Forward and reverse geocoding powered by OpenStreetMap and OpenAddresses; Routing, distance matrix, and snap-to-roads APIs; Static and dynamic map tiles with multiple themes; 99.99% uptime SLA with US and EU datacenters; Dedicated AWS endpoints on Business Plus and above; GDPR-compliant with Data Processing Agreement (DPA) available; Up to 92% monthly cost savings vs. Google Maps (vendor claim); Trusted by 100,000+ developers