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.

Mapbox has the lower entry price — Mapbox starts at $0/mo, LocationIQ at $0/mo. Free tier: Mapbox Yes, LocationIQ Yes. HIPAA: Mapbox —, LocationIQ —.

As of 2026-06-14 · figures link to their source below

Side by side

Mapbox

$0/mo entry
Entry price$0/mo (Maps GL JS (Web))
Free tierYes
HIPAA (BAA)
SOC 2Yes
GDPRYes
Best forApps requiring deep visual map customization

LocationIQ

$0/mo entry
Entry price$0/mo (Free)
Free tierYes
HIPAA (BAA)
SOC 2
GDPRYes
Best forCost-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

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