Softwr

Maps & Navigation · head to head

CARTO vs MapTiler

C

CARTO

Maps & Navigation

Location Intelligence Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps & Navigation

Map hosting, styling, and APIs for developers with beautiful pre-built map styles

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only; MapTiler the free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map
  • They diverge on capability: CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, MapTiler covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CARTO and MapTiler actually diverge.

Attributes where CARTO and MapTiler differ
AttributeCARTOMapTiler
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierYesNo
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps & Navigation).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CARTO

  • Spatial Analysis
  • Interactive Maps
  • Data Observatory
  • Workflows
  • APIs
  • Snowflake
  • BigQuery
  • PostgreSQL

Only in MapTiler

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CARTO

  • Spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehousenot MapTiler
  • Building interactive maps and location dashboardsnot MapTiler
  • Geocoding and routing through location data servicesnot MapTiler
  • Site selection and territory planningnot MapTiler
  • Self-hosted geospatial analytics for regulated environmentsnot MapTiler

MapTiler

  • Serving vector map tiles and styles in a web or mobile applicationnot CARTO
  • Hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an APInot CARTO

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CARTO

  • No prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • Metered on four separate axes: workflow runs, map loads, API calls and location data service operations
  • API access and tokens are limited on pay-as-you-go and unlimited only from the Strategic tier
  • Self-hosting is available on Enterprise and included only on the Custom tier
  • The 14 day trial explicitly forbids production use

MapTiler

  • The free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map
  • Free is capped at 5,000 map sessions, 1,000 search sessions and 100,000 API requests a month
  • Free storage is 5 GB but limited to a single file
  • The Flex plan at $30 a month bills overage at $2.50 per 1,000 sessions and $0.15 per 1,000 API requests
  • Soft usage limits that prevent surprise overage bills are a Custom plan feature, so cheaper plans can run up charges
  • A 99.9% SLA requires the prepaid Custom contract

Pricing, plan by plan

CARTO

Free
  • Professional$199/month
    • Spatial Analysis
    • Data Observatory
    • Builder

MapTiler

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapTiler review.

Which should you pick?

Choose CARTO if

  • You need spatial analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want interactive maps.
CARTO review

Choose MapTiler if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
MapTiler review

Questions people ask

Is CARTO or MapTiler better?
Neither clearly leads. CARTO starts at Free and MapTiler at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CARTO or MapTiler?
CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CARTO and On request for MapTiler.
Does CARTO or MapTiler run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use CARTO for free?
Yes. CARTO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapTiler starts at On request.
What is CARTO best used for?
CARTO is most often used for spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehouse, building interactive maps and location dashboards, geocoding and routing through location data services, site selection and territory planning. Of those, spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehouse and building interactive maps and location dashboards are not what MapTiler is typically brought in for.
What can CARTO do that MapTiler cannot?
CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows. MapTiler covers Core Functionality, User Interface.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on CARTO

More on MapTiler

Keep looking

Other head to heads