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Maps & Navigation · head to head

Gaia GPS vs MapTiler

Gaia GPS logo

Gaia GPS

Maps & Navigation

Premium backcountry navigation for outdoor adventurers

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 Gaia GPS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Gaia GPS gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing; 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: Gaia GPS covers Topo maps, MapTiler covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Gaia GPS and MapTiler actually diverge.

Attributes where Gaia GPS and MapTiler differ
AttributeGaia GPSMapTiler
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb
Founded2008Unknown

Identical on both: 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 Gaia GPS

  • Topo maps
  • Satellite imagery
  • Offline maps
  • Track recording
  • Waypoint management
  • Garmin inReach
  • Apple Watch
  • Garmin Connect

Only in MapTiler

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

Gaia GPS

  • Offline topographic map navigation for hiking and backcountry travelnot MapTiler
  • Trail discovery and uploading in remote areasnot MapTiler
  • 4x4 off-road and overlanding navigationnot MapTiler
  • Ski touring and backcountry skiing navigationnot MapTiler

MapTiler

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

Where each one falls short

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

Gaia GPS

  • Gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing
  • Subscription auto-renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, per the App Store listing

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

Gaia GPS

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Gaia GPS review.

MapTiler

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapTiler review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Gaia GPS if

  • You need topo maps.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want satellite imagery.
Gaia GPS review

Choose MapTiler if

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

Questions people ask

Is Gaia GPS or MapTiler better?
Neither clearly leads. Gaia GPS 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, Gaia GPS or MapTiler?
Gaia GPS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Gaia GPS and On request for MapTiler.
Does Gaia GPS or MapTiler run on more platforms?
Gaia GPS runs on iOS, Android, Web. MapTiler runs on Web.
Can I use Gaia GPS for free?
Yes. Gaia GPS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapTiler starts at On request.
What is Gaia GPS best used for?
Gaia GPS is most often used for offline topographic map navigation for hiking and backcountry travel, trail discovery and uploading in remote areas, 4x4 off-road and overlanding navigation, ski touring and backcountry skiing navigation. Of those, offline topographic map navigation for hiking and backcountry travel and trail discovery and uploading in remote areas are not what MapTiler is typically brought in for.
What can Gaia GPS do that MapTiler cannot?
Gaia GPS covers Topo maps, Satellite imagery, Offline maps, Track recording. MapTiler covers Core Functionality, User Interface.
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