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Maps · head to head

Kepler.gl vs LocationIQ

Kepler.gl logo

Kepler.gl

Maps

Powerful open-source geospatial analysis tool for large-scale datasets, enabling beautiful data visualizations without coding

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LocationIQ logo

LocationIQ

Maps

Enterprise-grade location APIs at affordable prices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only LocationIQ has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Kepler.gl kepler.gl is a free open source library with no vendor-sold edition; confirmed by the absence of any App Store, marketplace or G-Cloud listing, support is limited to community GitHub issues rather than a purchased SLA.; LocationIQ smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kepler.gl and LocationIQ actually diverge.

Attributes where Kepler.gl and LocationIQ differ
AttributeKepler.glLocationIQ
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebAPI

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

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 Kepler.gl

Nothing recorded that LocationIQ does not also cover.

Only in LocationIQ

Nothing recorded that Kepler.gl does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

Kepler.gl

No use cases recorded yet. See the Kepler.gl review.

LocationIQ

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding addresses at scalenot Kepler.gl
  • Store locators and address autofill in web and mobile appsnot Kepler.gl
  • Asset and vehicle tracking with route optimisationnot Kepler.gl
  • Serving static and dynamic map tilesnot Kepler.gl
  • Distance matrix and route planningnot Kepler.gl

Where each one falls short

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

Kepler.gl

  • Kepler.gl is a free open source library with no vendor-sold edition; confirmed by the absence of any App Store, marketplace or G-Cloud listing, support is limited to community GitHub issues rather than a purchased SLA.

LocationIQ

  • Smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to Google Maps
  • Less documentation than industry-leading platforms
  • Less brand recognition than Google or Mapbox

Pricing, plan by plan

Kepler.gl

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Kepler.gl review.

LocationIQ

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5,000 requests/day
    • Limited commercial use with attribution
  • Maps Lite$45/month
    • 10,000 map views/day
    • Geocoding APIs
    • No routing
  • Developer$100/month
    • 25,000 requests/day
    • All APIs (geocoding, routing, maps)
  • Startup$200/month
    • 60,000 requests/day
    • Priority email support

Which should you pick?

Choose Kepler.gl if

Nothing in the data separates Kepler.gl from LocationIQ on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Kepler.gl review

Choose LocationIQ if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on API.
LocationIQ review

Questions people ask

Is Kepler.gl or LocationIQ better?
Neither clearly leads. Kepler.gl starts at On request and LocationIQ at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kepler.gl or LocationIQ?
LocationIQ has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Kepler.gl and Free for LocationIQ.
Does Kepler.gl or LocationIQ run on more platforms?
Kepler.gl runs on Web. LocationIQ runs on API.
Can I use LocationIQ for free?
Yes. LocationIQ has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Kepler.gl starts at On request.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

LocationIQ: How much does LocationIQ cost?

LocationIQ offers a Free plan with 5,000 requests/day, Maps Lite at $45/month for 10,000 map views/day, Developer at $100/month for 25,000 requests/day, and higher tiers up to Business Plus at $950/month for 30M requests/month. All plans are billed monthly with 2 months free for annual prepayment.

Source
LocationIQ: Is LocationIQ free?

Yes, LocationIQ offers a free tier with 5,000 requests/day, providing access to geocoding and mapping APIs. Free tier users must include attribution and cannot use for commercial purposes.

Source
LocationIQ: What support levels does LocationIQ offer?

Free and early paid tiers receive best-effort email support. The Startup plan ($200/month) includes priority email support. Business Plus ($950/month) includes priority live chat support with dedicated AWS endpoints for improved performance.

Source
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