Software · head to head
Leaflet vs HERE Technologies
Leaflet
Software
Leading open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps, used by millions of developers worldwide
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
HERE Technologies
Software
Location data and technology company that provides mapping and location services to businesses globally
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Leaflet 2D only with no support for 3D features, tilt, or rotation; HERE Technologies pricing is complex and unpredictable, with additional fees for common functionalities creating surprise costs at scale
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Leaflet and HERE Technologies actually diverge.
| Attribute | Leaflet | HERE Technologies |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android, Cross-platform |
| Founded | Unknown | 1985 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Leaflet
Nothing recorded that HERE Technologies does not also cover.
Only in HERE Technologies
Nothing recorded that Leaflet 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.
Leaflet
- Embedding interactive maps in a web pagenot HERE Technologies
- Mobile-friendly map interfaces across desktop and mobile browsersnot HERE Technologies
- Mapping where bundle size matters, at roughly 42 KB of JavaScriptnot HERE Technologies
- Extending a basic map with plugins rather than adopting a full platformnot HERE Technologies
HERE Technologies
- Map data for automated and assisted drivingnot Leaflet
- Connected driving, including hazard alerts and road surface analysisnot Leaflet
- Supply chain planning and logistics digital twinsnot Leaflet
- Geocoding, search and map rendering through hosted location servicesnot Leaflet
- Fleet tour planning and routing across 200 countriesnot Leaflet
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Leaflet
- 2D only with no support for 3D features, tilt, or rotation
- Performance degrades when rendering large datasets of complex vector geometries without optimization
- Limited dynamic styling support; style is fixed on the server when using raster tiles
- Lacks native support for WMS features; requires plugins like Leaflet.WMS and complex feature identification is cumbersome
- Requires external tile service for map imagery; does not provide map tiles natively
HERE Technologies
- Pricing is complex and unpredictable, with additional fees for common functionalities creating surprise costs at scale
- Lack of transparency in cost projections makes budgeting and forecasting difficult
- Requires separate API keys and subscriptions for different feature categories, complicating integration
- Customer support quality and responsiveness is inconsistent compared to competitors like Google Maps
Pricing, plan by plan
Leaflet
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Leaflet review.
HERE Technologies
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the HERE Technologies review.
Which should you pick?
Choose HERE Technologies if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Cross-platform.
Questions people ask
- Is Leaflet or HERE Technologies better?
- Neither clearly leads. Leaflet starts at Free and HERE Technologies at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Leaflet or HERE Technologies?
- Leaflet starts at Free and HERE Technologies at Free.
- Does Leaflet or HERE Technologies run on more platforms?
- Leaflet runs on Web. HERE Technologies runs on Web, iOS, Android, Cross-platform.
- Can I use Leaflet for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Leaflet best used for?
- Leaflet is most often used for embedding interactive maps in a web page, mobile-friendly map interfaces across desktop and mobile browsers, mapping where bundle size matters, at roughly 42 kb of javascript, extending a basic map with plugins rather than adopting a full platform. Of those, embedding interactive maps in a web page and mobile-friendly map interfaces across desktop and mobile browsers are not what HERE Technologies is typically brought in for.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Leaflet: Is Leaflet free and open source?
Yes. Leaflet is open-source JavaScript library licensed for free use. Over 400 plugins add capabilities like marker clustering, heatmaps, drawing tools, geocoding, and routing.
SourceHERE Technologies: What does HERE Technologies provide?
HERE Technologies provides a comprehensive location platform including digital maps, routing and navigation APIs, geocoding, search, traffic, positioning, and telematics services for automotive, logistics, and enterprise applications.
SourceLeaflet: How do I include Leaflet in my project via CDN?
Leaflet is available on multiple free CDNs including unpkg, cdnjs, and jsDelivr. Include the CSS stylesheet from https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/leaflet.css and JavaScript from https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/leaflet.js in your HTML head.
SourceHERE Technologies: Does HERE offer a free tier?
Yes. HERE provides a free tier with 30,000 map requests per month, 5,000 routing transactions, and 30,000 geocoding transactions. Usage beyond these limits is charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.
SourceLeaflet: What mapping services does Leaflet support?
Leaflet integrates seamlessly with various mapping services including OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Bing, and other custom tile providers, allowing developers to choose the best base layer.
SourceHERE Technologies: What SDKs and APIs does HERE offer?
HERE provides REST APIs for maps, routing, geocoding, and search, plus SDKs for Android, iOS, Flutter, and JavaScript. The HERE SDK enables turn-by-turn navigation and location services for mobile and web applications.
SourceLeaflet: What is the file size of Leaflet?
Leaflet weighs about 42 KB of JavaScript.
SourceHERE Technologies: Is HERE's pricing transparent?
No. HERE uses a complex transaction-based pricing model with separate costs for different API categories. The pricing structure lacks transparency, making it difficult for customers to forecast costs at scale.
SourceHERE Technologies: How has HERE's pricing changed?
HERE moved to a simplified transaction-based pricing model with free monthly allowances for common APIs. Users pay per transaction beyond the free tier, though the structure has been criticized for complexity and lack of cost transparency.
Source