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Maps · head to head

Leaflet vs MapTiler

Leaflet logo

Leaflet

Maps

Leading open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps, used by millions of developers worldwide

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Leaflet 2D only with no support for 3D features, tilt, or rotation; MapTiler the free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Leaflet and MapTiler actually diverge.

Attributes where Leaflet and MapTiler differ
AttributeLeafletMapTiler
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), 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 Leaflet

Nothing recorded that MapTiler does not also cover.

Only in MapTiler

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 MapTiler
  • Mobile-friendly map interfaces across desktop and mobile browsersnot MapTiler
  • Mapping where bundle size matters, at roughly 42 KB of JavaScriptnot MapTiler
  • Extending a basic map with plugins rather than adopting a full platformnot MapTiler

MapTiler

  • Web and mobile mapping applicationsnot Leaflet
  • Vector tile and raster map hostingnot 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

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

Leaflet

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Leaflet review.

MapTiler

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5 GB storage
    • 1 file maximum
    • 5,000 monthly sessions
  • Flex$30/monthly
    • 10 GB storage
    • 25,000 monthly sessions
    • 500,000 monthly API requests
  • Custom$null/prepaid
    • Custom storage and monthly sessions
    • Custom API request limits
    • 99.9 percent SLA

Which should you pick?

Choose Leaflet if

  • You want to start without paying.
Leaflet review

Choose MapTiler if

  • You want to start without paying.
MapTiler review

Questions people ask

Is Leaflet or MapTiler better?
Neither clearly leads. Leaflet starts at Free and MapTiler at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Leaflet or MapTiler?
Leaflet starts at Free and MapTiler at Free.
Does Leaflet or MapTiler run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 MapTiler 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.

Source
MapTiler: What happens if I exceed my session or API request limits on the Flex plan?

On the Flex plan, overage charges apply when you exceed limits. Sessions cost $2.50 per 1,000 over the monthly limit of 25,000. API requests cost $0.15 per 1,000 over the 500,000 monthly limit. Additional storage of 100 GB costs $20 per month.

Source
Leaflet: 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/[email protected]/dist/leaflet.css and JavaScript from https://unpkg.com/[email protected]/dist/leaflet.js in your HTML head.

Source
MapTiler: Can I use the Free plan for commercial projects?

No, the Free plan is restricted to testing, personal, or non-commercial use only. Commercial use is only permitted on the Flex plan ($30/month) or Custom plans with prepaid volume contracts.

Source
Leaflet: 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.

Source
MapTiler: What is the difference between Flex and Custom plans?

The Flex plan costs $30 per month with preset limits and pay-as-you-go overages. Custom plans are negotiated per customer for high-traffic use cases and include 99.9 percent SLA, team account support, and prepaid volume contracts. All prices are in USD excluding VAT.

Source
Leaflet: What is the file size of Leaflet?

Leaflet weighs about 42 KB of JavaScript.

Source
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