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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs MapTiler

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps

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

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; 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 MAPS.ME and MapTiler actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and MapTiler differ
AttributeMAPS.MEMapTiler
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 MAPS.ME

Nothing recorded that MapTiler does not also cover.

Only in MapTiler

Nothing recorded that MAPS.ME 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.

MAPS.ME

  • Downloading offline maps for travel without connectivitynot MapTiler
  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without datanot MapTiler
  • Finding points of interest and hiking trailsnot MapTiler
  • Following built-in travel guidesnot MapTiler
  • Hotel booking via Booking.com integrationnot MapTiler

MapTiler

  • Web and mobile mapping applicationsnot MAPS.ME
  • Vector tile and raster map hostingnot MAPS.ME

Where each one falls short

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

MAPS.ME

  • Mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client
  • Free tier limits offline map downloads and shows monetization prompts
  • No native Windows, macOS, or Linux app
  • Map data comes from the OpenStreetMap community rather than a commercial map provider

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

MAPS.ME

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the MAPS.ME 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 MAPS.ME if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.

Choose MapTiler if

  • You want to start without paying.

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or MapTiler better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME 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, MAPS.ME or MapTiler?
MAPS.ME starts at Free and MapTiler at Free.
Does MAPS.ME or MapTiler run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. MapTiler runs on Web.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MAPS.ME best used for?
MAPS.ME is most often used for downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data, finding points of interest and hiking trails, following built-in travel guides. Of those, downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity and turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data are not what MapTiler is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MAPS.ME: Is MAPS.ME free to download and use?

MAPS.ME is available as a free download for both iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play. No pricing information is published on the MAPS.ME website, suggesting a free service model.

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
MAPS.ME: What features are included in MAPS.ME?

MAPS.ME is marketed as 'not just an app but a friend in all your adventures.' Full feature details require downloading the app from App Store or Google Play. Specific limitations or premium features are not disclosed on the website.

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
MAPS.ME: How does MAPS.ME make money if the app is free?

MAPS.ME does not publish pricing or monetization details on its website. The app is available free on both iOS and Android platforms, but the business model for generating revenue is not disclosed publicly.

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
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