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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs PositionStack

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PositionStack logo

PositionStack

Maps

Free, developer-friendly geocoding API for forward and reverse geocoding with global coverage

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MAPS.ME has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; PositionStack the free plan allows only 100 requests per month
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MAPS.ME and PositionStack actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and PositionStack differ
AttributeMAPS.MEPositionStack
Starting priceFreeOn request
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWeb
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 PositionStack does not also cover.

Only in PositionStack

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

PositionStack

  • Forward geocoding addresses to coordinates via REST APInot MAPS.ME
  • Reverse geocoding coordinates to addressesnot MAPS.ME
  • Batch geocoding location data in a backend servicenot 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

PositionStack

  • The free plan allows only 100 requests per month
  • The free plan is a personal licence, so commercial use requires a paid plan
  • The free plan is rate limited, with an extended rate limit only from the Basic plan up
  • Requests beyond the monthly quota are billed as overage, at $0.0003996 per request on Basic
  • The lowest advertised rates require annual prepayment
  • Enterprise volumes are priced by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

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

PositionStack

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the PositionStack review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

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

Choose PositionStack if

Nothing in the data separates PositionStack from MAPS.ME on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

PositionStack review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or PositionStack better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME starts at Free and PositionStack at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MAPS.ME or PositionStack?
MAPS.ME has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MAPS.ME and On request for PositionStack.
Does MAPS.ME or PositionStack run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. PositionStack runs on Web.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Yes. MAPS.ME has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PositionStack starts at On request.
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 PositionStack 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
PositionStack: What annual billing discount does Positionstack offer?

Annual billing provides up to 15% discount compared to monthly billing total. For example, Basic annual is $8.99/month vs $9.99/month monthly, and Professional annual is $43.99/month vs $49.99/month monthly. Source: https://positionstack.com/pricing

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
PositionStack: How do Positionstack overage notifications work?

Positionstack sends alerts at 75%, 90%, and 100% of your monthly request allowance. Overages are calculated at month-end and charged according to each tier's per-request rate (e.g., Business tier: $0.00013332/request). Source: https://positionstack.com/pricing

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
PositionStack: What payment methods does Positionstack accept?

Positionstack accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diner's Club for monthly billing. Enterprise customers may arrange bank transfers for their custom agreements. Source: https://positionstack.com/pricing

Source
PositionStack: Can I downgrade or cancel my Positionstack plan?

Downgrades take effect at your billing cycle end. Cancellations require contacting customer service. Uptime guarantee is 99.9% average over 12 months. Source: https://positionstack.com/pricing

Source
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