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MapTiler vs CARTO

MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Software

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
C

CARTO

Software

Location Intelligence Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CARTO has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MapTiler the free tier is restricted to testing, personal or non commercial use and forces a MapTiler logo on the map; CARTO no prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • They diverge on capability: MapTiler covers Core Functionality, CARTO covers Spatial Analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MapTiler and CARTO actually diverge.

Attributes where MapTiler and CARTO differ
AttributeMapTilerCARTO
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierNoYes
FoundedUnknown2012

Identical on both: platforms (Web), 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 MapTiler

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

Only in CARTO

  • Spatial Analysis
  • Interactive Maps
  • Data Observatory
  • Workflows
  • APIs
  • Snowflake
  • BigQuery
  • PostgreSQL

What people use each for

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

MapTiler

  • Serving vector map tiles and styles in a web or mobile applicationnot CARTO
  • Hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an APInot CARTO

CARTO

  • Spatial analysis over data already in a cloud warehousenot MapTiler
  • Building interactive maps and location dashboardsnot MapTiler
  • Geocoding and routing through location data servicesnot MapTiler
  • Site selection and territory planningnot MapTiler
  • Self-hosted geospatial analytics for regulated environmentsnot MapTiler

Where each one falls short

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

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

CARTO

  • No prices are published; the committed tiers are all quote-only
  • Metered on four separate axes: workflow runs, map loads, API calls and location data service operations
  • API access and tokens are limited on pay-as-you-go and unlimited only from the Strategic tier
  • Self-hosting is available on Enterprise and included only on the Custom tier
  • The 14 day trial explicitly forbids production use

Pricing, plan by plan

MapTiler

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapTiler review.

CARTO

Free
  • Professional$199/month
    • Spatial Analysis
    • Data Observatory
    • Builder

Which should you pick?

Choose MapTiler if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
MapTiler review

Choose CARTO if

  • You need spatial analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want interactive maps.
CARTO review

Questions people ask

Is MapTiler or CARTO better?
Neither clearly leads. MapTiler starts at On request and CARTO at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapTiler or CARTO?
CARTO has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapTiler and Free for CARTO.
Does MapTiler or CARTO run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use CARTO for free?
Yes. CARTO has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapTiler starts at On request.
What is MapTiler best used for?
MapTiler is most often used for serving vector map tiles and styles in a web or mobile application, hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an api. Of those, serving vector map tiles and styles in a web or mobile application and hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an api are not what CARTO is typically brought in for.
What can MapTiler do that CARTO cannot?
MapTiler covers Core Functionality, User Interface. CARTO covers Spatial Analysis, Interactive Maps, Data Observatory, Workflows.
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