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Maps & Navigation · head to head

MapTiler vs Citymapper

MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps & Navigation

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Citymapper logo

Citymapper

Maps & Navigation

The ultimate urban mobility app for city commuters

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Citymapper 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; Citymapper citymapper's own App Store listing states live transit and turn-by-turn features work only in a named list of specific cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and dozens of other listed cities), not globally, per the developer's own description.
  • They diverge on capability: MapTiler covers Core Functionality, Citymapper covers Multi-modal routing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MapTiler and Citymapper actually diverge.

Attributes where MapTiler and Citymapper differ
AttributeMapTilerCitymapper
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebIos, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2011

Identical on both: pricing model (freemium), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps & Navigation).

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 Citymapper

  • Multi-modal routing
  • Real-time departures
  • Live bus tracking
  • Disruption alerts
  • Walking directions
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Lime

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 Citymapper
  • Hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an APInot Citymapper

Citymapper

  • Daily commutingnot MapTiler
  • City explorationnot MapTiler
  • Trip planningnot MapTiler
  • Mobility as a servicenot 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

Citymapper

  • Citymapper's own App Store listing states live transit and turn-by-turn features work only in a named list of specific cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and dozens of other listed cities), not globally, per the developer's own description.

Pricing, plan by plan

MapTiler

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapTiler review.

Citymapper

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Multi-modal routing
    • Real-time departures
    • Basic navigation
  • Citymapper Premium$4.99/month
    • Live location sharing
    • Weather integration
    • Widgets

Which should you pick?

Choose MapTiler if

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

Choose Citymapper if

  • You need multi-modal routing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want real-time departures.
Citymapper review

Questions people ask

Is MapTiler or Citymapper better?
Neither clearly leads. MapTiler starts at On request and Citymapper at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapTiler or Citymapper?
Citymapper has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapTiler and Free for Citymapper.
Does MapTiler or Citymapper run on more platforms?
MapTiler runs on Web. Citymapper runs on Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Citymapper for free?
Yes. Citymapper 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 Citymapper is typically brought in for.
What can MapTiler do that Citymapper cannot?
MapTiler covers Core Functionality, User Interface. Citymapper covers Multi-modal routing, Real-time departures, Live bus tracking, Disruption alerts.
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