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Maps & Navigation · head to head

MapTiler vs Gaia GPS

MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps & Navigation

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gaia GPS logo

Gaia GPS

Maps & Navigation

Premium backcountry navigation for outdoor adventurers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Gaia GPS 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; Gaia GPS gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing
  • They diverge on capability: MapTiler covers Core Functionality, Gaia GPS covers Topo maps.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MapTiler and Gaia GPS actually diverge.

Attributes where MapTiler and Gaia GPS differ
AttributeMapTilerGaia GPS
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebiOS, Android, Web
FoundedUnknown2008

Identical on both: 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 Gaia GPS

  • Topo maps
  • Satellite imagery
  • Offline maps
  • Track recording
  • Waypoint management
  • Garmin inReach
  • Apple Watch
  • Garmin Connect

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 Gaia GPS
  • Hosting custom map data and geocoding behind an APInot Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS

  • Offline topographic map navigation for hiking and backcountry travelnot MapTiler
  • Trail discovery and uploading in remote areasnot MapTiler
  • 4x4 off-road and overlanding navigationnot MapTiler
  • Ski touring and backcountry skiing navigationnot 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

Gaia GPS

  • Gaia GPS Premium requires an Outside+ subscription and account, per the App Store listing
  • Subscription auto-renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, per the App Store listing

Pricing, plan by plan

MapTiler

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapTiler review.

Gaia GPS

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Gaia GPS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapTiler if

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

Choose Gaia GPS if

  • You need topo maps.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want satellite imagery.
Gaia GPS review

Questions people ask

Is MapTiler or Gaia GPS better?
Neither clearly leads. MapTiler starts at On request and Gaia GPS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapTiler or Gaia GPS?
Gaia GPS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for MapTiler and Free for Gaia GPS.
Does MapTiler or Gaia GPS run on more platforms?
MapTiler runs on Web. Gaia GPS runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Gaia GPS for free?
Yes. Gaia GPS 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 Gaia GPS is typically brought in for.
What can MapTiler do that Gaia GPS cannot?
MapTiler covers Core Functionality, User Interface. Gaia GPS covers Topo maps, Satellite imagery, Offline maps, Track recording.
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