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Maps · head to head

MapTiler vs QGIS

MapTiler logo

MapTiler

Maps

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Q

QGIS

Maps

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MapTiler 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; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MapTiler and QGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where MapTiler and QGIS differ
AttributeMapTilerQGIS
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux

Identical on both: 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 MapTiler

Nothing recorded that QGIS does not also cover.

Only in QGIS

Nothing recorded that MapTiler 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.

MapTiler

  • Web and mobile mapping applicationsnot QGIS
  • Vector tile and raster map hostingnot QGIS

QGIS

  • Creating thematic maps showing population density by regionnot MapTiler
  • Digitizing building footprints from satellite imagery for urban planningnot MapTiler
  • Analyzing proximity of retail stores to competitor locationsnot MapTiler
  • Performing spatial analysis of wildlife habitat suitabilitynot 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

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

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

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MapTiler if

  • You want to start without paying.
MapTiler review

Choose QGIS if

  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is MapTiler or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. MapTiler starts at Free and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MapTiler or QGIS?
MapTiler has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MapTiler and On request for QGIS.
Does MapTiler or QGIS run on more platforms?
MapTiler runs on Web. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use MapTiler for free?
Yes. MapTiler has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. QGIS starts at On request.
What is MapTiler best used for?
MapTiler is most often used for web and mobile mapping applications, vector tile and raster map hosting. Of those, web and mobile mapping applications and vector tile and raster map hosting are not what QGIS is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

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
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

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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