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Google Places API VS Google Maps

Compare Google Places API VS Google Maps and see what are their differences

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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Google Places API logo Google Places API

Google Places API is a best-in-class platform that offers a complete information about multiple places using HTTP requests.

Google Maps logo Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
  • Google Places API Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-13
  • Google Maps
    Image date //
    2024-01-08

Google Places API features and specs

  • Extensive Database
    Google Places API provides access to a vast and up-to-date database of places, making it reliable for retrieving detailed information about places worldwide.
  • Comprehensive Details
    The API offers rich data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, ratings, reviews, hours of operation, and more, enabling developers to provide users with thorough place information.
  • Versatile Search Options
    It supports multiple types of searches, such as nearby search, text search, place details, and photo requests, allowing developers to implement diverse functionality.
  • Integrated with Google Maps
    Seamless integration with Google Maps enhances user experience by providing consistency and reliability through familiar Google services.

Possible disadvantages of Google Places API

  • Cost
    The service can become expensive for applications with high usage since it uses a pay-as-you-go model, which may not be feasible for all projects.
  • Usage Limits
    There are request limits in place, which could restrict applications with heavy data requirements, potentially impacting service availability or requiring careful rate management.
  • Data Reliability
    While generally accurate, place data can sometimes be out-of-date or incorrect due to user-generated contributions or other factors, necessitating verification mechanisms.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Utilizing location-based services raises potential privacy concerns for end users, requiring developers to implement robust privacy and data protection measures.

Google Maps features and specs

  • Detailed Information
    Google Maps provides extensive details about locations, including photos, reviews, operating hours, and contact information.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform boasts an intuitive design that is easy to navigate for both casual users and professionals.
  • Real-Time Updates
    Offers real-time traffic updates, accident reports, and road closures to help users avoid delays.
  • Multi-modal Directions
    Supports directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation, offering flexibility for different commuting needs.
  • Street View
    Provides 360-degree panoramic views of streets, enabling users to virtually explore neighborhoods before visiting.
  • Offline Maps
    Allows users to download maps for offline use, which is useful in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
  • Integration with Other Services
    Easily integrates with other Google services like Google Calendar, making it convenient to plan trips and appointments.

Possible disadvantages of Google Maps

  • Privacy Concerns
    The service collects extensive user data, raising privacy issues regarding how this information is used and shared.
  • Battery Consumption
    Real-time features and GPS usage can significantly drain the battery life of mobile devices.
  • Inaccuracies
    Despite frequent updates, some information may be outdated or inaccurate, such as business hours or road conditions.
  • Data Usage
    Uses a considerable amount of data, which can be problematic for users with limited data plans.
  • Overreliance
    Users may become overly dependent on the service for navigation, potentially reducing their ability to navigate without digital assistance.
  • Ad Integration
    Contains sponsored content and ads, which can sometimes disrupt the user experience.
  • Complexity
    Additional features and layers of information can make it overwhelming for users who just need basic navigation.

Google Places API videos

+ Add

Getting started with the Google Places API

More videos:

  • Review - Google Places API Key: Create for Free (in 5 easy steps)

Google Maps videos

+ Add

New Apple Maps Features That Beat Google Maps!

More videos:

  • Review - Unhelpful Google Maps Reviews - Sub Safari
  • Review - Epic Google Maps Reviews by Local Guides | The Review Review Episode 3

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Places API and Google Maps)

Google Places API

Google Maps

Maps
3 3%
Maps
97% 97
Maps & Navigation
100 100%
Maps & Navigation
0% 0
Web Mapping
3 3%
Web Mapping
97% 97
Mapping And GIS
0 0%
Mapping And GIS
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Google Places API and Google Maps

Google Places API Reviews

18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
Ultimately, the best alternative to the Google Places API comes down to the specific needs of your application.
Source: traveltime.com

Google Maps Reviews

Best Tools for Planning a Vacation to Ireland in 2025
Google Maps has been a popular navigation assistant for many years and offers not just driving directions but help finding local restaurants, accommodation and more.
Source: irelandonabudget.com
8 Best Alternatives to Google Travel Trip Summaries
If you appreciated the ability to sync Google Trip Summaries with Google Maps, the closing of Trip Summaries doesn’t mean you can no longer sync itineraries to Google Maps. Wanderlog allows you to export any itinerary you create within the app to Google Maps, allowing you to see the location of every attraction you want to visit and gain information on how to travel between...
Source: wanderlog.com
The 8 Best Bike Navigation Apps Ridden & Rated
UX-wise, we’ve given Google Maps a near-perfect nine. The clutter-free layout and recognisable graphics. How would they score a ten? We’d love Google Maps to expand its immersive view (a flyby 3D model of a given route) beyond major cities like London.
Source: loop.cc
The Best Travel Apps for 2025
My number one go-to travel app is Google Maps. On the ground, it shows you where you are and how to get to where you need to go, whether by foot, public transit, car, or bicycle. Google Maps is equally helpful when you want to explore what's around, including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Often, the listing for sites and businesses include hours of operation,...
Source: www.pcmag.com
7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
Google Maps is often the go-to navigation app for many of us. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? There are many alternatives to Google Maps that provide similar features and functions.
Source: gisgeography.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Google Places API seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 10 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Google Places API mentions (10)

  • Creating a Smart Address Search with Google Maps API and React
    AutocompleteService returns only search predictions, but not the place details we need. However, with the place id and Geocoder we can get details like exact address, country, postal code and coordinates. Geocoder was initially created to make conversions between addresses and coordinates, but it completely covers our needs. If you need to have additional information about the place like reviews and comments,... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Scrape Google Maps data and reviews using Python
    We can use the places API by Google. But first, we must set up a Google Cloud project and complete the setup instructions before getting the API Key. We can then use the HTTP Post request or the Python SDK to perform a search. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Are there API's similar to Google Maps "Places Near Me" feature?
    Google Places API Https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/overview. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Unable to parse addresses with bizarre formatting
    You could try feeding the messy address to the Google Places API. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Free maps API instead of Google Maps API
    It’s possible. You need the Places API, but it’s paid. Read more here. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Google Maps mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Google Maps yet. Tracking of Google Maps recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Google Places API and Google Maps, you can also consider the following products

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

OpenStreetMap - OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Geoapify Places API - Geoapify Places API is a remarkable platform that provides in-depth information of every searched place.

OSGeo - QGIS is a desktop geographic information system, or GIS.

Amadeus Points of Interest - Discover Amadeus travel APIs and connect to the flight search, flight booking, hotel and destination content APIs that power the biggest names in travel.

ArcGIS - ArcGIS software is a data analysis, cloud-based mapping platform that allows users to customize maps and see real-time data ranging from logistics support to overall mapping analysis.

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