Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Google Places API VS Mapbox

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

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.

Mapbox logo 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.
  • Google Places API Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-13
  • Mapbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-06

Mapbox

Website
mapbox.com
$ Details
freemium
Release Date
2010 January
Startup details
Country
United States
Founder(s)
Bonnie Bogle
Employees
500 - 999

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    While generally accurate, place data can sometimes be out-of-date or incorrect due to user-generated contributions or other factors, necessitating verification mechanisms.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.

Mapbox features and specs

  • Customization
    Mapbox offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to create highly tailored map experiences, including custom styles and data visualizations.
  • User Experience
    Mapbox provides high-performance, interactive maps, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience with quick response times and fluid animations.
  • Data Integration
    Mapbox supports integration with various data sources, enabling real-time updates and complex data overlays, which are beneficial for applications requiring dynamic data visualization.
  • Developer Tools
    Mapbox offers comprehensive developer tools, documentation, and SDKs for multiple platforms (web, iOS, Android), facilitating ease of development and deployment.
  • Community and Support
    Mapbox has a vibrant community and strong support system, including forums, tutorials, and direct support options, which help developers troubleshoot and innovate more effectively.

Possible disadvantages of Mapbox

  • Cost
    Mapbox can become expensive as usage scales, potentially increasing costs significantly for high-traffic applications or those requiring advanced features.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive customization features and capabilities, Mapbox may have a steeper learning curve for new developers compared to simpler mapping solutions.
  • Data Privacy
    There are concerns regarding data privacy and storage, as using external APIs may involve sharing user data with third-party services, which may not align with all privacy policies.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Service
    Relying on an external service like Mapbox for critical application functionality can pose risks related to service outages, changes in service terms, or API updates that require code modifications.
  • Offline Capabilities
    Although Mapbox provides some offline capabilities, these are limited compared to online functionalities, which may affect apps that require reliable offline access.

Analysis of Mapbox

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Mapbox is generally well-regarded as a good mapping platform. It is particularly praised for its ability to provide custom mapping solutions and extensive feature set. It's suitable for developers and businesses who need more control over map aesthetics and functionality, beyond what standard mapping services provide.

Why this product is good

  • Mapbox is considered a robust mapping platform due to its flexibility, customization options, and developer-friendly tools. It offers a high level of customization for various map-based applications, which is beneficial for developers looking to create unique and tailored user experiences. The platform also supports a range of data visualization options and integrations, making it a powerful tool for businesses and individuals seeking to enhance their applications with mapping features.

Recommended for

  • Developers needing customizable maps
  • Businesses requiring tailored geospatial solutions
  • Applications needing high-quality map visuals
  • Projects requiring advanced data visualization on maps
  • Organizations interested in integrating mapping with other tools and services

Google Places API videos

Getting started with the Google Places API

More videos:

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

Mapbox videos

MAP Mapbox Review

More videos:

  • Demo - Mapbox Review with AR DEMO
  • Review - Code Review: OpenXC and MapBox

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Places API and Mapbox)
Maps
6 6%
94% 94
Maps & Navigation
100 100%
0% 0
Web Mapping
6 6%
94% 94
Mapping And GIS
0 0%
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 Mapbox

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

Mapbox Reviews

6 Best GIS Software 2024
While Mapbox boasts an array of impressive features, it's essential to note that some functionalities are exclusive to the paid versions. Furthermore, the software primarily targets programmers who develop customized solutions. Programmatically harnessing Mapbox might pose a steep learning curve while engaging third parties for development work could incur extra costs....
Source: www.caliper.com
7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
One major advantage of Mapbox is the ability to make personalized maps with markers, routes, and buildings. Mapbox has many other advantages, such as access to good satellite images worldwide and advanced geocoding abilities.
5 Best Tools For Creating Your Own Interactive Maps
Mapbox is particularly constructed to optimize custom maps for portable devices. The tool gives you a strong free tier for almost all of its features even if you didn’t opt for a paid service. If you’re planning to develop an app or want to build a more suitable mobile site, Mapbox guarantees that your map is ready for phone users. Mapbox utilises the location feature on...
The Best Map Makers For 2022
One important thing to know: Mapbox Studio is the only map maker in this article that does not use Google Maps. Instead Mapbox uses Open Street Maps, a free, open-source wiki map of the world. Because of this you might notice different results when you search for an address on Google Maps and on Mapbox— they use a completely different data set.
5 Best Web Mapping Platforms – The Battle of Web GIS
MBTiles is the backbone for storing tilesets. Mapbox has a ton of customization features for personalized maps. But if you fully want to experience Mapbox, it’s all about the APIs. By using APIs, you can programmatically access Mapbox tools and services. Finally, Mapbox Studio is how to convert your data to tilesets and create styles. This is where Mapbox really knocks it...

Social recommendations and mentions

Mapbox might be a bit more popular than Google Places API. We know about 12 links to it since March 2021 and only 10 links to Google Places API. 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

Mapbox mentions (12)

  • Ask HN: Side project of more that $2k monthly revenue what's your project?
    Yeah domain knowledge/network is definitely needed, I am working with a friend who has that, it's a must in this field because it's almost set in the stone age. Google maps was crazy expensive I went with Mapbox[1] for now which seems to have enough features and is less expensive. [1] https://mapbox.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • "Next Valley" My single-screen Windows theme
    ​ |Developer Notes| |:-| |Optional Power Shortcuts - Provides shortcuts to deeper links. Example: I wanted a one-touch button that opens the Developer Options menu. This app does this. Not required for core functionality of the theme.| |Allows 4 custom wallpapers, either local files or web links. Includes 2 add'l wallpapers pulled from Bing Daily and r/earthporn.| |The location and weather panel has a live map... Source: over 2 years ago
  • NEXT VALLEY - A single-screen Windows theme for KLWP [Sharing the whole damn thing]
    The location and weather panel has a live map displayed. Well, it won't for you, unless you grab a free API key from mapbox.com and paste it in the 1st global. Source: over 2 years ago
  • QGIS in PowerBI
    If you want to show polygons it is a bit more difficult. With the above map functions you can create a Choropleth map by using predefined regions (like countries, states etc.). But for custom polygons it won't work. You can either use ArcGIS Online in combination with the ArcGIS Maps for Power BI viz or use the Mapbox Visual function (you need to install this one first by pressing "Get more visuals"). You can... Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How is this map made?
    They are using mapbox.com service and their API to build this map. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

Google Maps - Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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

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

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

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.

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.