Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Google Places API VS MapKit JS

Compare Google Places API VS MapKit JS 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.

MapKit JS logo MapKit JS

JavaScript API for interactive Apple maps
  • Google Places API Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-13
  • MapKit JS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-21

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    While generally accurate, place data can sometimes be out-of-date or incorrect due to user-generated contributions or other factors, necessitating verification mechanisms.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

MapKit JS features and specs

  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    MapKit JS seamlessly integrates with Apple’s services, enabling developers to utilize Apple’s mapping capabilities and ensuring consistency across Apple platforms.
  • High-Quality Map Data
    Apple provides high-quality, detailed maps with regular updates, offering users accurate geographic information.
  • Customizable Map Features
    Developers can customize map views, annotations, and overlays to better fit the design and functionality of their application.
  • Privacy Considerations
    Apple places a strong emphasis on user privacy, which can benefit developers concerned about user data protection.

Possible disadvantages of MapKit JS

  • Restricted to Apple Developer Program
    To use MapKit JS, developers must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, which involves a subscription fee.
  • Limited Browser Support
    MapKit JS may have limited support on non-Safari browsers, potentially affecting cross-browser compatibility.
  • Rate and Usage Limits
    There are usage limits for map views and requests, which can constrain applications with a large number of users or high traffic.
  • Less Extensive API Compared to Competitors
    Compared to other mapping services (e.g., Google Maps), MapKit JS might have fewer features and integrations available.

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)

MapKit JS videos

No MapKit JS videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Places API and MapKit JS)
Maps
51 51%
49% 49
Maps & Navigation
100 100%
0% 0
Web Mapping
46 46%
54% 54
Geocoding
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 MapKit JS

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

MapKit JS Reviews

18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
With Apple’s MapKit JS, you can embed interactive Apple maps on your website as well as annotate points of interest or user destinations.
Source: traveltime.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Google Places API should be more popular than MapKit JS. 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

MapKit JS mentions (6)

  • Understanding Mapbox API Integration: A Deep Dive
    Mapkit JS (Apple): Sleek, privacy-focused mapping solution with excellent iOS integration, beautiful default styling, and high-performance rendering, though with more limited customization options than some alternatives. - Source: dev.to / 24 days ago
  • Apple Maps on the web launches in beta
    Odd, since the underlying MapKit JS supports Firefox. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Apple Maps on the web launches in beta
    Apple says that MapKit.JS works on Firefox, so this beta web page is probably just working out bugs before they release for FF. Perhaps a rendering issue? https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Apple Maps API
    If it's important that it's Apple Maps specifically, you can use Mapkit JS. Source: about 2 years ago
  • iOS 15 Is Available
    > offer Apple Maps on the web If they wanted to, they could easily do that. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs: “Use this JavaScript API to embed interactive maps directly into your webpages or apps across different platforms and operating systems, including iOS and Android. Like MapKit for native apps, you can also add annotations and overlays to the map to call out points of interest or user... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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.

LocationIQ - Mapping APIs and Mapping and 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.