Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Mapbox VS Distance By Postcode

Compare Mapbox VS Distance By Postcode and see what are their differences

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.

Distance By Postcode logo Distance By Postcode

Calculate accurate driving distances between UK postcodes in bulk.
  • Mapbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-06
  • Distance By Postcode Homepage
    Homepage //
    2026-01-07
  • Distance By Postcode Input Page
    Input Page //
    2026-01-07
  • Distance By Postcode Input Page With Examples
    Input Page With Examples //
    2026-01-07

Distance By Postcode is a postcode distance calculator that allows you to calculate accurate driving distances and journey times between postcodes in bulk.

Unlike "as the crow flies" tools, we use Google's Distance Matrix API and Routes API to calculate distances in miles using real road networks, ideal for delivery planning, logistics, travel estimates and route costing.

We have two tools available:

Point to point, which allows users to calculate the distance between parked of postcode in bulk. Multi-stop, allows users to calculate distances between routes in bulk, each route can have up to 25 stops.

Mapbox

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

Distance By Postcode

$ Details
freemium ยฃ0.01 (Free if you use own API)
Release Date
2025 December

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.

Distance By Postcode features and specs

  • Free to use
    Distance By Postcode is a free online tool that allows users to calculate distances between postcodes without any subscription or payment required.
  • Simple and intuitive interface
    The website features a straightforward, minimalist design where users simply enter two postcodes and get results quickly, making it accessible even for non-technical users.
  • Multiple distance units
    The tool provides distance calculations in both miles and kilometers, catering to users who prefer different measurement systems.
  • Driving and straight-line distances
    The service offers both the straight-line (as the crow flies) distance and driving distance between postcodes, giving users more useful and contextual information.
  • No registration required
    Users can access the distance calculation tool immediately without needing to create an account or sign up, reducing friction and saving time.

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

Analysis of Distance By Postcode

Overall verdict

  • Distance By Postcode is a solid, straightforward tool for quickly calculating distances between UK postcodes, making it good for basic route-planning and logistics estimation needs, though it lacks the advanced features of full mapping platforms.

Why this product is good

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface for calculating point-to-point distances
  • Free to use for basic postcode distance lookups
  • Supports UK postcode format specifically, which is useful for local businesses
  • Provides both straight-line and driving distance options in many cases
  • No account or sign-up typically required for basic use

Recommended for

  • UK-based small businesses estimating delivery distances
  • Individuals planning trips between UK locations
  • Logistics coordinators needing quick distance checks
  • Real estate or service professionals calculating travel radius
  • Users who need a lightweight tool without complex mapping features

Mapbox videos

MAP Mapbox Review

More videos:

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

Distance By Postcode videos

No Distance By Postcode videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Mapbox and Distance By Postcode)
Maps
99 99%
1% 1
Mapping And GIS
100 100%
0% 0
APIs
0 0%
100% 100
Web Mapping
100 100%
0% 0

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Mapbox and Distance By Postcode.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Distance By Postcode's answer:

It offers both a free version for users who have their own Google Distance Matrix API, or they can use our pay-per-use, which we are transparent with and is only ยฃ0.01 per pair of postcodes calculated.

What makes your product unique?

Distance By Postcode's answer:

Allows users to calculate the distance between pairs of postcodes in bulk, and does so using road networks, not "as the crow flies" which can be inaccurate.

What's the story behind your product?

Distance By Postcode's answer:

I built Distance by Postcode after a logistics manager at work needed to calculate driving distances between a few hundred UK postcodes. Most tools we tried were either manual one by one, only offered โ€œas-the-crow-fliesโ€ distances, or hid pricing behind opaque plans.

So I built a tool using the Google Distance Matrix API that calculated driving distance and estimated travel time between postcode pairs at scale, specifically using the roads, just like inputting a pair of postcodes into Google Maps and it picking the shortest distance by default. After it proved useful internally, I decided to turn it into a simple public website and keep everything as straightforward and transparent as possible.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Distance By Postcode's answer:

Google Distance Matrix API, Python, GitHub, JavaScript, HTML and CSS.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Distance By Postcode's answer:

It is ideal for delivery drivers, couriers, e-commerce businesses, logistics planners and anyone needing bulk accurate UK postcode distances.

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Mapbox and Distance By Postcode

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 didnโ€™t opt for a paid service. If youโ€™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 Mapboxโ€” they use a completely different data set.
5 Best Web Mapping Platforms โ€“ 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, itโ€™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...

Distance By Postcode Reviews

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Mapbox seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 13 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.

Mapbox mentions (13)

  • Claude Desktop spins up a VM without no way of stopping it
    MapBox[0] does a good job. I donโ€™t think it has a public interface, though. Itโ€™s really a developer resource. [0] https://mapbox.com. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • 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 / over 3 years ago
  • "Next Valley" My single-screen Windows theme
    โ€‹ |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 3 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 3 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 4 years ago
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Distance By Postcode mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Distance By Postcode yet. Tracking of Distance By Postcode recommendations started around Jan 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Mapbox and Distance By Postcode, you can also consider the following products

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

Distance Matrix API - The API for computing distances, that accounts for traffic conditions, has different travel modes, forecasting features, and unlimited matrix size

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.

Google Maps API - Choose Google Maps Platform to create immersive location experiences and make better business decisions with accurate real time data & dynamic imagery.

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

Google Earth Pro - Google Earth Pro allows you fly anywhere around the earth to view satellite imagery, maps, 3D building, and terrain, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.