Free alternatives to the Google Maps API
7 services, checked weekly
The Google Maps Platform APIs (geocoding, places, directions) are paid per request, with a monthly free credit. If you need to turn addresses into coordinates, search for places or plan routes, these free APIs can do it too; most are built on OpenStreetMap data. For the map itself you need a separate map tile service.
| Service | Category | API key | Formats | Free use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominatim (OpenStreetMap) | Location Information | – | JSON | The public server is free to use but has a strict usage policy: at most one request per second, a User-Agent or Referer that identifies your app, no bulk geocoding, and attribution to OpenStreetMap. |
| Photon | Location Information | – | JSON | The public server at photon.komoot.io is free for fair use; for heavy use you can host Photon yourself, as it is open source. |
| OpenRouteService | Location Information | Needed, free | JSON | Free plan with a free API key and daily limits per service; open source, so you can also host it yourself. |
| Overpass API | Location Information | – | JSON, XML | Free on the public servers with fair use; heavy users should run their own instance. |
| GeoNames | Location Information | – | JSON, XML | Free with a free GeoNames account (username) and a daily credit limit; paid premium service for heavy use. |
| Postcodes.io | Location Information | Not needed | JSON | – |
| Zippopotam.us | Location Information | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed. |