Protomaps: Pricing, Features & Alternatives
Protomaps is the 'build it' answer in this category, and unusually it is a realistic one. Its PMTiles format puts an entire basemap into one archive you drop on S3, R2 or any static host; the client fetches byte ranges directly, so there is no tile server to run and no per-request meter at all. You trade the places database, geocoding and support for a hosting bill measured in single-digit dollars.
Category
Maps & Location
Pricing
Free tier available
Free tier
Yes
Best for
Maps & Location — maps, open-source
Protomaps Pricing Plans (2026)
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Open sourcePopular | $0 (self-hosted) |
Pricing summary: Free. Always confirm current pricing on the official site.
Key Protomaps Features
- Whole-planet basemap as one PMTiles file
- Serve from S3, R2 or any static host
- No per-request billing
- BSD licensed
Pros
- +No per-request costs at any scale
- +Runs on object storage you already pay for
- +Fully open source
- +Daily OpenStreetMap builds available
Cons
- −No geocoding or places API
- −You own the build and update pipeline
- −No support contract
- −Basemap only, styling is on you
Best Protomaps Alternatives
Compare allProtomaps Compared
Protomaps FAQ
What is Protomaps used for?⌄
Protomaps is a maps & location tool. Open-source map stack that packs the whole planet into a single file you host yourself — no tile server, no per-request billing.
Is Protomaps free?⌄
Yes — Protomaps has a free tier you can start with, and paid plans for more usage and features.
How much does Protomaps cost?⌄
Protomaps is free to use.
What are the best Protomaps alternatives?⌄
Popular Protomaps alternatives include Mapbox, MapTiler, Geoapify, LocationIQ, Google Maps Platform. Compare pricing and features on our Protomaps alternatives page.
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