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)

PlanPrice
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

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Protomaps 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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