---
title: "Protomaps Pricing, Features & Alternatives (2026)"
description: "Protomaps review: Maps & Location tool — Free tier, plans, pros & cons, and the best Protomaps alternatives compared for startups in 2026."
source: https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/protomaps
retrieved: 2026-09-11
---

P

[Maps & Location](https://appstackbuilder.com/categories/maps-location)Free tier

# 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

[Visit Protomaps official site](https://protomaps.com/)

## Protomaps Pricing Plans (2026)

| Plan               | Price            | Highlights                                                                                               |
| ------------------ | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Open sourcePopular | $0 (self-hosted) | Whole-planet basemap as one PMTiles file · Serve from S3, R2 or any static host · No per-request billing |

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 all ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tool-alternatives/protomaps)

[MMapboxFree](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/mapbox)[MMapTilerFree · paid from $30/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/maptiler)[GGeoapifyFree · paid from $59/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/geoapify)[LLocationIQFree · paid from $45/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/locationiq)[GGoogle Maps PlatformFrom $100/mo](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/google-maps-platform)

## Protomaps Compared

[Protomaps vs Mapbox](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/mapbox-vs-protomaps)[Protomaps vs Google Maps Platform](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/google-maps-platform-vs-protomaps)[Protomaps vs MapTiler](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/maptiler-vs-protomaps)[Protomaps vs Geoapify](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/geoapify-vs-protomaps)[Protomaps vs LocationIQ](https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/locationiq-vs-protomaps)

## 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.

## Not sure if Protomaps fits your stack?

Get a free, AI-powered tech stack tailored to your budget, app type, and team size — including the best maps & location pick for you.

[Build my stack free ](https://appstackbuilder.com/)