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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