7 Google Maps API Alternatives for 2026

Published: January 29, 2026

Clean digital illustration highlighting Google Maps API alternatives for 2026, featuring map icons, 'No Credit Card Required' sign

Google Maps has long been the go-to for web mapping, but its model has changed significantly in recent years. Since June 2018, Google requires an API key linked to a billing account (credit card) for its Maps API. The free tier was slashed from ~775,000 monthly loads to only 28,000, with costs jumping from $0.50 …

Google Maps API introduces new pricing changes

Published: May 8, 2018

If you haven’t already heard, Google Maps have made some big changes to the way they allow the use of their Google Maps API, which our WP Go Maps plugin depends on. In short, the following is important to note: All accounts now require a linked credit card in the Google API Console All users will get …