How much does Google Maps API Cost? All Prices and Plans Explained
How much does Google Maps API Cost? All Prices and Plans Explained
The first time we used Google Maps was in 2005. With 15 years of constant reliance on Google Maps, it's not an overstatement to say that it revolutionized the way we travel across geographic boundaries. Other features include route planning, real-time traffic updates with audio instructions, and a host of other features.
Google has also developed an API to make it easier for developers to include Google Maps into their internet sites. Next-generation Google Maps API delivers more sophisticated industry-specific solutions to spur innovation.
For example, asset monitoring and real-time ride-sharing may be accomplished using these technologies. Therefore, the new Google Maps navigational experience must be integrated straight into modern applications and web applications to maximize the user experience.
Embark on an insightful journey through the landscape of location-based solutions with an in-depth look at the costs of the Google Maps API. This article meticulously dissects the various pricing tiers, subscription options, and extra charges linked with utilizing the Google Maps API. Essential for developers crafting anything from a ride-sharing application to a location-aware service, this guide sheds light on the financial aspects of incorporating Google Maps into your software project.
Latest Google Maps API Prices and Plans
Google Maps Platform APIs now provide a "pay-as-you-go" pricing mechanism, which went into effect on June 11, 2018. With this new price plan, You may use Google Maps APIs with more freedom and control. You may now utilize as much or as little as you want. To put it simply, you only pay for what you use.
There are now just three main Google cloud products, including the original 18 Google Maps Platform APIs. Each of the primary products has a different price structure since it uses Google Maps API to give personalized maps to websites and applications.
1) Google Maps - Provides dynamic maps that You may personalize, Street Views, and 360-degree views.
2) Routes - Provides and records travel instructions and traffic updates.
3) Places - Provides information such as place names, addresses, reviews, and so on.
Maps Prices and Plans
| # | Maps | Details | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Static | It displays maps as images | Free for mobile/ $2 per 1000 requests |
| 2 | Dynamic | It displays interactive and customizable maps | Free for mobile/ $7 per 1000 requests |
| 3 | Local Context | Provides detailed information on nearby places | Free during beta/ requires enabling dynamic maps- $7 CPM |
| 4 | Static street view | It Displays Non-interactive google street view 360 panoramic or thumbnail image | $7 per 1000 requests |
| 5 | Dynamic Street View | It Displays an interactive google street view 360 panoramic or thumbnail image | $14 per 1000 requests |
The much-discussed new Geolocation API allows websites and applications to expand swiftly as they increase in popularity. The new 'Pay-as-you-go' model combines the finest features of basic and premium subscriptions while also providing free customer assistance.
Routes Prices and Plans
| # | Routes | details | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DIRECTIONS | GET DIRECTIONS FOR TRANSIT, BIKING, DRIVING OR WALKING | $5 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 2 | DIRECTIONS ADVANCED | GET DIRECTIONS FOR TRANSIT, BIKING, DRIVING OR WALKING, & CALCULATE CURRENT OR FUTURE TRAVEL TIMES BASED ON REAL-TIME | $10 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 3 | DISTANCE MATRIX | DELIVER TRAVEL TIMES AND DISTANCES FOR ONE OR MORE LOCATIONS | $5 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 4 | DISTANCE MATRIX ADVANCED | DELIVER TRAVEL TIMES AND DISTANCES FOR ONE OR MORE LOCATIONS + REAL-TIME TRAFFIC | $10 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 5 | ROADS-ROUTE TRAVELED | DETERMINE THE ROUTE A VEHICLE TRAVELS | $10 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 6 | ROADS NEAREST ROAD | TAKES UP TO 100 INDEPENDENT COORDINATES, & RETURNS THE CLOSEST ROAD SEGMENT FOR EACH POINT | $10 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
| 7 | ROADS-SPEED LIMITS | RETURNS THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT FOR A GIVEN ROAD SEGMENT | $20 PER 1000 REQUESTS |
Instead of utilizing Google Maps Platform without a valid API key, the new model requires map calls and other geolocation services. Businesses with a Google cloud platform billing account and the correct API key may use this updated version.
Chronology of Google Maps Platform Developments
Google Maps for Business initially provided two plans, namely:
A.) Basic Plan
Daily use is free, with some extra usage (limited daily) payable monthly.
B.) Premium Plan
An annual, prepaid plan with no daily use limit offers against a credits-based license. It also includes Google Support.
There was a change in policy and execution with the introduction of the Google Maps system on July 16, 2018. Users using Google Maps on a regular plan, on the other hand, saw some changes to the use restrictions, while those on an Enterprise license were untouched.
Google provided credits to some of the authorized plan customers to help them go from the free license to the enterprise license more smoothly. In addition, to accommodate keyless access, several programmers implemented code modifications.
You may get $200 credit for every API monthly if you have a Google Maps platform account established after September 10, 2018. The $200 credit gives over a month equates to a free API call of $6.67 per day.
Google has significantly cut the introductory price of the Google Maps Premium plan to aid developers and encourage the corporate license. In addition, as part of the new postpaid plan, users of Google Maps APIs will be billed at the end of each billing cycle, based on how much time they spent using the service in the interim.
Also Read: RIDESHARING AND CARPOOLING APP DEVELOPMENT | HERE IS A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOU
Cost Bump for Businesses
All web and app development companies must have a Google Cloud Platform billing account and an API key. To use the free $200 credit that allows access to both dynamic and static maps, one must meet these conditions.
Developers may also use the Google Maps Platform's Routes and Places products through the credit line. However, the price increase has adversely affected organizations that cater to niches and have a smaller customer base.
Google Maps API fees are one of the most significant operational expenditures for most firms that use it, even if it is difficult to assess the actual price difference. For example, before the fee increase, app and website developers that received more than 25,000 map sessions per day had to pay $0.50 extra per 1,000 requests for a total of up to 100,000 in 24 hours.
However, with the new pricing model's insight, 1,000 further applications would now cost $7. It has also decreased from 25,000 daily free map calls to 28,000 monthly calls. To give you an example, if you create a basic map with a marker, say to indicate a specific spot, you will remain to get it for free underneath the new approach.
But, if you use the Embed API in Directions, Views, or Search mode to create a more modern product, you will be charged. Even refreshing the map with new location information is considered a separate call.
Why Use Appicial for Google API Integration
Appicial has consistently recommended Google Maps above its competition despite the price increase. Our professionals have years of expertise dealing with Google Maps APIs and are well-versed in determining which API should utilize for a specific application.
Our team feels that the amount of custom integration that we can provide using the Google Maps JavaScript API is far more sophisticated than what they can do with other available choices.
Businesses who keep within the free restrictions provided by Google will not charge, even though they sign up for the service using a credit card. However, if customers happen to go above these restrictions or Google decides to remove its $200 monthly free credit limit, they will be liable for the charges.
We feel that setting billing notifications and regular quotas in advance is the most effective method to prevent unexpected spending. If you are interested in Google Maps APIs solutions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation.
CONCLUSION
Although the Google Maps API price increase may damage small companies, some developers think that Google's advantages are compelling enough to justify paying the higher price. For example, it is constantly updated because it uses real-time data provided by its vast user base.
It was created with machine learning capabilities. As a result, it offers an improved experience between devices and organizations, encouraging teams to continue using it despite the rise in costs and other open-source solutions to replace it.
