The Best Free Geocoding APIs Available: Ultimate List

Finding the best free geocoding API can significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your location-based applications. Whether you’re working on mapping services, logistics, or location data visualization, a reliable geocoding API is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best free geocoding APIs available, highlighting their key features, free tier limitations, and pricing plans to help you make an informed decision.

List of Best Geocoding APIs

‍

1. Ambee Geocoding API

Overview: A reliable geocoding API known for its global coverage and precision.‍

Features: Global coverage, dynamic address sub-fields, lightning-fast conversion, easy integration including environmental data (air quality, pollen, weather, natural disasters heatmaps), scalable infrastructure, high accuracy, and precision.‍

Free Tier: Up to 3000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Starting from $0.83 per 1000 requests.

Documentation: Ambee’s geocoding API documentation.

‍

2. Maptive

Overview: A business-oriented mapping platform with built-in geocoding capabilities.‍

Features: Fully customizable maps, support for small or large data sets, customizable map positions and zoom levels, and the ability to hide/restrict data viewing.

Free Tier: Up to 2500 requests per day.

Paid Plans: 45 days pass—$250, Pro—$1250, Team—$2500, Enterprise—custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://answers.maptive.com/

‍

3. Positionstack

Overview: Known for simplicity and ease of use, ideal for quick integration.

Features: Real-time geocoding of global addresses, scalable cloud infrastructure, response times of 10-100ms, supports forward and reverse geocoding, batch processing capabilities.

Free Tier: Up to 25,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Basic—$9.99, Professional—$49.99, Business—$99.99, Enterprise—custom pricing.

Documentation: https://positionstack.com/

‍

4. IPStack

Overview: A reliable IP address to location API and database service.‍

Features: Real-time IP address to location JSON API, supports IPv4 and IPv6 lookups.

Free Tier: Up to 100 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Basic—$11.99, Professional—$52.99, Professional Plus—$84.99, Enterprise—custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://ipstack.com/documentation

‍

5. QGIS Geocoding

Overview: Open-source geocoding plugins and APIs licensed under the GNU General Public License.‍

Features: Includes OSM Place Search for address lookups.

Free Tier: No usage limits as it is open-source.

Paid Plans: Not available.‍

Documentation: https://www.qgis.org/en/docs/

‍

6. Google Maps

Overview: A highly reliable and widely used geocoding API with detailed results.‍

Features: Converts addresses to coordinates and vice versa (reverse geocoding), autocomplete functionality, supports multiple languages, and provides detailed place information.

Free Tier: Up to 28,500 requests per month.

Paid Plans: $5.00 per 1,000 requests for up to 100,000 requests, $4.00 per 1,000 requests for 100,001–500,000 requests, custom pricing for 500,000+ requests.‍

Documentation: https://developers.google.com/maps/

‍

7. TravelTime Search API Geocoder

Overview: Converts addresses into coordinates displayed on a map for visualizing search results and viewing address lists.‍

Features: Allows users to visualize search results and view address lists.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://docs.traveltime.com/api/

‍

8. GPS Visualizer’s Quick Geocoder

Overview: Offers batch geocoding using services like Google, supporting various data formats.‍

Features: Batch geocoding of multiple addresses.

Free Tier: Free to use with limitations on batch processing.

Paid Plans: Not available.‍

Documentation: https://www.gpsvisualizer.com/tutorials/

‍

9. Location IQ

Overview: A cost-effective geocoding service popular among startups and small businesses.‍

Features: High-accuracy geocoding, reverse geocoding, maps, batch geocoding, multiple language support.

Free Tier: Up to 5,000 requests per day.‍

Paid Plans: Maps Lite—$45, Developer—$100, Startup—$200, Growth Plus—$500, Business Plus—$950, Enterprise—custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://docs.locationiq.com/docs/

‍

10. Mapbox API

Overview: Provides high-quality geocoding with global data coverage and customization options.‍

Features: High-quality geocoding, global data coverage, customization options, and additional location-based services.

Free Tier: Up to 100,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: $5.00 per 1,000 requests for 1-500,000 requests, $4.00 per 1,000 requests for 500,001+ requests, contact for custom pricing for 1,000,000+ requests.‍

Documentation: https://docs.mapbox.com/api/maps/

‍

11. OpenStreetMap Nominatim

Overview: Free and open-source geocoding service based on OpenStreetMap data.‍

Features: Global coverage and flexible customization options.

Free Tier: No official limits, but usage policies recommend moderate use.

Paid Plans: Not available.‍

Documentation: https://nominatim.org/release-docs/latest/api/Overview/

‍

12. TomTom

Overview: A robust geocoding API from a company known for its GPS devices.‍

Features: Reliable geocoding services with global coverage, reverse geocoding, batch processing capabilities, and detailed place information.

Free Tier: Up to 2,500 non-tile and 50,000 tile requests per day.

Paid Plans: €0.75 per 1,000 requests, Enterprise—custom pricing.

Documentation: https://developer.tomtom.com/

‍

13. HERE

Overview: A powerful mapping service with a robust and feature-rich geocoding API.‍

Features: Comprehensive geocoding with rich location data, high accuracy, detailed results, and forward and reverse geocoding.

Free Tier: Up to 30,000 transactions per month.

Paid Plans: $0.830 per 1,000 requests for 30,001 to 5,000,000 requests, $0.660 per 1,000 requests for 5,000,001 to 10,000,000 requests, contact for custom pricing for 10,000,001+ requests.‍

Documentation: https://www.here.com/docs/

‍

14. OpenCage Geocoder

Overview: Combines multiple data sources, ideal for those who prefer open data.‍

Features: Global coverage, forward and reverse geocoding, supports multiple languages and formats.

Free Tier: Up to 2,500 requests per day.

Paid Plans: X-Small—$50 per month, Small—$125 per month, Medium—$500 per month, Large—$1,000 per month, Enterprise—from $2,000 per month.‍

Documentation: https://opencagedata.com/api

‍

15. Mapquest Developer

Overview: Offers reliable geocoding services— a veteran in the online maps industry.‍

Features: Geocoding and reverse geocoding services, detailed place information, and support batch geocoding.

Free Tier: Up to 15,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Basic—$119 per month, Plus—$249 per month, Business—$499 per month, Business Plus—$949 per month, Enterprise—contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: hhttps://developer.mapquest.com/

‍

16. Geoapify

Overview: Offers high-accuracy geocoding with customizable options.‍

Features: High-accuracy geocoding with customizable options.

Free Tier: Up to 3,000 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://apidocs.geoapify.com/docs/

‍

17. Pitney Bowes

Overview: Provides enterprise-level geocoding services with high precision.‍

Features: Enterprise-level geocoding services with high precision.

Free Tier: Available with limited requests.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://docs.shippingapi.pitneybowes.com

‍

18. Geoconcept

Overview: Offers geocoding and routing services.‍

Features: Geocoding and routing services.

Free Tier: Up to 2,000 requests.

Paid Plans: Territory Manager—€6,000, API—from €6,000.‍

Documentation: https://mynomadia.com/doc/gcweb/

‍

19. OpenLayers

Overview: An open-source geospatial JavaScript library with geocoding capabilities.‍

Features: Open-source geospatial JavaScript library with geocoding capabilities.

Free Tier: No specific limits as it is open-source.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://openlayers.org/doc/

‍

20. Precisely Geocoding

Overview: Provides high-accuracy geocoding and reverse geocoding services.‍

Features: High-accuracy geocoding and reverse geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 2,500 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Basic—$50, Professional—$900, Enterprise—custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://developer.precisely.com/

‍

21. US Census Geocoder

Overview: A basic but reliable geocoding API for US addresses.‍

Features: Reliable for US addresses and straightforward API.

Free Tier: Free to use with no explicit limits.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/technical-documentation/

‍

22. Sygic

Overview: Provides high-accuracy geocoding with global coverage.‍

Features: High-accuracy geocoding with global coverage.

Free Tier: Available with limited requests.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://developers.sygic.com/maps-sdk/

‍

23. Smarty

Overview: Accurate geocoding and address validation services.‍

Features: Provides high-accuracy geocoding and address validation.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Business—$20, Professional—$200, Unlimited—contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://www.smarty.com/docs

‍

24. Boundaries-io

Overview: Geocoding with boundary data for various regions.‍

Features: Integrates boundary data with geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 50 requests per day.

Paid Plans: $27 for 5,000 requests per day, $55 for 20,000 requests per day, and $95 for 200,000 requests per day.‍

Documentation: https://www.boundaries.io/

‍

25. GeoDB Cities API

Overview: Focuses on city data for geocoding.‍

Features: Specializes in geocoding and information on city data.

Free Tier: Up to 86,400 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Pro—$10 per month, Pro GQL—$15 per month, Ultra—$25 per month, Ultra GQL—$30 per month, Self-Hosted—$50 per month.‍

Documentation: http://geodb-cities-api.wirefreethought.com/

‍

26. TrueWay Matrix API

Overview: Geocoding and routing services with travel time data.‍

Features: Includes geocoding, routing, and travel time calculations.

Free Tier: Up to 1,500 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Professional—44.12€ per month, Ultra—89.14€ per month, Mega—359.25€ per month.‍

Documentation: https://truewayapi.com/

‍

27. OpenWeatherMap Geocoding API

Overview: Integrates geocoding with weather data.‍

Features: Combines geocoding services with weather data.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://openweathermap.org/api/

‍

28. Maps.co Geocoding API

Overview: Free and simple geocoding services.‍

Features: Provides straightforward geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: For 3,000,000 requests per month—$39, for 12,500,000 requests per month—$100, for 25,000,000 requests per month—$170.‍

Documentation: https://geocode.maps.co/

‍

29. Distance Matrix - Direct Geocoding API

Overview: Geocoding with distance matrix calculations.‍

Features: Includes geocoding and distance matrix features.

Free Tier: Up to 1,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: $2 per 1,000 requests up to 100,000 requests, $1.6 per 1,000 requests for 100,001-300,000 requests, $1.25 per 1,000 requests for 300,001-500,000 requests, $1 per 1,000 requests for over 500,000 requests.‍

Documentation: https://distancematrix.ai/geocoding-api

‍

30. MapTiler Geocoding API

Overview: High-accuracy geocoding with global coverage.‍

Features: Provides global geocoding services with high accuracy.

Free Tier: Up to 100,000 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Flex—$25 for 500,000 requests, Unlimited—$295 for 5,000,000 requests, Enterprise—contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://docs.maptiler.com/client-js/geocoding/

‍

31. Open-Meteo Geocoding API

Overview: Integrates geocoding with weather forecast data.‍

Features: Provides geocoding services with weather data integration.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Standard—€29 per month, Professional—€99 per month, Enterprise—contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://open-meteo.com/en/docs/geocoding-api

‍

32. Mappls

Overview: Comprehensive geocoding services with global data.‍

Features: Offers extensive geocoding services with a wide range of data.

Free Tier: Available with limited requests.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://developer.mappls.com/

‍

33. Radar

Overview: Geocoding with location context and region data.‍

Features: Integrates location context and regional data with geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 100,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Core pricing starts at $0.50 per 1K calls, and premium pricing starts at $2 per 1K calls.‍

Documentation: https://radar.com/documentation/

‍

34. ArcGIS Developers

Overview: Full suite of geocoding services and geospatial data.‍

Features: Provides comprehensive geocoding services along with extensive geospatial data.

Free Tier: Up to 20,000 requests per user.

Paid Plans: $4 per every 1,000 requests.‍

Documentation: https://developers.arcgis.com/

35. Digitransit

Overview: Geocoding with public transport data.‍

Features: Combines geocoding services with public transportation data.

Free Tier: Available with limited requests.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://digitransit.fi/en/developers/apis/

‍

36. Amazon Location Service

Overview: Comprehensive geocoding and location services.‍

Features: Provides geocoding and location services within the AWS ecosystem.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: The price for commercial data providers is $0.040 per 1,000 requests, and for open data, it is $0.035 per 1,000 requests.‍

Documentation: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/location/

‍

37. API Ninjas

Overview: Simple and fast geocoding services.‍

Features: Offers quick and straightforward geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Learner—$23 per month, Developer—$49 per month, and Business—$159 per month.‍

Documentation: https://api-ninjas.com/api/geocoding

‍

38. TAMU

Overview: Geocoding service provided by Texas A&M University.‍

Features: Accurate geocoding services offered by an academic institution.

Free Tier: Up to 2,500 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://geoservices.tamu.edu/Services/

‍

39. Loqate

Overview: High-accuracy geocoding and address validation.‍

Features: Provides precise geocoding and address validation services.

Free Tier: Up to 700 requests over 14 days.

Paid Plans: Start-up—$19, Growth—$114, Advanced—$800, Ultimate—$1,650.‍

Documentation: https://www.loqate.com/developers/

‍

40. Azure Maps

Overview: Geocoding services are part of the Azure ecosystem.‍

Features: Integrates with Microsoft Azure for comprehensive geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 5,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Up to 500K requests $4.50. Custom pricing for more than 500K requests.‍

Documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-maps/

‍

41. Trimble Maps

Overview: Geocoding and mapping services with high accuracy.‍

Features: Offers precise geocoding and mapping services.

Free Tier: Available with limited requests.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://developer.trimblemaps.com/

‍

42. Geocodio

Overview: User-friendly geocoding service suitable for small projects and prototypes.‍

Features: Accurate geocoding and data enrichment, easy-to-use API, forward and reverse geocoding, data appending capabilities.

Free Tier: Up to 2,500 requests per day.

Paid Plans: Pay as You Go at $0.50 per 1,000 lookups, Unlimited starts at $1,000 per month, and Enterprise starts at $2,500 per month.‍

Documentation: https://www.geocod.io/docs/

‍

43. Localities API

Overview: Geocoding focused on locality data.‍

Features: Specializes in location data for geocoding.

Free Tier: Up to 10,000 requests per month.

Paid Plans: Pay As You Go at $2.50 per 1,000 requests, Pay Monthly starts at $40 per month.‍

Documentation: https://developers.woosmap.com/

‍

44. Yandex Geocoder API

Overview: Comprehensive geocoding services by Yandex.‍

Features: Provides extensive geocoding services.

Free Tier: Up to 250,000 requests per year.

Paid Plans: Basic—$13,000 per year, Advanced—from $13,000 per year.‍

Documentation: https://yandex.com/dev

‍

45. PostGrid

Overview: Geocoding and address validation services.‍

Features: Accurate geocoding and address validation.

Free Tier: Up to 100 requests on sign-up.

Paid Plans: Essential—$18 per month, Business—$40 per month, Growth—$200 per month, Enterprise—contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://avdocs.postgrid.com/#geocoding

‍

46. Locations API

Overview: Enterprise-level geocoding and location services.‍

Features: Provides robust geocoding and location services.

Free Tier: Up to 100 requests per user.

Paid Plans: Pay as you go—$2.50 per 1,000 requests, or Pay Monthly—starting at $40 per 25,000 requests.‍

Documentation: www.valueserp.com/docs/locations-api/overview

‍

47. SAP Help Portal

Overview: Enterprise-level geocoding and location services.‍

Features: Comprehensive geocoding services for enterprise applications.

Free Tier: Not available.

Paid Plans: Contact for custom pricing.‍

Documentation: https://help.sap.com/docs/

‍

Criteria for Selecting the Right Geocoding API

When choosing a free geocoding API, consider the following factors:

• Accuracy and Precision: Ensure consistent, highly accurate results for various location types.
• Geographic Coverage: Verify support for regions relevant to your project.
• Speed and Performance: Evaluate processing speed, especially for real-time applications.
• Feature Functionality: Consider additional features like reverse geocoding and batch processing.
• Cost and Free Tier Limits: Understand usage limitations and scalability options.
• Ease of Use and Integration: Look for APIs with comprehensive documentation and easy integration.
• Reliability and Uptime: Choose APIs with high availability to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Documentation and Support: Prioritize APIs with robust documentation and active support.‍
• Community Reputation: Research user reviews and case studies for real-world performance insights.

‍

Selecting the right geocoding API is crucial for the success of your location-based application. Each of the APIs listed above offers unique features and benefits. We recommend thoroughly exploring their documentation and testing their free tiers to find the best fit for your specific project needs.

‍

Ready to enhance your application with accurate geocoding? Start by trying out Ambee’s Geocoding API today!

‍

For personalized recommendations or further assistance, feel free to contact our team of geocoding experts.