Last updated: October 3, 2026. Disclosure: this page is published by the developer of MapPress, which is on the list. Install counts and ratings are from WordPress.org; prices are from each vendor’s site.
The short answer
- Best free map plugin overall: MapPress. Unlimited maps and markers, clustering and rich popups for free, no API key, and maps are edited right in the WordPress editor.
- Biggest user base: WP Go Maps, with 300,000+ installs, though its free version allows only one map.
- Best dedicated store locator: WP Store Locator, free, with search by address and opening hours.
- Best for region maps (colored countries or states): MapGeo.
- Best for developers who like shortcodes: Leaflet Map, free and open source.
Comparison at a glance
| Plugin | Best for | Free version | Paid from | Active installs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MapPress | Most sites: free, unlimited, no API key | Unlimited maps, clustering, popups, directions | $39/year (3 sites) | 30,000+ | 4.7 (147) |
| WP Go Maps | Bulk import/export, visitor-submitted markers | One map only | $69 one-time (1 site) | 300,000+ | 4.8 (3,000+) |
| WP Maps | Location listings with search in the free version | Unlimited maps, listings, filters | $39/year (3 sites) or $59 lifetime (1 site) | 60,000+ | 4.3 (122) |
| WP Store Locator | A dedicated store locator | Full store locator with hours and search | Paid add-ons (CSV import, statistics) | 40,000+ | 4.8 (312) |
| Leaflet Map | Developers comfortable with shortcodes | Everything; no paid version | Free | 30,000+ | 4.9 (58) |
| MapGeo | Colored region maps (countries, states) | Unlimited vector maps | $39.99/year (1 site) | 40,000+ | 4.5 (64) |
| Maps Marker Pro | Layered maps and GPX tracks | Free version retired in 2020 | €49 (1 site, 1 year of updates) | Paid only | — |
The plugins
1. MapPress
The best all-round free map plugin. The free version has unlimited maps and markers, popups with images and links, animated marker clustering, directions and KML/GPX tracks. Maps default to free OpenStreetMap tiles from OpenFreeMap with no API key and no cookies, and you can switch to Google Maps or Mapbox anytime. You build maps right in the Gutenberg or classic editor.
Pro ($39/year for 3 sites) adds searchable, filterable maps with visitor location and nearest-first results, custom icons, popup and list templates, and maps generated from custom fields and ACF.
Limits: no export of locations, and a smaller user base than WP Go Maps.
2. WP Go Maps
A long feature list, most across paid add-ons. Pro is a one-time license from $69, and clustering is in a separate Gold add-on.
Limits: the free version allows just one map; popups with images and directions need Pro; marker clustering costs extra even on top of Pro; and maps are built on a separate admin screen rather than in the editor. Its changelog also lists a string of security fixes in 2025–26, including cross-site scripting and unauthenticated database access.
3. WP Maps
Strong free features for location lists: unlimited maps, searchable and filterable listings below the map, clustering and Google, OpenStreetMap or Mapbox tiles. Pro is $39/year (3 sites, bundled with the vendor’s other plugins) or $59 lifetime for one site.
Limits: the lowest rating here (4.3), with about 1 in 8 reviews at one star, citing bugs and unanswered support requests. Pro is sold mainly as a membership bundled with 40+ of the vendor’s other plugins, and radius search and post integration need it.
4. WP Store Locator
A dedicated store locator rather than a general map plugin: search by address or postcode, visitor location, opening hours with “open now” badges, and a landing page per location. Works with OpenStreetMap for free, or Google, Mapbox and Stadia with a key.
Limits: it only does store locators, so it’s no help for event maps, travel routes or maps in posts. CSV import is a paid add-on, and the vendor has announced a Pro version, which may move features out of the free plugin.
5. Leaflet Map
Free and open source, with markers, shapes, GeoJSON, KML and GPX through shortcodes. No API key needed.
Limits: no visual map editor: every map, marker and shape is typed as a shortcode, so it suits developers more than content editors.
6. MapGeo (Interactive Geo Maps)
For a different job: colored vector maps of countries, states or regions, with tooltips and click actions. 250+ base maps.
Limits: not a street map. Clustering, custom markers and legends need Pro ($39.99/year per site), and recent reviews mention slow support and licensing problems.
7. Maps Marker Pro
A paid-only plugin for layered maps, GPX tracks and marker management, with a 30-day trial. Licenses from €49 for one site including a year of updates.
Limits: no free version (the old free Leaflet Maps Marker plugin was retired in 2020), and updates stop unless you renew, from €35 a year.
How to choose
- You want a few good maps on pages or posts, free, without an API key → MapPress.
- You want maps built from your posts, custom fields or ACF → MapPress Pro.
- You need to export locations or collect markers from visitors → WP Go Maps Pro.
- You run a chain of stores and want hours, “open now” and per-location pages → WP Store Locator.
- You want to color in countries or states → MapGeo.
- You’re a developer happy with shortcodes and want fully free and open source → Leaflet Map.
See also: MapPress vs WP Go Maps, free and Pro compared.
FAQ
What is the best free WordPress map plugin? For most sites, MapPress: unlimited maps and markers, clustering and popups with images are free, with no API key. If you need a full store locator with opening hours, WP Store Locator is the best free option.
Which WordPress map plugins work without a Google Maps API key? MapPress, WP Maps, WP Store Locator and Leaflet Map all offer free OpenStreetMap-based maps with no key. WP Go Maps does too if you choose a keyless engine in setup.
Which free map plugin allows unlimited maps? MapPress, WP Maps, Leaflet Map and MapGeo. WP Go Maps’ free version is limited to one map.
Do I need a Google Maps API key at all? Only if you want Google’s map tiles. Google requires a key with billing enabled, though most small sites stay within the free usage allowance.
Sources
Checked October 3, 2026: WordPress.org plugin listings for MapPress, WP Go Maps, WP Maps, WP Store Locator, Leaflet Map, MapGeo and Leaflet Maps Marker; vendor pricing pages for WP Go Maps, WP Maps Pro, MapGeo and Maps Marker Pro.