Last updated: October 3, 2026
The short answer
MapPress is the better pick if you want a free WordPress map plugin that works with no API key, plus Google Maps and Mapbox when you want them: unlimited maps and markers, popups with photos and links, and marker clustering are all in the free version. WP Go Maps’ free version allows one map. WP Go Maps’ main edge is in its paid tiers: exporting your locations, and more layouts for location lists.
MapPress Pro is a subscription from $39/year. WP Go Maps Pro is a one-time license from $69 to $299.
Free vs free
The biggest difference: WP Go Maps’ free version allows one map. MapPress Free has no limit on maps or markers.
| Feature | MapPress Free | WP Go Maps Free |
|---|---|---|
| Number of maps | Unlimited | One (Pro needed for more) |
| Markers | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Maps without an API key | Yes, it’s the default (OpenStreetMap maps from OpenFreeMap) | Yes, if you pick a keyless engine in setup |
| Where you edit maps | Right in the WordPress editor, Gutenberg or classic | On a separate admin screen, then embedded in your page |
| Popups with text, images and links | Yes | No (Pro) |
| Marker clustering | Yes, animated, with spiderfy for markers at the same spot | No (Gold add-on) |
| Directions | Yes, turn-by-turn in Google Maps | No |
| Location search | No | Basic store locator |
| Polygons, circles and lines | Yes | Polygons and polylines |
| KML and GPX tracks | Yes | No |
| Map providers | OpenFreeMap, Google, Mapbox, or any tile service with a style URL | Google, Azure Maps, OpenFreeMap and other tile services |
Pro vs paid
MapPress Pro is one subscription. WP Go Maps splits paid features across Pro, Gold (clustering) and VGM (visitor markers).
| Feature | MapPress Pro | WP Go Maps Pro + Gold + VGM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for these features | $39/year (3 sites) or $79/year (25 sites); cancel or renew anytime, and Pro keeps working if you cancel | $89 for 1 site (Pro $69 + Gold $19.99), or $99 for 5 sites with all three; each new major version must be bought again (50% off) |
| Custom marker icons | Upload, plus an icon editor with thousands of icons | Yes |
| Location search | Address search, visitor location, search radius, nearest locations listed first | Proximity search, visitor location |
| Filter markers by category | Yes (categories, tags, taxonomies) | Yes |
| List of locations beside the map | Customizable templates, sortable | Table, grid, list or carousel |
| Directions | Turn-by-turn in Google Maps | Turn-by-turn on the map, multiple waypoints |
| Import / export | Import; no export | Import CSV, JSON, KML, XML, GPX; export CSV, JSON, KML |
| Visitor-submitted markers | Via ACF front-end forms | VGM add-on |
Where MapPress is the better fit
- Unlimited free maps. WP Go Maps free stops at one map; MapPress Free has no cap on maps or markers.
- Edit maps where you write. Add markers, popups and shapes right in the post editor, Gutenberg or classic, without leaving the page you’re writing. A mashup block (Pro) builds searchable maps the same way.
- Animated clustering and spiderfy, free. Nearby markers merge into animated clusters, and markers at the same location fan out when clicked. On WP Go Maps, clustering is a paid add-on.
- More in the free version. Popups with photos and links, directions, KML and GPX tracks are free. On WP Go Maps, popup content and directions need Pro.
- Private, cookie-free maps by default. OpenFreeMap maps set no cookies and tracks no visitors. Google Maps and Mapbox can be held until consent through the Complianz integration.
- Built around WordPress content. Maps attach to any post, page or custom post type. Pro generates maps from custom fields and ACF, and assigns marker icons by category, tag or taxonomy.
- Your own popup and list layouts (Pro). Edit the templates for popups and the location list, including custom fields.
Where WP Go Maps is the better fit
- Export. Pro exports locations as CSV, JSON or KML. MapPress imports but doesn’t export.
- More list layouts. Locations can show as a table, grid or carousel as well as a list.
- Visitor-submitted markers built in. The VGM add-on handles submissions and approval; MapPress uses ACF front-end forms.
- One-time pricing. Pay once per major version.
- A bigger user base. 300,000+ active installs on WordPress.org.
Pricing and licensing
MapPress Pro is a subscription: $39/year for 3 sites or $79/year for 25 sites, with support and updates included. Cancel or renew anytime, and Pro keeps working if you cancel; you just stop receiving updates.
WP Go Maps sells one-time licenses: $69 for one site, $99 for five sites, $299 for unlimited sites. Marker clustering is in the separate Gold add-on: from $19.99 one-time, or bundled in the $99 and $299 tiers. The $69 and $99 licenses cover version 10 only; each new major version must be bought again, at 50% off.
If all you need is clustered maps with rich popups, MapPress does that for free. On WP Go Maps, popup content needs Pro and clustering needs Gold.
How to choose
- You want a good-looking map on a page or post, free, with no API key → MapPress Free.
- You want maps built from your posts, custom fields or ACF, with category filters → MapPress Pro.
- You care about privacy or cookie consent → MapPress with OpenFreeMap maps.
- You need to export your locations to other tools → WP Go Maps Pro.
- You want a store-locator-style map with address search, visitor location and filters → MapPress Pro.
See also: the best WordPress map plugins compared.
FAQ
Is MapPress free? Yes. The free version has unlimited maps and markers with no caps. Pro adds features but removes no limits.
Does MapPress need a Google Maps API key? No. The default maps come from OpenFreeMap, a free OpenStreetMap service with no key, no billing and no cookies. A key is only needed if you choose Google Maps or Mapbox.
What is the best free WordPress map plugin? For most sites, MapPress: unlimited maps and markers, clustering and popups with images are all free, with no API key needed. WP Go Maps’ free version is limited to one map.
Does MapPress work with Google Maps? Yes. Add a Google Maps API key in the settings to use Google Maps, including Street View and traffic layers. You can also use Mapbox, or free OpenStreetMap maps with no key.
How many maps does WP Go Maps free allow? One. Its free version asks you to upgrade to Pro to create more maps. MapPress Free has no limit on maps or markers.
Does WP Go Maps free include marker clustering? No. Clustering is in the WP Go Maps Gold add-on. MapPress includes clustering free.
Can MapPress show directions? Yes, in the free version. A directions link opens the route in Google Maps, whichever map engine you use.
Can MapPress search and filter locations? Yes, in Pro. Mashup maps let visitors search by address, use their current location, and filter by category, tag or taxonomy.
Can I switch map providers later? Yes. MapPress stores maps independently of the provider, so you can switch between OpenFreeMap, Google and Mapbox without losing data.
Sources
Checked October 2026: MapPress on WordPress.org and mappresspro.com; WP Go Maps on WordPress.org, its features page and its pricing page; the WP Go Maps free plugin, version 10.1.