Maptera vs Mapular
Two of the only store locators in the category with a permanent free plan rather than a trial. The differences are free-tier size, platform reach beyond Shopify, and whether you ever need an API.
The verdict, up front
Choose Maptera
if you need more than five locations free, want native Wix as well as Shopify or a universal embed for any other site, want SEO location pages generated automatically, or will eventually want REST API access on a published plan.
Choose Mapular
if you are Shopify-only, have five or fewer locations, and want fine-grained visual control over the map — Mapular offers a choice of map providers and detailed styling, and its free tier costs nothing to try.
At a Glance
| Feature | Maptera | Mapular |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan (not a trial) | Yes — 10 locations | Yes — 5 locations |
| Free trial on paid plans | 14 days | 7 days |
| Entry paid price | $9/month | $9.99/month (50 locations) |
| Locations at entry tier | 100 | 50 |
| Top published tier | $19/mo — 5,000 locations | $44.99/mo — 5,000 locations |
| Native Shopify app | Yes (theme block) | Yes |
| Native Wix app | Yes | No |
| Universal embed (any site) | Yes | Shopify-focused |
| SEO location pages | Yes (auto-generated) | Not published |
| REST API | Scale plan | Not published |
| Map provider choice | Hosted, no key required | Google, Mapbox or OSM |
| Built-in search analytics | Paid plans | Advanced tier ($19.99/mo) |
| Shopify App Store reviews | Listed | 5.0 across 8 reviews |
Maptera tiers from our published pricing; Mapular details reflect publicly available information as of August 2026 and may change.
The free plans, compared honestly
This is a rare comparison in the category, because both products have a permanent free plan rather than a countdown trial. Most competitors have neither.
Mapular's free tier covers 5 locations. Maptera's covers 10. For a single-shop business either is fine; for anything with a handful of sites the difference decides it. Both keep vendor branding on the free tier.
What Maptera's free tier additionally includes, and which matters more than the location count for some buyers, is the auto-generated indexable location page per site — the part of a locator that produces organic traffic rather than just serving visitors you already have. More on that in the free store locator breakdown.
Platform reach is the real divergence
Mapular is a Shopify-first product, distributed and reviewed through the Shopify App Store. If your storefront is Shopify and will stay Shopify, that focus is a feature rather than a limitation.
Maptera has a native Shopify app and a native Wix app, plus a universal embed that works on Squarespace, WordPress, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Webflow and anything else that renders HTML. If you run a brand site separate from your store, or you may move platforms, that breadth is the deciding factor — see the install hub.
Where Mapular is genuinely better
- Choice of map provider — Google, Mapbox or OpenStreetMap — which matters if you have a house style or an existing mapping relationship.
- Fine-grained visual control over colours, fonts, map styles, pin icons and layout.
- A slightly cheaper first paid step at $9.99/month, and annual billing that works out lower again.
- Search and click analytics from its Advanced tier at $19.99/month.
Where Maptera is genuinely better
- Twice the free-tier location allowance, and 100 locations at $9/month against 50 at $9.99.
- Native Wix app and a universal embed, not just Shopify.
- Auto-generated SEO location pages with structured data, on every tier.
- A published REST API on the Scale plan at $19/month.
- 2,000 locations at $15/month for larger stockist and franchise networks.
One thing worth weighing rather than scoring: Mapular has a small published review base — 5.0 across 8 Shopify App Store reviews as of August 2026. That is a good rating on a thin sample, which is different from a proven track record. Stockist, by contrast, holds 5.0 across 323 reviews.
Where to go next
Prefer the switching-guide framing? Read the Mapular alternative guide. Shopify shoppers should also see Maptera vs Stockist and the best Shopify store locator apps roundup.
Comparing on price across the whole category: store locator software pricing compared. Everything else is in the comparison hub.
Sources
Mapular details checked August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mapular or Maptera cheaper?
At the very first paid step Mapular is marginally cheaper — $9.99/month for 50 locations against $9/month for 100. Per location, Maptera is cheaper immediately, and the gap widens at every tier above that. On the free plans, Maptera allows 10 locations against Mapular's 5. Prices as of August 2026.
Do both have a real free plan?
Yes, and it is unusual — most of this category offers a trial with a countdown instead. Mapular free covers 5 locations, Maptera free covers 10, and both keep vendor branding on the widget.
Which is better for Shopify?
Both install as native Shopify apps and both work well. Mapular is Shopify-first with more granular map styling; Maptera adds SEO location pages and a path off Shopify if you ever need one. If Shopify is your only surface and design control is the priority, Mapular is a reasonable pick.
Does Mapular generate SEO location pages?
Not according to its published feature list as of August 2026. Maptera generates an indexable page per location with structured data and a sitemap entry on every plan, which is the clearest functional difference between the two.
Can I move from Mapular to Maptera?
Yes. Export your locations as a CSV, import them into Maptera, and let the geocoder resolve the addresses. Then install the native Shopify app or paste the universal embed.
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