Free Google Maps Embed Generators: 7 Tools Compared
Looking for the best free tool to embed Google Maps on your website? With so many options available, choosing the right map generator can save you hours of frustration.
We tested 7 popular free Google Maps embed generators to help you find the perfect fit. This comparison covers features, ease of use, limitations, and our honest recommendations.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Customization | Image Export | API Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maps Generator | High | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | All users |
| Google Maps Share | Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No | Quick embeds |
| Embed Google Map | Medium | ❌ No | ❌ No | Beginners |
| Maps.ie Generator | Medium | ❌ No | ❌ No | Basic needs |
| Google Maps API | Very High | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required | Developers |
| Snazzy Maps | Very High | ❌ No | ✅ Required | Custom styles |
| MapBox | Very High | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required | Advanced users |
Detailed Tool Reviews
1. Maps Generator (This Tool) ⭐ Our Pick
What it does: Full-featured map embed generator with customization options and PNG/JPG export functionality. No API key required.
✅ Pros
- No API key needed
- Export maps as images (PNG/JPG)
- Full size customization (width/height)
- Zoom level control (1-20)
- Multiple map types (roadmap, satellite, hybrid, terrain)
- Clean, intuitive interface
- One-click copy embed code
- Image preview before download
❌ Cons
- Single location only (no multiple pins)
- Limited advanced styling options
Best for: Website owners, small businesses, marketers, real estate agents, restaurants—anyone who needs quick, professional map embeds or images without technical knowledge.
Try Maps Generator →2. Google Maps Share Button
What it does: Google's built-in share feature (right in Google Maps) generates basic embed codes.
✅ Pros
- Official Google tool
- Free and reliable
- No extra website needed
- Shows reviews and ratings
❌ Cons
- Very limited customization
- Fixed sizes only
- No image export
- Can't adjust zoom easily
- Includes Google branding/UI
Best for: Quick, one-time embeds when you don't need customization.
3. Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net)
What it does: Third-party embed generator with size and zoom customization.
✅ Pros
- No API key required
- Size customization
- Zoom control
- Simple interface
❌ Cons
- No image export
- Basic map type options
- Outdated interface
- Ads on the page
Best for: Beginners who want basic customization without complexity.
4. Maps.ie Google Maps Generator
What it does: Another third-party tool with similar features to embedgooglemap.net.
✅ Pros
- Free to use
- No registration needed
- Customizable dimensions
❌ Cons
- Limited features
- No export options
- Clunky UI
- Sometimes slow to load
Best for: Users with very basic embedding needs.
5. Google Maps JavaScript API
What it does: Google's official developer API for fully customized map implementations.
✅ Pros
- Unlimited customization
- Multiple markers/routes
- Custom styling
- Interactive features
- Static Map API for images
❌ Cons
- Requires API key setup
- Needs coding knowledge
- Billing required (free tier available)
- Complex documentation
- Time-intensive setup
Best for: Developers building custom applications with advanced map features.
6. Snazzy Maps
What it does: Custom styled map generator with beautiful pre-made themes.
✅ Pros
- Beautiful custom styles
- Large theme library
- Great for branding
- Active community
❌ Cons
- Requires Google Maps API key
- Needs coding to implement
- No image export
- Learning curve
Best for: Designers and developers who want stylish, brand-matched maps.
7. MapBox
What it does: Alternative to Google Maps with powerful customization and its own mapping data.
✅ Pros
- Extremely customizable
- Beautiful default styles
- Static map API
- More generous free tier
- Better performance
❌ Cons
- Requires API key
- Different from Google Maps
- Steeper learning curve
- Not Google's POI data
Best for: Advanced users who want maximum control and don't mind using non-Google maps.
How to Choose the Right Tool
Choose Maps Generator (this tool) if you:
- Want both embed codes AND downloadable map images
- Need customization without technical knowledge
- Don't want to deal with API keys
- Run a small business, restaurant, or real estate agency
- Need maps for social media, email, or print materials
Choose Google's Share Button if you:
- Need a quick, one-time embed
- Don't care about customization
- Want to show Google reviews/ratings
Choose Google Maps API if you:
- Have coding experience
- Need multiple markers or routes
- Want complete control over functionality
- Are building a custom application
Choose Snazzy Maps or MapBox if you:
- Need maps that match your brand
- Have development resources
- Want unique, stylized maps
- Don't mind the API setup
💡 Our Recommendation: For 90% of users (small businesses, marketers, realtors, restaurants), Maps Generator provides the best balance of features, ease of use, and no technical requirements. It's the only tool in this list that lets you both embed AND export map images without an API key.
Feature Comparison Breakdown
1. Customization Options
- Best: Google Maps API, MapBox (unlimited)
- Great: Maps Generator, Snazzy Maps (extensive)
- Good: Embed Google Map, Maps.ie (basic)
- Limited: Google Share Button (minimal)
2. Ease of Use
- Easiest: Maps Generator, Google Share Button
- Easy: Embed Google Map, Maps.ie
- Moderate: Snazzy Maps
- Complex: Google Maps API, MapBox
3. Image Export
- Built-in: Maps Generator (PNG/JPG, instant)
- Via API: Google Static Maps API, MapBox
- Not Available: All other tools
4. Cost & Requirements
- 100% Free, No Setup: Maps Generator, Google Share, Embed Google Map, Maps.ie
- Free Tier, API Required: Google Maps API, MapBox, Snazzy Maps
Real-World Use Cases
Scenario 1: Restaurant Website
Need: Embed map on contact page + map image for Instagram
Best Tool: Maps Generator (get both in one place)
Scenario 2: Real Estate Listing
Need: High-quality map images for property listings
Best Tool: Maps Generator (export feature perfect for this)
Scenario 3: Event Website
Need: Simple embed showing venue location
Best Tool: Google Share Button or Maps Generator
Scenario 4: Custom Web App
Need: Interactive map with multiple markers, routes, custom UI
Best Tool: Google Maps JavaScript API or MapBox
Scenario 5: Design Agency Portfolio
Need: Stylish, brand-matched map
Best Tool: Snazzy Maps or MapBox
Common Questions
Can I use these tools for commercial websites?
Yes, all tools in this comparison allow commercial use. However, review Google's Terms of Service and any API usage limits.
Will my embedded map stay updated?
Yes, embedded maps pull data directly from Google Maps, so roads, businesses, and other information update automatically. Exported images are static and won't change.
Do I need to credit Google?
Google's attribution is automatically included in embeds. For exported images, Google's logo appears automatically via the Static Maps API.
What about privacy and GDPR?
Embedded Google Maps may require a privacy policy notice as they can collect user data. Consult with legal counsel for your specific situation.
Final Verdict
After testing all 7 tools, here's our ranking:
- Maps Generator - Best all-around for most users (embed + export)
- Google Maps API - Best for developers needing full control
- Snazzy Maps - Best for custom styling
- Embed Google Map - Best free alternative for basic embeds
- MapBox - Best Google alternative
- Google Share Button - Best for quick, simple embeds
- Maps.ie - Basic option but nothing special
Bottom Line: Unless you're a developer building custom functionality or a designer needing extensive styling, Maps Generator provides everything you need without the complexity or API setup.