Cartes.io vs ipapi.co

Cartes.io is an open-source platform for creating and sharing custom maps with markers, letting anyone plot points, GeoJSON shapes, and metadata without running their own server. Reading public maps and markers needs no signup — write access is optional and controlled per map, either open to anyone or gated behind a token issued when the map or marker is created. The API returns JSON by default and GeoJSON on request, and the project ships official Python and NPM packages alongside its hosted instance at cartes.io.

ipapi.co geolocates an IP address and returns the result as JSON, XML, or YAML without requiring an API key for light use, though the no-key path is rate-limited and marketed by the vendor as a free trial rather than a permanent free tier. Paid subscriptions start at $15/month (or $12/month billed annually) for 60,000 lookups/month, scaling up to $399/month for 15 million/month.