Maps Marker vs Simple Google Maps Shortcode
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | Maps Marker v3.12.10 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.6/5 Visit Details | Simple Google Maps Shortcode v1.8.3 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.6/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 9,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Last updated | December 5, 2025 | June 22, 2026 |
| Editions | Leaflet Maps Marker · Maps Marker Pro ($) | Simple Shortcode for Google Maps |
| Pros | Markers grouped into layers with icons; Shortcode and recent-markers widget; Several basemap providers to choose from | Shortcode and block for maps; Geocoding of addresses; Simple options for zoom and controls |
| Cons | Free version retired: security fixes only; Upgrade pages push the paid Maps Marker Pro; Some providers need their own keys or accounts | Needs your own Google Maps API keys; Google Cloud keys must be restricted by hand |
| Mentioned in our posts | 1 | 1 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | Markers organised into layers, Map shortcode, default name mapsmarker, Recent markers widget, Google Places address search for markers, Marker import and export tools, Basemaps from OpenStreetMap and other providers | Map shortcode, Map block, Address geocoding, Settings page for API keys |
| Integrations | ||
| Other | Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, Mapbox | Google Maps JavaScript API, Google Geocoding API |
| Requires WordPress | 3.3 | 4.6 |
| Requires PHP | 5.3 | 7.4 |
| Tested up to | 6.9 | 7.0 |
| Phones home | No | No |
| External services | maps.googleapis.com, tile.openstreetmap.org, tiles.mapbox.com | maps.googleapis.com |
| Blocks | — | 1 |
| Shortcodes | 1 | 1 |