Simple Google Maps Shortcode vs WP Google Maps
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| Feature | Simple Google Maps Shortcode v1.8.3 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.6/5 Visit Details | WP Google Maps v10.1.10 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 3,000+ | 300,000+ |
| Last updated | June 22, 2026 | September 28, 2026 |
| Editions | Simple Shortcode for Google Maps | WP Go Maps · WP Go Maps Pro ($) |
| Pros | Shortcode and block for maps; Geocoding of addresses; Simple options for zoom and controls | Free version with unlimited markers and map themes; Choice of Google Maps, Leaflet or OpenLayers engines; Store locator and map block in the free version; Street View support on Google Maps |
| Cons | Needs your own Google Maps API keys; Google Cloud keys must be restricted by hand | Directions, categories and marker images need Pro; Google Maps engine needs a Google API key; Temporary key option sends the site URL and a site hash to the vendor |
| Mentioned in our posts | 1 | 1 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | Map shortcode, Map block, Address geocoding, Settings page for API keys | Map shortcode, Store locator, Google Maps, Leaflet and OpenLayers engines, Map block for the block editor, Elementor map widget, Map styling page, Temporary Google API key for first-time setup, Pro features menu |
| Integrations | ||
| Plugins | — | Elementor, Gutenberg block editor |
| Other | Google Maps JavaScript API, Google Geocoding API | Google Maps JavaScript API, OpenStreetMap Nominatim geocoding, WP Go Maps temporary key service |
| Requires WordPress | 4.6 | 6.0 |
| Requires PHP | 7.4 | 7.0 |
| Tested up to | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | No | No |
| External services | maps.googleapis.com | wpgmaps.us-3.evennode.com, console.cloud.google.com, maps.googleapis.com, maps.google.com, nominatim.openstreetmap.org |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Shortcodes | 1 | 1 |