API KEY for Google Maps vs Maps Widget for Google Maps (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
API KEY for Google Maps
40K+ active installs
Free
Maps Widget for Google Maps
30K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, API KEY for Google Maps has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 55 reviews) and leads in active installations (40K+ vs 30K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. API KEY for Google Maps has accumulated 810K+ total downloads while Maps Widget for Google Maps has 2.5M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | API KEY for Google Maps | Maps Widget for Google Maps | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 55 | ► | 512 |
| Active Installs | 40K+ | ◄ | 30K+ |
| Total Downloads | 810K+ | ► | 2.5M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 4 months ago | ► | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2016 | 2012 | |
| Age | 10 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.0+ | 4.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.2+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.2.14 | 4.27 |
Rating Breakdown
API KEY for Google Maps
Maps Widget for Google Maps
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, API KEY for Google Maps averaged approximately 103 daily downloads while Maps Widget for Google Maps averaged 87.
Recent Reviews
API KEY for Google Maps Reviews
didn’t do anything apparently
followed the easy instructions and checked on the mapfix.dev page and says it can’t find api key or api calls but there is no help to fix it, so not sure what this plugin is supposed to do.
Nice Plugin
The plugin is simple and functional
Excelente
Después de buscar tantos tutoriales de como resolver mi problema, encuentre este plugin que por fin resolvió y genero mi API key sin problema
Maps Widget for Google Maps Reviews
Another Useless Advert Plugin
Yet another useless plugin that’s just an advertisement for their paid version. Not worth installing.
Terrible!! In the free version all options, imports are disabled.
Disappointing! In the free version, all options and imports are disabled, forcing you to purchase the PRO version. Don’t waste your time with the free version at all.
Takes lots of money to make it useful !
They say it’s free, but you can’t use it – add pins, save locations etc. without paying ALOT of money. I’m going to keep looking for an alternative.
More Google Maps Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as API KEY for Google Maps and Maps Widget for Google Maps
The easiest to use Google maps plugin! Create a custom Google map, map block, store locator or map widget with high quality markers containing categor …
WordPress map plugin for Google Maps, OpenStreetMap & Mapbox with store locator, filterable listings & custom markers.
An easy to use location management system that enables users to search for nearby physical stores.
Apply styles to your Google Maps with the official Snazzy Maps WordPress plugin.
MapPress is the easiest way to add unlimited interactive Google and Leaflet maps to WordPress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is API KEY for Google Maps or Maps Widget for Google Maps more popular?
Which has better ratings — API KEY for Google Maps or Maps Widget for Google Maps?
Are API KEY for Google Maps and Maps Widget for Google Maps free?
Which plugin has better support — API KEY for Google Maps or Maps Widget for Google Maps?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.