@googlemaps/js-api-loader vs react-google-maps vs google-maps-react
Google Maps Integration Libraries for React Comparison
1 Year
@googlemaps/js-api-loaderreact-google-mapsgoogle-maps-reactSimilar Packages:
What's Google Maps Integration Libraries for React?

These libraries facilitate the integration of Google Maps into React applications, each offering unique features and approaches to streamline the process of embedding maps, markers, and other geographical elements. They cater to different use cases, from simple map displays to complex interactive applications, enhancing user experience with geographical data visualization.

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@googlemaps/js-api-loader1,754,180388228 kB289 months agoApache-2.0
react-google-maps137,5004,629-2727 years agoMIT
google-maps-react59,8411,637-2955 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: @googlemaps/js-api-loader vs react-google-maps vs google-maps-react

Ease of Use

  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    This package provides a straightforward way to load the Google Maps JavaScript API without additional abstractions. Developers can directly interact with the API, which may require more manual setup but offers flexibility in implementation.

  • react-google-maps:

    This package emphasizes a declarative approach, allowing developers to define maps and components using JSX. It provides a more intuitive way to work with maps in React, making it easier to manage state and props.

  • google-maps-react:

    This library offers a set of pre-built React components that simplify the integration of Google Maps into applications. It abstracts away many complexities, making it easier for developers to implement maps with minimal configuration.

Customization

  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    Since it directly loads the Google Maps API, this package allows for extensive customization of map features and styles. Developers have full control over the API's capabilities, enabling tailored solutions for specific needs.

  • react-google-maps:

    This package allows for a high degree of customization through its component-based architecture. Developers can easily create reusable components and manage their state, but may need to refer to the Google Maps API documentation for advanced customizations.

  • google-maps-react:

    While it offers a good level of customization through its components, it may not expose all the underlying API features. Developers can customize markers, overlays, and event handling, but some advanced features may require additional workarounds.

Performance

  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    Performance is generally high as it loads only the necessary parts of the Google Maps API. However, developers must manage performance optimizations manually, such as debouncing events or optimizing rendering.

  • react-google-maps:

    Performance is good due to its component-based structure, but developers need to be mindful of re-renders. Utilizing React's memoization techniques can help improve performance when dealing with large datasets.

  • google-maps-react:

    This library is optimized for performance with built-in features to minimize unnecessary re-renders. However, performance can be impacted if not used correctly, especially with a large number of markers or complex overlays.

Community and Support

  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    Being a lightweight loader, it has a smaller community and fewer resources compared to the other two libraries. However, it benefits from the extensive documentation of the Google Maps API itself.

  • react-google-maps:

    This package has a solid community and a good amount of documentation. However, it may not be as actively maintained as google-maps-react, so developers should check for recent updates and community activity.

  • google-maps-react:

    This library has a larger community and a wealth of resources, including tutorials and examples. It is actively maintained, which helps in resolving issues and keeping up with updates.

Integration with React

  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    This package does not provide React-specific components, requiring developers to manually integrate the Google Maps API with React's lifecycle methods, which may increase complexity.

  • react-google-maps:

    This library is designed specifically for React, allowing for a more idiomatic use of React's component model. It promotes best practices in React development, making it easier to build and maintain map-related components.

  • google-maps-react:

    It provides a seamless integration with React, offering components that align with React's paradigms, making it easier to manage state and props within the React ecosystem.

How to Choose: @googlemaps/js-api-loader vs react-google-maps vs google-maps-react
  • @googlemaps/js-api-loader:

    Choose this package if you want a lightweight solution that directly loads the Google Maps JavaScript API, allowing for maximum flexibility and control over map features without additional abstractions. It's ideal for developers who are comfortable working with the Google Maps API directly and prefer a minimalistic approach.

  • react-google-maps:

    Select this package if you are looking for a higher-level abstraction over the Google Maps API that offers a declarative way to define maps and their components. It is well-suited for developers who prefer a more React-like approach to building maps, with a focus on component reusability and state management.

  • google-maps-react:

    Opt for this package if you need a comprehensive solution that provides a set of React components for Google Maps. It simplifies the integration process and is suitable for applications that require extensive map functionalities such as markers, overlays, and event handling, while still being easy to use for React developers.

README for @googlemaps/js-api-loader

Google Maps JavaScript API Loader

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Description

Load the Google Maps JavaScript API script dynamically. This takes inspiration from the google-maps npm package but updates it with ES6, Promises, and TypeScript.

Install

Available via npm as the package @googlemaps/js-api-loader.

npm i @googlemaps/js-api-loader

Alternatively you may add the umd package directly to the html document using the unpkg link.

<script src="https://unpkg.com/@googlemaps/js-api-loader@1.x/dist/index.min.js"></script>

When adding via unpkg, the loader can be accessed at google.maps.plugins.loader.Loader.

TypeScript

TypeScript users need to install the following types package.

npm i -D @types/google.maps

Documentation

The reference documentation can be found at this link. The Google Maps JavaScript API documentation is the authoritative source for the loader options.

Example

import { Loader } from '@googlemaps/js-api-loader';

const loader = new Loader({
  apiKey: "",
  version: "weekly",
  libraries: ["places"]
});

const mapOptions = {
  center: {
    lat: 0,
    lng: 0
  },
  zoom: 4
};

Using a promise for a specific library.

// Promise for a specific library
loader
  .importLibrary('maps')
  .then(({Map}) => {
    new Map(document.getElementById("map"), mapOptions);
  })
  .catch((e) => {
    // do something
  });

Using a promise for when the script has loaded.

// Promise
loader
  .load()
  .then((google) => {
    new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), mapOptions);
  })
  .catch(e => {
    // do something
  });

Alternatively, if you want to use a callback.

// Callback
loader.loadCallback(e => {
  if (e) {
    console.log(e);
  } else {
    new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), mapOptions);
  }
});

View the package in action here.

Support

This library is community supported. We're comfortable enough with the stability and features of the library that we want you to build real production applications on it.

If you find a bug, or have a feature suggestion, please log an issue. If you'd like to contribute, please read How to Contribute.