Caddy vs MapTiler

What Caddy is

Caddy is a web server that obtains and renews TLS certificates automatically, with a configuration file most people can read.

What MapTiler is

MapTiler combines a proprietary hosted map service with APIs, map styles, global datasets and upload hosting. Its JavaScript SDK is public and BSD-licensed, but that license does not make MapTiler Cloud, built-in styles or map data open source. Cloud access requires authenticated requests, and plan rules govern commercial use, quotas, overage and attribution. The Free plan is limited to non-commercial use and R&D for commercial products, so public commercial launches need an appropriate paid agreement.

What MapTiler is built to do

Interactive map SDK

Renders browser maps through a BSD-licensed SDK built on MapLibre GL JS.

Hosted maps and styles

Serves MapTiler styles, tiles and uploaded geospatial data from Cloud.

Location APIs

Provides authenticated mapping and location services through API requests.

Plan-based usage

Meters map sessions, searches, requests, processing and storage according to plan.

Choose Caddy if

• Anyone who wants a correctly configured HTTPS server without ceremony.

Choose MapTiler if

• Interactive web maps using MapLibre-compatible tooling and managed global map delivery
• Prototypes whose use genuinely fits the Free plan terms and quotas
• Commercial products after forecasting sessions, requests, storage and required support

Skip MapTiler if

• A commercial production launch is expected to remain on the Free plan
• The project cannot display required attribution or satisfy underlying data licenses
• Offline or self-hosted operation is mandatory but the applicable product and license have not been validated

Caddy: pros & cons

• HTTPS configured correctly by default
• Configuration is short and legible
• Single binary, easy to deploy
• Smaller community than nginx
• Fewer third-party guides
• Some advanced setups need plugins

MapTiler: pros & cons

• Integrated web-map stack: Hosted tiles, styles, geocoding and other APIs connect through one account and key system.
• Open SDK code: MapTiler SDK JS is BSD-licensed and extends the open-source MapLibre GL JS renderer.
• Usage-based growth path: Free, Flex and Custom plans support prototypes through larger deployments.
• Attribution guidance: Official documentation explains required text, links and Free-plan logo treatment across media.
• Free is not a general commercial plan: Terms restrict it to non-commercial use and commercial-product research and development.
• Service and data remain licensed: Open SDK code does not grant unrestricted rights to hosted tiles, styles or datasets.
• Variable operating cost: Sessions, API requests, data processing, 3D use and storage can create separate charges or limits.
• Client keys need governance: Browser and mobile integrations expose API keys by design, so restrictions and monitoring are essential.