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Free Plugin by WebFactory v4.27

Maps Widget for Google Maps

Are your Google Maps slow? Try Map Widget for Google Maps. You'll have a fast Google Maps widget with a thumbnail & lightbox map in minutes!

Maps Widget for Google Maps

The facts

Rating
4.6★ from 512
Active installs
30k+
Price
Free
Last updated
16 Aug 2026
Added
Aug 2012
Requires WP
4.0
Tested up to
WP 7.1
Requires PHP
7.2
Downloads
2,499,745

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Maps Widget for Google Maps is a WordPress plugin that allows you to easily add Google Maps to your site. It provides options for both thumbnail and interactive maps, utilising the Google Maps Static Maps API for faster loading times. The plugin is designed for users who want a straightforward solution for embedding maps without extensive setup or technical knowledge.

This plugin is suitable for anyone looking to enhance their website with maps, such as businesses wanting to show locations, event organisers needing to provide directions, or bloggers sharing travel information. The free version offers basic functionalities, while the PRO version includes additional features for more advanced needs.

Best for: This plugin suits individuals or businesses looking to integrate Google Maps into their WordPress site with minimal setup.

What it does well

  • Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
  • Fast loading times due to the Static Maps API
  • Customisable map options including size, type, and colour schemes
  • Supports both thumbnail and interactive map displays
  • Active user base of over 30,000 installations

Where it falls short

  • Limited features in the free version compared to PRO
  • Some advanced functionalities require the PRO version

Verdict

Maps Widget for Google Maps provides a simple way to add maps to your site, though advanced features are locked behind a paywall. It is a practical option for users needing basic mapping capabilities.

From the developer

WebFactory's own description of Maps Widget for Google Maps, lightly tidied.

Tired of buggy & slow Google Maps plugins that take hours to setup? With Maps Widget for Google Maps you’ll have a perfect map with a thumbnail & lightbox in minutes! No nonsense Google maps – we know you’re in a hurry! Join 100,000+ happy Google maps users. If you’ve already switched to Gutenberg grab our free Google Maps Gutenberg Block plugin.

Check out some examples on the Maps Widget for Google Maps site or give us a shout on Twitter @WebFactoryLtd.

General Google Maps Widget options

  • title
  • address

Thumbnail Google map options

Maps Widget for Google Maps thumbnail uses the Google Maps Static Maps API. It loads the entire google map in only one request compared to 20+ requests it takes other Google maps plugins to load them. This ensures your site loads as fast as possible!

  • Custom google map size – map width & map height
  • Choose any google map type you prefer – road map, satellite map, terrain map, hybrid map, or custom map image to save money on API calls (PRO only)
  • Plenty of google map color schemes – default, blue, bright, gowalla, gray, gray #2, mapbox, midnight, neon, refreshed, paper, ultra light + any custom google map style you build in PRO
  • zoom level
  • pin type
  • pin color
  • pin size
  • pin label
  • custom map pin icon – any image can be used
  • 1500+ map pins library in PRO
  • link type – lightbox map, custom URL, replace thumbnail map with interactive google map (PRO), immediately show interactive google map (PRO) or disable link
  • image format
  • google map language
  • hide widget title
  • text above google map
  • text below google map

Interactive Google map options

Interactive google maps loads in a lightbox or as an in-place replacement for the thumbnail Google map if your using Maps Widget for Google Maps PRO. It has all the standard interactive google map features users are accustomed too.

  • lightbox size – map width & map height (auto-adjusted on smaller screens) or fullscreen map in PRO
  • map mode – place + in PRO: directions, search, view & google street view
  • map type – road & satellite
  • map color scheme – 15 map styles & any custom google map style in PRO
  • pins clustering – PRO feature
  • map zoom level
  • lightbox skin – light, dark + 20 extra in PRO
  • lightbox features – close on overlay click, close on esc key, close button & show map title
  • map language
  • header text
  • footer text

Shortcode

  • by using the [gmw id=”#”] shortcode you can display the google map in any page, post, or custom post type (PRO feature)

Multiple Pins

  • full clustering and filtering support for pins on Google maps – demos available on site
  • you can add unlimited pins with custom markers and descriptions to thumbnail and interactive Google maps (PRO feature)
  • every map pin has the following options: show on the map thumbnail and/or interactive map, set custom map pin image, set on-click behavior: open custom description bubble, open URL in new/same tab or do nothing

PRO version of Maps Widget for Google Maps offers more than 50 extra features and options including multiple map pins support, map pin clustering, pins library, skins, export, import and widget cloning features, Google Analytics integration and premium, USA based support. Read more about the PRO version on the official Maps Widget for Google Maps site.

Showcase & What others say about Maps Widget for Google Maps

Read the full description on the official page →

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