Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress – WP Google Map
Plugin Review
AI-ResearchedWhat is Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress?
Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress is a dedicated tool for adding Google Maps to your site. Created by Saidur Rahman Milon, it has been actively maintained for a decade. The plugin currently shows 10K+ active installs with a 4.8/5 rating from 171 reviews. This places it among the most trusted options for anyone asking "how to add google map in wordpress post" or seeking a reliable wordpress google map plugin.
The plugin supports everything from a single location marker to an advanced store locator. It uses shortcodes for placement and works with WordPress 2.9 and higher. The free Lite version handles basic maps with one marker. The premium version unlocks unlimited markers, directions, and category filtering. This flexibility makes it a strong contender for the title of best google maps plugin for wordpress for sites of any scale.
Key Features of Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress
- Shortcode and PHP Embedding: Place any map using a simple shortcode like
[gmap-embed id="123"]or via PHP in theme templates. - Custom Marker Icons: Upload your own marker images to match your brand or differentiate locations on a single map.
- Advanced Store Locator (Premium): Enable real-time search and radius filtering for retail branches or service areas.
- Marker Listing Themes (Premium): Display markers in a Basic List, Basic Table, Advanced Table, or Carousel below your map.
- Directions Integration (Premium): Offer users turn-by-turn directions using a Classic layout or a Modern Drawer interface.
- Import and Export (Premium): Migrate maps and markers between sites using JSON or CSV files for backup purposes.
- Google Map Autocomplete: Simplify address entry with autocomplete, reducing errors when adding new locations.
- Custom CSS and JS Support: Apply advanced styling or custom scripts for unique map behaviors beyond default settings.
Who Should Use Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress?
This plugin suits beginners and experienced site owners alike. No coding is required to add a basic map. Anyone can copy a shortcode and paste it into a page. The 95% five-star rating from 171 reviews indicates high satisfaction among non-technical users. For developers, the custom CSS/JS hooks and PHP embedding offer deeper control. The plugin works for contact pages, real estate listings, business directories, and travel maps.
Specific use cases include store locators for retail chains with multiple branches. Real estate agents can display properties with custom icons and listing themes. Event organizers can map venues with directions. The premium version starts at $19, making it affordable for small businesses. With 10K+ active installs, it serves a wide audience from local shops to larger directories. The 4% one-star rate is minimal, suggesting consistent performance across different site types.
Installation & Setup
Installation takes under two minutes. Upload the plugin folder via FTP or search for it in the WordPress admin. After activation, you must enter a Google Maps API key from the Google Cloud Console. The plugin includes a detailed guide for obtaining this key. Beginners can create their first map by going to WP Google Map > Add New, setting a title and location, then copying the generated shortcode.
Support & Community
The plugin has support threads in the last two months. The developer provides a complete help manual and video tutorials for installation and basic setup. A dedicated guide addresses common map loading problems. The rating profile shows 95% five-star reviews against 4% one-star reviews, reflecting reliable functionality for the majority of users. The plugin was last updated on May 19, 2026, confirming active maintenance even after a decade on the repository. Version 1.9.6 is current and tested up to WordPress 7.0.
Pros & Cons
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 171 reviews, with 95% of users giving it 5 stars.
- Active on 10K+ sites, indicating a solid and trusted user base.
- The free version includes draggable markers, Google Maps autocomplete, and custom marker icons, making basic map integration straightforward.
- Shortcode support allows easy embedding of maps into posts, pages, and widgets without any coding.
- The premium version adds an advanced store locator with real-time category filtering and multiple marker listing themes.
- The plugin has total support threads, which may indicate limited or no active community or developer support.
- Free version restricts you to basic map and marker support, lacking unlimited maps or markers without upgrading to Pro.
- Relies entirely on Google Maps API, meaning usage costs can accrue once the free monthly $200 credit is exceeded.
- No built-in integration with other mapping providers (e.g., OpenStreetMap), limiting flexibility for users who prefer alternatives.
Technical Details
- Requires WordPress
- 2.9+
- Requires PHP
- 5.3+
- Tested up to WP
- 7.0
- First Released
- 2016 (10+ years)
- Support (last 2 months)
- 0 threads
Feature Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Lite version is free and available on WordPress.org, offering features like basic map and marker support, responsive design, and shortcode integration. A premium version is also available starting from $19 for advanced functionality like unlimited markers and store locator.
The plugin has 10K+ active installs, making it a popular choice for integrating Google Maps. It also holds a strong rating of 4.8/5 from 171 ratings.
The plugin requires WordPress version 2.9 or higher, and it has been tested up to WordPress 7.0. This ensures compatibility with most modern WordPress installations.
Yes, the plugin was last updated on May 19, 2026 and is currently at version 1.9.6. It has been actively maintained since its first release in 2016.
The plugin requires PHP version 5.3 or higher, which is compatible with most hosting environments. This minimum requirement ensures basic stability and performance.
Support threads over the last 2 months total , with resolved, giving a resolution rate of . The plugin also provides a complete help manual and video tutorials for self-help.
Absolutely, the plugin requires no coding and offers a dedicated map editor with shortcode support, making it easy for beginners to add maps to pages or posts. It also includes Google Map Autocomplete for simple address entry and draggable markers for precise location picking.
The free version includes responsive design, custom marker icons, zoom level control, and support for all standard map types like Roadmap and Satellite. Premium features add unlimited markers, store locator, marker listing, and import/export functionality.