The two options

Google Maps Platform: official API, $0.017 per row, requires API key + SDK. Livescraper / scrapers: $0.005 per row typically, no SDK, every review (no cap).

When to use the official API

If you're embedding the map widget on your site (Maps JavaScript API), or if you need turn-by-turn directions. Both are pure Maps Platform features.

When to use a scraper

Lead gen · review monitoring · SERP rank · local SEO · competitor density studies · territory mapping. Anything that ends in CSV.

Worked example

Pulling 1,000 places with reviews: $17 + 1-3 days of dev (API) vs $5 + 30 seconds (scraper). For most teams the second is the right answer. Full breakdown →

Try it free

500 free rows every month, no credit card. Same data described in this article.

Start free