Google Places API vs SafeGraph Places
Google Places API and SafeGraph Places are both Places & POI APIs, compared here on pricing, compliance, capabilities, and developer experience from structured, cited data - not reviews or paid placement. Google Places API offers a free tier while SafeGraph Places does not, so Google Places API is easier to trial before committing. Google Places API supports self-serve signup; the other routes through a sales conversation. On compliance, Google Places API additionally documents SOC 2, GDPR. For coding-agent use, Google Places API scores higher on agent-friendliness (50 vs 35).
| Field | Google Places API | SafeGraph Places |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $5 1,000 requests | $150000 year |
| Pricing model | Usage | Sales-led |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-serve signup | ✓ | ✗ |
| SOC 2 | Type II | · |
| HIPAA | ✗ | · |
| GDPR | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| Sandbox | ✗ | ✗ |
| Documented actions | 10 | 12 |