Bing Maps API review
A practical API suite for core mapping, routing, traffic, and time-zone features.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Bing Maps API is Microsoft's REST-based mapping and geospatial service for developers building location features into applications. Its API surface covers location search and geocoding, static map imagery, elevation queries, route calculation, traffic information, address and entity autosuggest, and time-zone lookup and conversion. Applications authenticate with a Bing Maps Key, and usage transactions are logged. It is best suited to teams that need core mapping and routing capabilities through an API rather than a broader location-intelligence product.
The feature set is practical for common location workflows. Developers can support walking, driving, and transit routes, add traffic information, search for locations, geocode addresses, suggest addresses or entities, display static imagery, and handle time-zone queries. That breadth makes the service a reasonable fit when one API offering needs to cover several mapping functions. The published product details also identify API access as available and list the platform as API. Teams focused on basic mapping, routing, geocoding, or related location services should find the scope aligned with those needs.
The main consideration is product status rather than feature breadth. Microsoft states that Bing Maps for Enterprise is deprecated, and free Basic accounts have been retired. Enterprise customers can continue using the services until June 30, 2028, after which migration to Azure Maps is required. Pricing follows a contact-sales model, with no free plan shown. Organizations starting a new implementation should weigh that migration requirement before committing, while existing enterprise users should plan their move to Azure Maps. Choose Bing Maps API for its current mapping and routing capabilities when the transition timeline is acceptable; choose an alternative when long-term continuity without a required platform migration is the priority.
Bing Maps API pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Combines search, geocoding, imagery, routing, traffic, and autosuggest APIs
- Supports walking, driving, and transit route calculation
- Adds elevation queries and time-zone lookup and conversion
- Where it doesn't
- Bing Maps for Enterprise is deprecated
- Free Basic accounts have been retired
- Enterprise customers must migrate to Azure Maps after June 30, 2028
Bing Maps API fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update