SimpleMap claims to be easy, but any plugin requiring a Google Maps API key inevitably becomes complicated for the average user. Minimal Map is what SimpleMap used to be: truly plug-and-play.
| Feature | Minimal Map | SimpleMap Store Locator |
| API Key Required? | ❌ No (Zero Hassle) | ✅ Yes (Google Maps API + Billing setup) |
| Map Provider | MapLibre / OpenStreetMap | Google Maps |
| Privacy / GDPR-Ready | ✅ Built-in Complianz block, zero tracking | ⚠️ Requires manual cookie blocker setup |
| Native Gutenberg Block | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Legacy Shortcodes) |
| Store Locator (Find Me) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Marker Clustering | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Custom Map Styling | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Import / Export (CSV) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dynamic Opening Hours | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Pricing Structure | Free | Free |
The Verdict: SimpleMap hasn’t kept up with the times. Minimal Map is the modern, Gutenberg-ready replacement that actually lives up to the promise of being „simple.“