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Maps · head to head

AllTrails vs Esri ArcGIS

AllTrails logo

AllTrails

Maps

Discover the best hiking and biking trails

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Maps

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AllTrails has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: AllTrails the App Store listing shows AllTrails is a free download with an in-app Pro subscription; the visible listing text does not state the Pro price, so the reader must check in-app purchases for the current rate.; Esri ArcGIS no specific pricing information published on the product page
  • They diverge on capability: AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AllTrails and Esri ArcGIS actually diverge.

Attributes where AllTrails and Esri ArcGIS differ
AttributeAllTrailsEsri ArcGIS
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Android, WebWeb, Mobile (field apps), Desktop
Founded20101969

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in AllTrails

  • Trail discovery
  • Offline maps
  • GPS navigation
  • Activity recording
  • Trail reviews
  • Apple Health
  • Garmin
  • Apple Watch

Only in Esri ArcGIS

  • Mapping & Visualization
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Data Management
  • Field Operations
  • Real-time Analytics
  • AutoCAD
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Office

Both cover

  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AllTrails

  • Trail discoverynot Esri ArcGIS
  • Hiking navigationnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Outdoor fitness trackingnot Esri ArcGIS

Esri ArcGIS

  • Geospatial mapping and spatial analysisnot AllTrails
  • Enterprise data governance and managementnot AllTrails
  • Real-time field data collectionnot AllTrails
  • AI-assisted geospatial analysisnot AllTrails

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AllTrails

  • The App Store listing shows AllTrails is a free download with an in-app Pro subscription; the visible listing text does not state the Pro price, so the reader must check in-app purchases for the current rate.

Esri ArcGIS

  • No specific pricing information published on the product page
  • Customers directed to Esri Store or sales contact to learn about purchasing options
  • Pricing model not disclosed online; requires direct contact with sales

Pricing, plan by plan

AllTrails

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Trail search
    • Community reviews
    • Basic maps
  • AllTrails+$35.99/year
    • Offline maps
    • Real-time navigation
    • Trail conditions

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

Which should you pick?

Choose AllTrails if

  • You need trail discovery.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want offline maps.
AllTrails review

Choose Esri ArcGIS if

  • You need mapping & visualization.
  • You work on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop.
  • You also want spatial analysis.
Esri ArcGIS review

Questions people ask

Is AllTrails or Esri ArcGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. AllTrails starts at Free and Esri ArcGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AllTrails or Esri ArcGIS?
AllTrails has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AllTrails and On request for Esri ArcGIS.
Does AllTrails or Esri ArcGIS run on more platforms?
AllTrails runs on Ios, Android, Web. Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop.
Can I use AllTrails for free?
Yes. AllTrails has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request.
What is AllTrails best used for?
AllTrails is most often used for trail discovery, hiking navigation, outdoor fitness tracking. Of those, trail discovery and hiking navigation are not what Esri ArcGIS is typically brought in for.
What can AllTrails do that Esri ArcGIS cannot?
AllTrails covers Trail discovery, Offline maps, GPS navigation, Activity recording. Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. Both handle Ios support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AllTrails: Is AllTrails free to use?

AllTrails offers both free and paid membership options. The basic free tier allows users to explore trails, see maps, and access core features for discovering hiking and outdoor activities.

Source
Esri ArcGIS: How much does ArcGIS cost?

ArcGIS pricing is not displayed on the main product page. Customers can view self-service options through the Esri Store at https://www.esri.com/en-us/store/overview or contact sales at 1-877-228-1724 for custom enterprise pricing.

Source
AllTrails: Can I create custom routes on AllTrails?

Yes, AllTrails allows users to build and edit custom trails. The platform provides route converter tools and options to print custom maps for your own trail designs.

Source
Esri ArcGIS: How do I purchase ArcGIS?

ArcGIS is available through multiple purchasing channels: self-service online ordering through the Esri Store for standard user types and apps, or contact the sales team at 1-877-228-1724 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday-Friday) for enterprise solutions and custom licensing arrangements.

Source
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