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Maps · head to head

Esri ArcGIS vs MapQuest

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Maps

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MapQuest logo

MapQuest

Maps

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Esri ArcGIS no specific pricing information published on the product page; MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, MapQuest covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and MapQuest differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISMapQuest
Pricing modelquotefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Mobile (field apps), DesktopWeb
Founded1969Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), 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 Esri ArcGIS

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

Only in MapQuest

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

Esri ArcGIS

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

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot Esri ArcGIS
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot Esri ArcGIS

Where each one falls short

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

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

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Esri ArcGIS if

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

Choose MapQuest if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
MapQuest review

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and MapQuest at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest?
Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and MapQuest at On request.
Does Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. MapQuest runs on Web.
What is Esri ArcGIS best used for?
Esri ArcGIS is most often used for geospatial mapping and spatial analysis, enterprise data governance and management, real-time field data collection, ai-assisted geospatial analysis. Of those, geospatial mapping and spatial analysis and enterprise data governance and management are not what MapQuest is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that MapQuest cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. MapQuest covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
MapQuest: What is the cheapest way to use MapQuest APIs?

The MapQuestGO plan offers 50,000 free transactions for a limited time, then charges $0.0045 per transaction. Monthly subscription plans start at $119/month for 30,000 transactions.

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
MapQuest: Can I cache or store geocoding results on a monthly MapQuest plan?

No. Storing or caching geocodes is not allowed on monthly plans. Only Enterprise accounts can store geocodes off-map with the Extended Rights Geocoding feature.

Source
MapQuest: What happens if I exceed my MapQuest monthly transaction limit?

The MapQuest pricing page does not specify overage charges. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time to scale up.

Source
MapQuest: Can I change my MapQuest plan mid-cycle?

Yes. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time, making it easy to scale as needs evolve.

Source
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