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Esri ArcGIS vs QGIS

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Software

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Q

QGIS

Software

Free, open-source desktop GIS application that supports viewing, editing, and analysis of

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Esri ArcGIS arcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence; QGIS requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, QGIS covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and QGIS differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISQGIS
Pricing modelquotefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Mobile (field apps), DesktopWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded1969Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 QGIS

  • 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 QGIS
  • Enterprise data governance and managementnot QGIS
  • Real-time field data collectionnot QGIS
  • AI-assisted geospatial analysisnot QGIS

QGIS

No use cases recorded yet. See the QGIS review.

Where each one falls short

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

Esri ArcGIS

  • ArcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence
  • Field and offline workflows require advanced capabilities; basic plans may lack offline synchronisation
  • Pricing details not published; customers must contact sales for quotes

QGIS

  • Requires technical knowledge to use effectively for advanced GIS analysis
  • Desktop application does not include built-in web publishing capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

QGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the QGIS 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 QGIS if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want user interface.
QGIS review

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or QGIS better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and QGIS at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or QGIS?
Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and QGIS at On request.
Does Esri ArcGIS or QGIS run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 QGIS is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that QGIS cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. QGIS covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

QGIS: Is QGIS free and open source?

Yes. QGIS is free and open-source software, licensed under the GNU General Public License, available for download and modification by anyone.

Source
QGIS: What operating systems does QGIS support?

QGIS runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installers available for each platform.

Source
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Related pages

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