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Esri ArcGIS vs Samsara

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Software

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Samsara logo

Samsara

Software

The connected operations cloud

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; Samsara no price is published for any plan; every tier on the plans page offers only a Get pricing button, and no contract length or hardware cost is stated
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Samsara covers Real-time GPS tracking.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and Samsara differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISSamsara
PlatformsWeb, Mobile (field apps), DesktopWeb, Mobile
Founded19692015

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (quote), 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
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web support

Only in Samsara

  • Real-time GPS tracking
  • AI dash cameras
  • ELD compliance
  • IFTA reporting
  • Driver safety coaching
  • Maintenance scheduling
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Route optimization

Both cover

  • SAP

What people use each for

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

Esri ArcGIS

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

Samsara

  • Real time GPS tracking of vehicle location and engine healthnot Esri ArcGIS
  • AI dash cameras with in cab driver coaching and safety alertsnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Trailer and powered equipment tracking for asset recoverynot Esri ArcGIS
  • Fleet maintenance planning and fuel usage analysisnot Esri ArcGIS

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

Samsara

  • No price is published for any plan; every tier on the plans page offers only a Get pricing button, and no contract length or hardware cost is stated
  • Safety, Telematics and Equipment tracking are sold as separate plan families, so a fleet needing all three buys three plans
  • Weather risk visibility and the 30 plus risk detections with context and patterns require Safety Enterprise rather than Safety Premier
  • AI fuel lifecycle insights, TMS integrations and route performance tools require Telematics Enterprise rather than Telematics Premier
  • Proactive maintenance tools and real time diagnostics for trailers and equipment require Advanced Tracking rather than Standard Visibility

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

Samsara

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Samsara 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 Samsara if

  • You need real-time gps tracking.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want ai dash cameras.
Samsara review

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or Samsara better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and Samsara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or Samsara?
Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and Samsara at On request.
Does Esri ArcGIS or Samsara run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. Samsara runs on Web, Mobile.
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 Samsara is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that Samsara cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. Samsara covers Real-time GPS tracking, AI dash cameras, ELD compliance, IFTA reporting. Both handle SAP.
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