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Maps · head to head

Esri ArcGIS vs Waze

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Maps

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Waze logo

Waze

Maps

Community-driven GPS navigation app that uses real-time traffic data from its users

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Waze has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Esri ArcGIS no specific pricing information published on the product page; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Waze 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 Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and Waze differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISWaze
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, Mobile (field apps), DesktopiOS, Android, Web
Founded19692008

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 Esri ArcGIS

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

Only in Waze

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

Waze

  • Real-time navigation and route planning with live traffic updatesnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Reporting hazards and roadway conditions to community driversnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Finding alternative routes to avoid congestion and accidentsnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Connecting with first responders and emergency servicesnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Community-driven mapping and road condition improvementsnot 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

Waze

  • No offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Routing reliability declined with reports of longer routes and restricted road directions
  • Privacy concerns with location data collection and location-based ads after Google acquisition
  • Stability issues including crashes on CarPlay and slow loading times

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze 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 Waze if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want user interface.
Waze review

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and Waze at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or Waze?
Waze has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Esri ArcGIS and Free for Waze.
Does Esri ArcGIS or Waze run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Waze for free?
Yes. Waze has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request.
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 Waze is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that Waze cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. Waze 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
Waze: Does Waze work offline?

No, Waze relies on real-time data and does not support offline maps, limiting usability when without internet connectivity.

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
Waze: How does Waze handle my location data?

Since Google's 2013 acquisition, Waze shares location history with Google's ad network and serves location-based ads. This differs from privacy-focused alternatives like Apple Maps.

Source
Waze: What platforms can I use Waze on?

Waze is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, and via web through the Live Map feature accessible from any computer or tablet.

Source
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