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Esri ArcGIS vs What3words

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Maps

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
What3words logo

What3words

Maps

What3words has divided the world into 3m squares and given each one

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; What3words the free API plan includes no coordinate conversion, only AutoSuggest, and is rate limited to 5 requests per second
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, What3words 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 What3words actually diverge.

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and What3words differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISWhat3words
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 What3words

  • 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 What3words
  • Enterprise data governance and managementnot What3words
  • Real-time field data collectionnot What3words
  • AI-assisted geospatial analysisnot What3words

What3words

  • Referring to a 3 metre square location with three wordsnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Adding location entry to a delivery or dispatch appnot Esri ArcGIS
  • Converting between coordinates and what3words addresses via APInot 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

What3words

  • The free API plan includes no coordinate conversion, only AutoSuggest, and is rate limited to 5 requests per second
  • Converting to and from what3words addresses starts on the Basic plan at $9.99 per month for 1,000 conversions
  • Priority and developer support require the Standard plan at $45 per month
  • 24/7 phone support requires the Plus plan at $125 per month
  • Custom invoicing and annual payment require the Premium plan at $300 per month
  • Overage pricing is not published; the page states only that a fair usage policy applies
  • The three word address scheme is proprietary and licensed rather than open data

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

What3words

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the What3words 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 What3words if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
What3words review

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or What3words better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and What3words at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or What3words?
Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and What3words at On request.
Does Esri ArcGIS or What3words run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. What3words 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 What3words is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that What3words cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. What3words 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
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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