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ArcGIS Logo

Mapping & analytics system for visualizing data by location

Table of Contents

ArcGIS - 2026 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives

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All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: November 2025

ArcGIS overview

What is ArcGIS?

ArcGIS from Esri is an integrated collection of geographic information system (GIS) software products for multiple platforms and promising standards-compliant handling of spatial analysis, data management, and location-based 3D data mapping. Providing the contextual tools for mapping and spatial reasoning, ArcGIS enables users to visualize and analyze organizational business practice data in terms of its environmental location, while collaborating with others by sharing insights via not only maps, but apps and reports also. ArcGIS Online is specifically the hosted, online SaaS version of the product, offering a complete, cloud-based mapping solution. ArcGIS Online promises a scalable, secure and compliant GIS that allows users to collaboratively use, create and share maps, while working with scenes, layers, analytics, data and also apps. In addition, access is granted to content within ArcGIS' Living Atlas of the World and its collection of geographic information sourced from around the globe including maps, apps and data layers relevant to a variety of working applications. Aside from the product's cloud infrastructure, ArcGIS is then supported by a suite of extra apps and a number compatible with iOS and Android devices. This includes the ArcGIS Companion app for field-based access to the viewing of organizational content, plus additional tools and features for data collection.

Who uses ArcGIS?

Reviews for ArcGIS come from a wide variety of industries, including civil engineering (13% of reviewers), environmental services (12%), and government administration (10%). The most frequent use case for ArcGIS cited by reviewers is GIS (79% of reviewers).

What do users say about ArcGIS pricing?

Reviewers appreciate ArcGIS's extensive functionalities and value for professional use, but some users report that high pricing and costly modules limit access for individuals and small businesses. Some reviewers find student rates and startup licenses beneficial.

What are the most popular integrations for ArcGIS?

The ArcGIS integration most frequently cited by reviewers is AutoCAD, a 3D CAD product rated 4.3 out of 5 for its integration with ArcGIS.

Starting price

Free

Alternatives

with better value for money


Pros & Cons

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Cartography

Spatiality

Integration

Affordability

Stability

Navigation

ArcGIS’s user interface

Ease of use rating:

ArcGIS pros, cons and reviews insights

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To determine these pros and cons insights, we analyzed responses from 

Overall rating

Reviews sentiment

 
 
 
1-2(6)
3-4(177)
5(319)

What do users say about ArcGIS?

Reviewers indicate ArcGIS is a powerful tool for creating, analyzing, and sharing maps, with extensive spatial analysis capabilities and robust data integration. They value its versatility across industries and research, noting its wide range of features, customizable workflows, and support for complex projects. They find its user interface generally intuitive after some experience, but mention initial navigation challenges and cluttered menus. Some say the software is indispensable for professional and academic work.

Users report a steep learning curve, requiring significant training and technical expertise to master advanced functions. They highlight frequent bugs, crashes, and high hardware requirements as drawbacks. Most feel the pricing is prohibitively expensive for individuals and small organizations, especially with separate modules and subscription fees, but believe its capabilities justify the cost for larger enterprises.

Select to learn more


Who uses ArcGIS?

Based on 502 verified user reviews.

Company size

Small Businesses

Enterprises

Midsize Businesses

Top industries

Civil Engineering
Environmental Services
Government Administration
Higher Education
Others

Use cases

GIS
Route Planning
Public Works
Field Service Management
Field Activity Management

ArcGIS's key features

Most critical features, based on insights from ArcGIS users:

Data import/export
Data mapping
Geographic maps
Map creation
Geolocation
Map sharing

All ArcGIS features

Features rating:

Reporting & statistics
Data connectors
Interoperability
Drag & drop
Dashboard
Real-Time monitoring
Spatial analysis
Customizable forms
Status tracking
Strategic planning
Key performance indicators
Collaboration tools
Chatbot
Census Data Integration
Preventive maintenance
Access controls/permissions
Activity dashboard
Activity tracking
Ad hoc reporting
Publishing/Sharing
Alerts/Notifications
API
Visual analytics
User management
Geocoding
Predictive analytics
Real-Time data
Labeling
Statistical analysis
Asset tracking
Internet Mapping
Reporting/Analytics
Driver management
Route optimization
Work order management
Third-Party integrations
Dispatch management
Mobile access
Location tracking
Routing
Image management
Document management
Real-Time notifications
Maintenance scheduling
Scheduling
Performance metrics
Order management
Predictive modeling
Mobile app
Monitoring
Multi-Language
Multi-Location
Multiple data sources
Paratransit Management
Multiple Route Support
Workflow management
Widgets
Trend/Problem indicators
Trend analysis
Trade Area Analysis
Task scheduling
Task management
Tagging
Single sign on
Service request management
Self service data preparation
Search/Filter
Scorecards
Role-Based permissions
Reservations management
Reminders
Real-Time reporting
Real-Time analytics
Real Time Simulation
Profitability analysis
Process/Workflow automation
Data visualization
Data transformation
Data synchronization
Data management
Data extraction
Data collection
Data capture and transfer
Dashboard creation
Customizable templates
Customizable reports
Customizable fields
Customizable branding
Customer segmentation
Cost tracking
Communication management
Color codes/icons
Check-in/Check-out
Bus Mileage Optimization
Benchmarking
Behavioral analytics
Barcoding/RFID
Asset lifecycle management
Alerts/Escalation
Ad hoc query
3D imaging
Mileage tracking
Metadata management
Maintenance management
IT asset tracking
Inventory tracking
Historical reporting
Heatmaps
GPS
Geotargeting
Geofencing
Forecasting
For sales teams/organizations
Fixed Route Management
Fixed asset management
Facility asset management
Equipment tracking
Equipment management
Equipment maintenance
Driver Logs
Document storage
Disposal management
Depreciation management
Demographic Data
Deep learning
Database support

ArcGIS awards

ArcGIS alternatives

ArcGIS logo

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Value for Money
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ArcGIS pricing

Starting from

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No pricing info

Pricing details
Subscription
Free trial
Free plan
Pricing range

User opinions about ArcGIS price and value

Value for money rating:

Of 101 reviews that provide robust commentary on ArcGIS's price and value, 24% mention it in a positive light.

Reviewers appreciate the extensive functionalities and capabilities of ArcGIS, noting that it provides significant value for their time and money, especially for professional and organizational use. Users think that while the software is not open source and may be expensive, its powerful features and potential justify the cost for those who can afford it. Some users report that ArcGIS offers student rates and free licensing for startups, which can be beneficial. However, some reviewers feel that the high price of the software and its modules can be a significant limitation, particularly for individuals, small businesses, and those with limited budgets. They say that the cost of licenses and additional tools can be prohibitive, making it difficult for smaller organizations to access the full suite of features. Some reviewers find that despite the high cost, the software's extensive capabilities and professional support make it a worthwhile investment for those who need its advanced functionalities.

, and

To see what individual users think of ArcGIS's cost and value, check out the review excerpts below.

“ESRI is offering startups a free licensing for using it for GIS startups for one year.”
vp

venkatasivaram p.

GIS QA SPECIALIST

“The price is the greatest limitation of ArcGIS, because the license is so expensive and every modul is sell separately, that is a big limitation for people who wants to use another moduls and only can use the basic one because of the price.”
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Rafael M.

Analista

“Mainly the yearly subscription model and the high cost of extensions such as spatial analyst toolkit is too high for small businesses.”
JS

Jeremiah S.

Project Engineer

ArcGIS integrations (69)

Integrations rated by users

We looked at 502 user reviews to identify which products are mentioned as ArcGIS integrations and how users feel about them.

AutoCAD logo
AutoCAD

Integration rating: 4.8 (5)

because it allows for seamless data exchange and collaboration between the two platforms, enabling users to leverage the strengths of each software for their specific workflows.

Plug in the data points from ArcGIS to AutoCAD to find the consumer list and project attributes

OA

Oumaima A.

research analyst

1/2
Elements XS logo
Elements XS

Integration rating: 5.0 (2)

ArcGIS customer support

What do users say about ArcGIS customer support?

Customer support rating:

We analyzed 22 verified user reviews to identify positive and negative aspects of ArcGIS customer support.

A significant portion of users praise ArcGIS for responsive, professional, and persistent customer support that helps resolve issues.

A large number of users value the extensive support resources, including documentation, community forums, and direct help channels.

A minority of users report dissatisfaction with customer support quality, citing slow responses or lack of US-based assistance.

Support options

Faqs/forum
Knowledge base
Phone support
Email/help desk
Chat
24/7 (live rep)

Training options

Videos
In person
Documentation
Live online
Webinars

To see what individual users say about ArcGIS's customer support, check out the review snippets below.

“It greatly aided in my day-to-day tasks working for the Department of the Interior and the live customer service was a huge plus!”

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Andre J.

Contracting Officer

“Customer service is excellent and they take the time to walk you through new things.”

fs

ferryn s.

Project Manager

“Besides, customer support is not the best quality for this product.”

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Elvis E.

Consultant

ArcGIS FAQs

Q. What type of pricing plans does ArcGIS offer?

ArcGIS has the following pricing plans:
Pricing model: Free, Subscription
Free Trial: Available | (No Credit Card required)

These products have better value for money


Q. What are the benefits of using ArcGIS?

  • ArcGIS Online is the cloud-based SaaS version of ArcGIS, representing a collaborative online mapping and analysis solution that is accessible from anywhere at anytime, secured and compliant with FedRAMP, FISMA and TRUSTe accreditation.


  • Enterprise-ready tools include Single Sign-On (SSO) access, group-based people management, assignment of privileges and licenses, plus the monitoring of both internal activity metrics within an organization and those for maps / apps shared publicly.


  • Map creation is made as simple as dragging and dropping a spreadsheet, uploading local data files or connecting cloud stored content, before smart mapping generates suggestions for plotting data-driven visualizations while offering custom styling choices.


  • A collection of "basemaps" are available in vector format for high-resolution fidelity and flexible styling, consisting of satellite imagery, street maps, landscapes, oceans and more.


  • ArcGIS Apps offer an additional collection of integrated, location-based apps for field access, with ArcGIS Companion providing native remote access to an ArcGIS Online organization via iPhone and Android devices.

  • Q. Who are the typical users of ArcGIS?

    ArcGIS has the following typical customers:
    Freelancers, Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Non Profit, Public Administrations, Small Business


    Q. What languages does ArcGIS support?

    ArcGIS supports the following languages:
    Arabic, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian (Bokmal), Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian (Cyrillic), Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese


    Q. Does ArcGIS support mobile devices?

    ArcGIS supports the following devices:
    Android, iPad, iPhone


    Q. Does ArcGIS offer an API?

    Yes, ArcGIS has an API available for use.


    Q. What other apps does ArcGIS integrate with?

    ArcGIS integrates with the following applications:
    AutoCAD


    Q. What level of support does ArcGIS offer?

    ArcGIS offers the following support options:
    FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Email/Help Desk, Chat, 24/7 (Live rep)

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