Link copied to clipboard # ArcGIS Desktop vs ArcGIS Pro Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/arcgis-desktop/arcgis-pro/export.csv) ArcGIS DesktopArcGIS Pro[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **ArcGIS Desktop** No pricing available **ArcGIS Pro** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough reviews yet **ArcGIS Pro** 3 months Based on 8 responses Return on Investment **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough reviews yet **ArcGIS Pro** 14 months Based on 6 responses Perceived Cost **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough reviews yet **ArcGIS Pro** $$$$$ Average Discount **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough reviews yet **ArcGIS Pro** 13% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough data **ArcGIS Pro** [ User-Friendly (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1446691&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ 3D Visualization (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1446363&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ High Cost (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1446989&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Connectivity Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2487232&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough data **ArcGIS Pro** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_46e53ec2d6eb9834ea5cc927aecd34c6/geohecras.jpg "Product Avatar Image") GeoHECRAS ](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/integrations) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **ArcGIS Desktop** 8.2 8.214 **ArcGIS Pro** 8.4 8.4140 Ease of Use **ArcGIS Desktop** 8.5 8.514 **ArcGIS Pro** 7.6 7.6139 Ease of Setup **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough data **ArcGIS Pro** 8.0 8.057 Ease of Admin **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough data **ArcGIS Pro** 8.0 8.048 Quality of Support **ArcGIS Desktop** 8.6 8.614 **ArcGIS Pro** 8.1 8.1125 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **ArcGIS Desktop** Not enough data **ArcGIS Pro** 8.3 8.346 Product Direction (% positive) **ArcGIS Desktop** 10.0 10.015 **ArcGIS Pro** 9.4 9.4128 **Features** ratings from reviews GIS 8.0 14 8.4 75 Location Intelligence Not enough data 8.4 21 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 35.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 25.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.8% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 25.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.8% **Reviewers' Industry** [![ArcGIS Desktop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_9615380cecea9f31f257d73c63e26490/arcgis-desktop.jpg "ArcGIS Desktop")](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-desktop/reviews) ArcGIS Desktop Research 17.6% Higher Education 17.6% Telecommunications 11.8% Financial Services 11.8% Consulting 5.9% Other 35.3% [![ArcGIS Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d58a6d97495b7a506d6d8307a19bc6d5/arcgis-pro.svg "ArcGIS Pro")](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews) ArcGIS Pro Government Administration 24.6% Environmental Services 11.1% Utilities 7.0% Higher Education 7.0% Civil Engineering 4.7% Other 45.6% Alternatives **ArcGIS Desktop Alternatives** ![Google Earth Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1b503776988799afd39b27ecbf029a24/google-earth-pro.png "Google Earth Pro") [ Google Earth Pro ](/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) ![AutoCAD](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1531166548/autocad.svg "AutoCAD") [ AutoCAD ](/products/autocad/reviews) ![BatchGeo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18ade3c7d488f27d74ae457b9bc53ece/batchgeo.svg "BatchGeo") [ BatchGeo ](/products/batchgeo/reviews) ![Smarty](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/251a81397d6350006a5839aece7e32b1/smarty-smarty.svg "Smarty") [ Smarty ](/products/smarty-smarty/reviews) **ArcGIS Pro Alternatives** ![MapInfo Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8c279bac466618e81ea062684c2ee69a/mapinfo-pro.jpg "MapInfo Pro") [ MapInfo Pro ](/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) ![Google Maps Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2cbe8c25d49763e01a3f3db6bf003e92/google-maps-platform.png "Google Maps Platform") [ Google Maps Platform ](/products/google-maps-platform/reviews) ![Google Earth Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1b503776988799afd39b27ecbf029a24/google-earth-pro.png "Google Earth Pro") [ Google Earth Pro ](/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS") [ QGIS ](/products/qgis/reviews) ## ArcGIS Desktop vs ArcGIS Pro FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 15, 2026 ### What is the difference between ArcGIS Pro vs ArcGIS Desktop? ArcGIS Pro is distinguished from ArcGIS Desktop by its modern interface, higher review volume, and more recent reviewer-cited strengths in user-friendliness and 3D visualization. | [ArcGIS Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews) | [ArcGIS Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-desktop/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (190 reviews) | 4.5/5 (18 reviews) | | — | — | | 8.0 | — | | 8.1 | 8.6 | | User-Friendly (3 all-time mentions) | — | ### How do the pricing models of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop compare? ArcGIS Desktop is rated higher for value, with a higher satisfaction score on price/cost-related dimensions. - **ArcGIS Pro:** In recent reviews, many reviewers cite expensive licensing and high cost as a drawback, with several noting that many features require additional paid extensions and credits. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** Reviewers mention that the cost limits accessibility, but there are fewer recent complaints about value compared to ArcGIS Pro. ### What are the best alternatives to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop? The best alternatives to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop are Google Earth Pro, MapInfo Pro, and Google Maps Platform. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [ArcGIS Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-pro/reviews) | 4.3/5 (190 reviews) | — | Expensive licensing and additional paid extensions required | User-Friendly (3 all-time mentions) | | [ArcGIS Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-desktop/reviews) | 4.5/5 (18 reviews) | — | Cost limits accessibility, but fewer recent complaints than ArcGIS Pro | — | | [Google Earth Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) | 4.6/5 (385 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [MapInfo Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) | 4.1/5 (120 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [Google Maps Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/google-maps-platform/reviews) | 4.7/5 (60 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which GIS features should I prioritize when comparing ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop? Buyers should prioritize spatial analysis, 3D visualization, user interface, automation capabilities, and data management when comparing ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop. - **Spatial Analysis:** ArcGIS Pro is frequently cited for advanced spatial analysis tools and efficient processing; ArcGIS Desktop is praised for detailed analysis and model builder support. - **3D Visualization:** ArcGIS Pro has 2 all-time mentions for 3D visualization, with reviewers highlighting integrated 2D/3D environments and LiDAR support; ArcGIS Desktop is less frequently cited for 3D capabilities. - **User Interface:** ArcGIS Pro has 2 all-time mentions for user interface improvements and a modern ribbon interface; ArcGIS Desktop is described as user-friendly but with a more traditional layout. - **Automation Capabilities:** ArcGIS Pro reviewers highlight automation through ModelBuilder, Python scripting, and iterators; ArcGIS Desktop supports model builder but is less frequently cited for automation in recent reviews. - **Data Management:** ArcGIS Pro is noted for project-based workflows and efficient handling of large datasets; ArcGIS Desktop is valued for its simplicity and offline capabilities. ### What are the pros and cons of ArcGIS Pro vs ArcGIS Desktop? ArcGIS Pro's headline strength is its user-friendly, modern interface and advanced 3D/spatial analysis, while ArcGIS Desktop is praised for simplicity and robust offline mapping. - **ArcGIS Pro strengths:** User-Friendly (3 all-time mentions), 3D Visualization (2 all-time mentions), Powerful Tools (2 all-time mentions), Tool Variety (2 all-time mentions), Modern user interface, Advanced automation and integration with ArcGIS Online. - **ArcGIS Pro trade-offs:** High Cost (2 all-time mentions), Expensive licensing, Steep learning curve for new users, Resource-intensive and requires high-performance hardware, Occasional crashes with large datasets. - **ArcGIS Desktop strengths:** Simplicity and ease of use, Robust offline mapping and spatial analysis, Effective for geomorphic mapping and hydrological modeling, Reliable for managing and analyzing geographic data. - **ArcGIS Desktop trade-offs:** Interface considered outdated by some reviewers, Slower performance with large datasets, Limited customization compared to ArcGIS Pro, Advanced features may require higher license tiers. ### Is ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Desktop better for small businesses? Google Earth Pro is the top-ranked alternative for small businesses, but among ArcGIS products, ArcGIS Pro is more frequently cited by small-business reviewers for its modern interface and automation, while ArcGIS Desktop is valued for simplicity and offline use. - **ArcGIS Pro:** Small-business reviewers highlight the user-friendly design, automation, and advanced visualization, but note high cost and hardware requirements. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** Small-business reviewers appreciate the simplicity, offline capabilities, and robust mapping, with fewer complaints about cost but some concerns about outdated interface and slower performance. ### Which GIS platform has better integrations? ArcGIS Pro is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing easy integrations and strong connectivity with ArcGIS Online and Enterprise. - **ArcGIS Pro:** In recent reviews, reviewers highlight integration with ArcGIS Online and Enterprise, supporting efficient data sharing and collaboration. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations. ### How do ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop compare on customer support? ArcGIS Desktop scores higher on Quality of Support, with a 0.5-point advantage over ArcGIS Pro (8.6 vs 8.1). - **ArcGIS Pro:** Reviewers describe comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and learning resources, but note occasional lack of support when errors occur and complexity in licensing support. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** Reviewers consistently report positive support experiences, with several citing helpful responses and clear documentation. ### Which is easier to implement, ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Desktop? ArcGIS Pro has a published Ease of Setup score of 8.0, while ArcGIS Desktop does not have a reported score for this dimension. - **ArcGIS Pro:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with scores of 6.0 to 7.0 in recent reviews, but note that hardware requirements and licensing complexity can add to the setup process. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** Reviewers mention that setup is generally easy and user-friendly, but some note that mastering the software takes time and the interface can feel outdated. ### Which product has better Spatial Analysis? ArcGIS Pro is more frequently cited for advanced spatial analysis capabilities, with reviewers highlighting its powerful tools and efficient processing. - **ArcGIS Pro:** Advanced spatial analysis is a recurring theme in recent reviews, with reviewers noting efficient processing, a wide range of geoprocessing tools, and strong support for complex spatial queries and statistical analysis. - **ArcGIS Desktop:** Reviewers praise its robust spatial analysis and mapping tools, especially for offline use and detailed analysis, but cite slower performance with large datasets compared to ArcGIS Pro. ## ArcGIS Desktop vs ArcGIS Pro - Reviewers felt that ArcGIS Pro meets the needs of their business better than ArcGIS Desktop. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that ArcGIS Desktop is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of ArcGIS Desktop over ArcGIS Pro.