Link copied to clipboard

# ArcGIS Enterprise vs ArcGIS Online Comparison - What are their main differences?

Share
[
Export
](/compare/arcgis-enterprise/arcgis-online/export.csv)

ArcGIS EnterpriseArcGIS Online[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**ArcGIS Enterprise**
No pricing available

**ArcGIS Online**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**ArcGIS Enterprise**
$$$$$

**ArcGIS Online**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**ArcGIS Enterprise**
Not enough reviews yet

**ArcGIS Online**
13%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
See it for free

Time to Implement

**ArcGIS Enterprise** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**ArcGIS Online** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**ArcGIS Enterprise** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**ArcGIS Online** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

 ![ArcGIS Enterprise](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_ea0ea678a59b5e0f0ab38ccb234c32bd/arcgis-enterprise.png "ArcGIS Enterprise")

 ![ArcGIS Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_07a308622193f886da508e9dd849b6dc/arcgis-online.png "ArcGIS Online")

G2 offers free advice on this comparison.

Chat with an expert

How would you like to receive Software Advice?

 ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg)

FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required.

 ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg)

AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes.

 ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg)

Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor.

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

Analytics (1)

Collaboration (1)

Dependency Issues (1)

Expensive (1)

**ArcGIS Online**

Ease of Use (4)

Feature Functionality (2)

Expensive (1)

Expensive Subscription (1)

Integrations

**ArcGIS Enterprise**
Not enough data

**ArcGIS Online**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_24c032ed27a51ab5494e151b719bb17c/arcgis-survey123.png "Product Avatar Image")

ArcGIS Survey123

](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-survey123/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-online/integrations)

Screenshots

**ArcGIS Enterprise**
 ![ArcGIS Enterprise screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/116202/Visualize.png)

**ArcGIS Online**
 ![ArcGIS Online screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/94893/Philadelphia-Poverty.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**8.9** /10

Based on 48 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.7** /10

Based on 136 responses

Ease of Use

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**7.9** /10

Based on 49 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.4** /10

Based on 136 responses

Ease of Setup

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**7.0** /10

Based on 29 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.4** /10

Based on 59 responses

Ease of Admin

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**7.8** /10

Based on 27 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**7.9** /10

Based on 57 responses

Quality of Support

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**8.3** /10

Based on 46 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.4** /10

Based on 129 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**8.5** /10

Based on 28 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.6** /10

Based on 56 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**ArcGIS Enterprise**

**9.5** /10

Based on 46 responses

**ArcGIS Online**

**8.8** /10

Based on 135 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

GIS

**8.5** /10

Based on 24 responses

**8.4** /10

Based on 66 responses

Location Intelligence

**7.9** /10

Based on 10 responses

**8.8** /10

Based on 33 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
22.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
24.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
22.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
24.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
29.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
38.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
32.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
29.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
38.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
32.0%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![ArcGIS Enterprise](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_ea0ea678a59b5e0f0ab38ccb234c32bd/arcgis-enterprise.png "ArcGIS Enterprise")](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-enterprise/reviews)
ArcGIS Enterprise

Government Administration
12.9%

Utilities
9.7%

Architecture & Planning
8.1%

Environmental Services
6.5%

Information Technology and Services
6.5%

Other
56.5%

[![ArcGIS Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_07a308622193f886da508e9dd849b6dc/arcgis-online.png "ArcGIS Online")](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-online/reviews)
ArcGIS Online

Government Administration
20.0%

Information Technology and Services
6.9%

Civil Engineering
6.3%

Environmental Services
5.7%

Utilities
5.7%

Other
55.4%

Alternatives

**ArcGIS Enterprise Alternatives**

 ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS")

[
QGIS
](/products/qgis/reviews)

 ![GeoServer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_eca76b9ae89bbc5f074374f16d948da6/geoserver.png "GeoServer")

[
GeoServer
](/products/geoserver/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)

 ![BatchGeo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18ade3c7d488f27d74ae457b9bc53ece/batchgeo.svg "BatchGeo")

[
BatchGeo
](/products/batchgeo/reviews)

**ArcGIS Online Alternatives**

 ![CARTO](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cee17717b1b316da8feb204c2a7a8845/carto.svg "CARTO")

[
CARTO
](/products/carto/reviews)

 ![Mapbox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bd02626401775e68ffe83b8dd7556273/mapbox.svg "Mapbox")

[
Mapbox
](/products/mapbox/reviews)

 ![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 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)

## ArcGIS Enterprise vs ArcGIS Online FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between ArcGIS Enterprise vs ArcGIS Online?

ArcGIS Enterprise is distinguished by its on-premises deployment and advanced integration capabilities, while ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based solution with higher ease of setup and use.

| [ArcGIS Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-enterprise/reviews) | [ArcGIS Online](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-online/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.4/5 (67 reviews) | 4.5/5 (190 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 7.0 | 8.4 |
| 8.3 | 8.4 |
| Integrations | Ease of Use |

### How do the pricing models of ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online compare?

ArcGIS Online is rated as the stronger value on price and cost satisfaction, with a higher reviewer score than ArcGIS Enterprise.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Reviewers frequently cite high licensing and infrastructure costs as a trade-off, especially for smaller organizations.
- **ArcGIS Online:** Reviewers note that while the subscription and credit system can be expensive, it eliminates the need for local infrastructure and is seen as more accessible for organizations of all sizes.
- **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention moving to ArcGIS Online to save time and money compared to hosting locally with ArcGIS Enterprise.

### What are the best alternatives to ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online?

The top three alternatives to ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online are CARTO, QGIS, and GeoServer.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [ArcGIS Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-enterprise/reviews) | 4.4/5 (67 reviews) | Mid-Market | High licensing and infrastructure costs | Integrations |
| [ArcGIS Online](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-online/reviews) | 4.5/5 (190 reviews) | Mid-Market | Subscription and credit system can be expensive | Ease of Use |
| [CARTO](https://www.g2.com/products/carto/reviews) | 4.5/5 (78 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (154 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [GeoServer](https://www.g2.com/products/geoserver/reviews) | 4.5/5 (25 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

### Which GIS features should I prioritize when comparing ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online?

Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, integrations, publishing, collaboration, and analytics when comparing ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online.

- **Ease of Setup:** ArcGIS Enterprise 7.0, ArcGIS Online 8.4
- **Integrations:** ArcGIS Enterprise is specifically cited for integrations (1 all-time mention); ArcGIS Online does not have integration-specific mentions.
- **Publishing:** Publishing is the most frequently mentioned feature across both products.
- **Collaboration:** ArcGIS Enterprise (1 all-time mention), ArcGIS Online (1 all-time mention)
- **Analytics:** ArcGIS Enterprise (1 all-time mention)

### What are the pros and cons of ArcGIS Enterprise vs ArcGIS Online?

ArcGIS Enterprise's headline strength is integrations, while ArcGIS Online's is ease of use.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise strengths:** Integrations (1 all-time mention), analytics, collaboration, robust data handling, on-premises security, and scalability.
- **ArcGIS Enterprise trade-offs:** High licensing and infrastructure costs, significant in-house knowledge required for maintenance, complex setup, and a steep learning curve (1 all-time mention each).
- **ArcGIS Online strengths:** Ease of use (4 all-time mentions), feature functionality (2 all-time mentions), easy implementation, powerful tools, and user-friendly interface.
- **ArcGIS Online trade-offs:** Expensive subscription and credit system (1 all-time mention), dependence on internet connectivity, and a learning curve for novice users.

### Is ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online better for small businesses?

ArcGIS Online is the better fit for small businesses, as reflected by reviewer sentiment and the largest segment for both products being Mid-Market, but with ArcGIS Online cited as more accessible for organizations of all sizes.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note high costs and technical requirements as barriers for small businesses.
- **ArcGIS Online:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight accessibility, lower infrastructure requirements, and suitability for organizations without dedicated IT resources.

### Which GIS platform has better integrations?

ArcGIS Enterprise is favored for integrations, with reviewers specifically citing its integration capabilities.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Integrations are cited as a key strength (1 all-time mention), with reviewers highlighting the ability to connect with existing on-premises infrastructure and custom applications.
- **ArcGIS Online:** No specific integrations are cited in recent reviews.

### How do ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online compare on customer support?

ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Online are rated at parity for Quality of Support, with scores of 8.3 and 8.4 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive, with some noting the value of supplemental training and live webinars, but others mention the need for specialized expertise and occasional delays.
- **ArcGIS Online:** Reviewers report positive experiences with support, citing helpful resources and documentation, though a few mention delays or reliance on community forums.

### Which is easier to implement, ArcGIS Enterprise or ArcGIS Online?

ArcGIS Online is easier to implement than ArcGIS Enterprise, with a 1.4-point higher Ease of Setup score (8.4 vs 7.0).

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Reviewers frequently mention complex setup, significant technical requirements, and the need for in-house expertise.
- **ArcGIS Online:** Reviewers highlight easy implementation, quick setup, and minimal infrastructure requirements, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

### Which product has better Publishing?

ArcGIS Online is favored for Publishing, which is the most frequently mentioned feature across both products.

- **ArcGIS Enterprise:** Publishing is supported as a core feature, with reviewers noting robust data management and sharing capabilities.
- **ArcGIS Online:** Publishing is frequently cited in reviews, with users highlighting the ease of publishing layers and maps, and the ability to share data quickly within organizations.

## ArcGIS Enterprise vs ArcGIS Online

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found ArcGIS Online easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with ArcGIS Online overall.

- Reviewers felt that ArcGIS Enterprise meets the needs of their business better than ArcGIS Online.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that ArcGIS Online is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of ArcGIS Enterprise over ArcGIS Online.