Link copied to clipboard # Esri ArcGIS vs PostGIS Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/esri-arcgis/postgis/export.csv) Esri ArcGISPostGIS[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Esri ArcGIS** Free Trial **$$$** per year/per user · ArcGIS Online Subscription Plan Information **$$$** 1,000 credits · Additional Named Users and Service Credits **PostGIS** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Esri ArcGIS** $$$$$ **PostGIS** Not enough reviews yet Average Discount **Esri ArcGIS** 14% **PostGIS** Not enough reviews yet Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Esri ArcGIS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **PostGIS** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Esri ArcGIS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **PostGIS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Esri ArcGIS** Ease of Use (3) 3D Visualization (2) Data Management (2) High Cost (2) **PostGIS** Customization Options (1) Data Management (1) Integrations **Esri ArcGIS** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3d9a09f76a7f8a459cd2e26434ddc0c3/fme-platform.png "Product Avatar Image") FME Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/fme-platform/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_242ea9ef146ec0359ea99dbaedc5e26a/revit.png "Product Avatar Image") Revit ](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/integrations) **PostGIS** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7802da46f15908469bd1e7d388883cd6/geolytix-mapp.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Geolytix MAPP ](https://www.g2.com/products/geolytix-mapp/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9e08fe70af1aa9486278fb7293efd0ed/neondatabase.png "Product Avatar Image") Neon ](https://www.g2.com/products/neondatabase/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/postgis/integrations) Screenshots **Esri ArcGIS** ![Esri ArcGIS 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/28238/uploads_2F69a55f9a-2dbc-416f-af96-72bbb975716b_2Fmain-planning-device.png) **PostGIS** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Esri ArcGIS** **8.8** /10 Based on 447 responses **PostGIS** **9.6** /10 Based on 8 responses Ease of Use **Esri ArcGIS** **7.3** /10 Based on 448 responses **PostGIS** **9.6** /10 Based on 9 responses Ease of Setup **Esri ArcGIS** **7.4** /10 Based on 137 responses **PostGIS** **9.7** /10 Based on 5 responses Ease of Admin **Esri ArcGIS** **7.6** /10 Based on 127 responses **PostGIS** Not enough data Quality of Support **Esri ArcGIS** **8.1** /10 Based on 414 responses **PostGIS** **9.0** /10 Based on 8 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Esri ArcGIS** **8.3** /10 Based on 121 responses **PostGIS** Not enough data Product Direction (% positive) **Esri ArcGIS** **8.4** /10 Based on 431 responses **PostGIS** **10.0** /10 Based on 8 responses **Features** ratings from reviews GIS **8.8** /10 Based on 155 responses **8.9** /10 Based on 8 responses Location Intelligence **8.8** /10 Based on 64 responses Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 31.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 30.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 31.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 50.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 50.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 50.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Esri ArcGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530900667/esri-arcgis.svg "Esri ArcGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) Esri ArcGIS Government Administration 15.3% Environmental Services 9.5% Higher Education 9.5% Civil Engineering 9.3% Utilities 6.2% Other 50.1% [![PostGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_ecf0dc8e073a5b5158b98aca8748d2eb/postgis.png "PostGIS")](https://www.g2.com/products/postgis/reviews) PostGIS Information Technology and Services 25.0% Utilities 12.5% Computer Software 12.5% Automotive 12.5% Consulting 6.3% Other 31.3% Alternatives **Esri ArcGIS Alternatives** ![Maptitude](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1530631589/maptitude.svg "Maptitude") [ Maptitude ](/products/maptitude/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) ![CARTO](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/cee17717b1b316da8feb204c2a7a8845/carto.svg "CARTO") [ CARTO ](/products/carto/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) **PostGIS Alternatives** ![QGIS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_e3c229ccb96c84f6564f5681ddbe1a33/qgis.png "QGIS") [ QGIS ](/products/qgis/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) ![AutoCAD](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1531166548/autocad.svg "AutoCAD") [ AutoCAD ](/products/autocad/reviews) ## Esri ArcGIS vs PostGIS FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 17, 2026 ### What is the difference between Esri ArcGIS vs PostGIS? Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS differ most clearly in their market adoption, with Esri ArcGIS dominating in review volume and industry presence, while PostGIS is favored for its open-source model and technical flexibility. | [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | [PostGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/postgis/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (540 reviews) | 4.6/5 (16 reviews) | | Mid-Market | Mid-Market | | 7.4 | 9.7 | | 8.1 | 9.0 | | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) | Customization Options | ### How do the pricing models of Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS compare? PostGIS is considered the stronger value by reviewers, with higher satisfaction on price and cost-related dimensions. - **Esri ArcGIS:** In recent reviews, many cite high licensing costs and additional fees for extensions as a drawback, especially for small businesses. - **PostGIS:** Reviewers consistently highlight its open-source, free-to-use model as a major advantage, with no proprietary licensing fees. - **Switching Reason:** Several reviewers mention choosing PostGIS specifically to avoid proprietary licensing costs associated with Esri ArcGIS. ### What are the best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS? The best alternatives to Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS are QGIS, Maptitude, and MapInfo Pro. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (540) | Mid-Market | High licensing cost frequently cited | Ease of Use (3 all-time mentions) | | [PostGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/postgis/reviews) | 4.6/5 (16) | Mid-Market | Open-source, free to use | Customization Options | | [QGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/qgis/reviews) | 4.5/5 (154) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Maptitude](https://www.g2.com/products/maptitude/reviews) | 4.7/5 (150) | Small-Business | — | — | | [MapInfo Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/mapinfo-pro/reviews) | 4.1/5 (120) | Enterprise | — | — | ### Which GIS features should I prioritize when comparing Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS? Buyers comparing Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS should prioritize spatial analysis, ease of setup, quality of support, data management, and pricing model. - **Spatial Analysis:** Esri ArcGIS is frequently cited for powerful spatial analysis tools; PostGIS is praised for hundreds of spatial functions and strong performance. - **Ease of Setup:** Esri ArcGIS scores 7.4; PostGIS scores 9.7. - **Quality of Support:** Esri ArcGIS scores 8.1; PostGIS scores 9.0. - **Data Management:** Esri ArcGIS has 2 all-time mentions for data management; PostGIS is cited for strong data management capabilities. - **Pricing Model:** Esri ArcGIS is frequently cited for high cost; PostGIS is open-source and free to use. ### What are the pros and cons of Esri ArcGIS vs PostGIS? Esri ArcGIS stands out for its comprehensive spatial analysis and mapping ecosystem, while PostGIS is strongest for its open-source flexibility and technical customization. - **Esri ArcGIS strengths:** Powerful spatial analysis, ease of use (3 all-time mentions), 3D visualization (2 all-time mentions), comprehensive data integration, strong industry adoption, and extensive documentation. - **Esri ArcGIS trade-offs:** High cost (2 all-time mentions), steep learning curve (2 all-time mentions), resource-intensive requirements, and additional fees for advanced features. - **PostGIS strengths:** Open-source and free, high customization options, strong data management, and hundreds of spatial functions. - **PostGIS trade-offs:** More complex user and role management, less user-friendly for beginners, and limited built-in data visualization compared to Esri ArcGIS. ### Is Esri ArcGIS or PostGIS better for small businesses? PostGIS is the better fit for small businesses due to its open-source model and positive small-business reviewer sentiment. - **Esri ArcGIS:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers frequently cite high cost as a barrier for small businesses. - **PostGIS:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its free, open-source nature as a key advantage for smaller organizations. ### Which GIS platform has better integrations? Esri ArcGIS is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing more integration experiences. - **Esri ArcGIS:** Integrates with tools such as Revit, with recent reviews mentioning easy integration and connectivity. - **PostGIS:** Reviewers note strong connections with PostgreSQL and other spatial databases, but do not cite third-party integrations in recent reviews. ### How do Esri ArcGIS and PostGIS compare on customer support? PostGIS and Esri ArcGIS are rated in close parity on Quality of Support, with PostGIS at 9.0 and Esri ArcGIS at 8.1. - **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers frequently mention responsive customer support, extensive documentation, and a large user community. - **PostGIS:** Reviewers highlight clear documentation, active open-source community support, and helpful maintainers. ### Which is easier to implement, Esri ArcGIS or PostGIS? PostGIS is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 9.7 versus Esri ArcGIS's 7.4. - **Esri ArcGIS:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward but note that installation and updates can be cumbersome, especially in enterprise environments. - **PostGIS:** Reviewers consistently report easy installation and setup, with several citing quick onboarding and minimal barriers to getting started. ### Which product has better Spatial Analysis? Esri ArcGIS is more frequently cited for advanced spatial analysis capabilities, but both products are praised for spatial analysis in reviews. - **Esri ArcGIS:** Spatial analysis is a top-cited feature in recent reviews, with reviewers highlighting advanced geoprocessing tools and network analysis. - **PostGIS:** Reviewers praise the hundreds of spatial functions available and strong performance for spatial queries, especially for vector data. ## Esri ArcGIS vs PostGIS - Reviewers felt that PostGIS meets the needs of their business better than Esri ArcGIS. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that PostGIS is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of PostGIS over Esri ArcGIS.