--- title: ArcGIS Desktop Reviews meta_title: 'ArcGIS Desktop Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 18 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how ArcGIS Desktop works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.5 review_count: 18 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-08-07' parent_category: name: CAD & PLM url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm --- # ArcGIS Desktop Reviews **Vendor:** Esri **Category:** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 18 **AI Enabled:** This product embeds AI to enhance or extend its core functionality. ## About ArcGIS Desktop Integrated collection of GIS software products; provides a standards-based platform for spatial analysis, data management, and mapping. ## ArcGIS Desktop Reviews ### 1. ArcGIS Desktop is just what you need! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ali K. | Geographic Information Systems Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Current User:** The reviewer uploaded a screenshot or submitted the review in-app verifying them as current user. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Source: Organic:** Organic review. This review was written entirely without invitation or incentive from G2, a seller, or an affiliate. **Reviewed Date:** October 05, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** The best Geographic information system helps you to manage, analyze your data with a wide range of features and connect these descriptive data to geographic data and do your network, location, projection by simple tools and get a multi-type of maps as your needs. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** Really after 7 years of experience with many projects, I haven't found any downside in ArcGIS Desktop. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** ArcGIS Desktop makes the analysis of data easier when you connect the descriptive data to geographic feature data, by using simple tools with multiple functions or creating a model builder that helps you save time and be more productive. ### 2. Powerful and user friendly tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Noy C. | Co-Founder, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 18, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Despite its interface and limited customization options I must say that the cartographic capabilities of ArcGIS Desktop are truly impressive. The software offers configurations that eventually prove to be advantageous. Although it can be complex, at times it provides a range of features. The only downside is that it tends to slow down when dealing with datasets. Nevertheless even though it includes tools that I might not personally utilize I still consider it to be a choice for my work. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** The access to features such as editing attachments and conducting analysis without an expensive Advanced license is quite limited. Additionally the online version comes with a cost, which often leads us to rely on partnerships, for access. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** ArcGIS Desktop provides us with mapping tools that allow for analysis and visualization of our data. This enables us to make informed decisions and easily share our findings with colleagues. The user friendly interface simplifies navigation, while the powerful tools help save time in our tasks. I highly recommend giving it a try! ### 3. ArcGIS Desktop is very useful GIS software I used before, I recommend everyone to use this. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sukanta D. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Current User:** The reviewer uploaded a screenshot or submitted the review in-app verifying them as current user. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 11, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** The simplicity of ArcGIS Desktop is the best part of the software. Mainly the ArcToolbox and operations are very simple and pre-built. And various extensions will be available to use here, it's very helpful. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** The software hangs sometimes when it's overloaded, and raster to points takes time to load. It's very difficult to beat this situation; otherwise, everything is fine. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** The generation of raster to points and analysis of large data takes time in ArcGIS Desktop, so I think if it will be fixed, it will be helpful for every user. Thank you, Esri, for making this software. ### 4. The Ultimate GIS Powerhouse **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Raul H. | Founder, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 25, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** It has a charm that I personally enjoy. While it may not be as customizable, as programs I find that this actually helps me stay focused on my tasks. However what I love most about ArcGIS Desktop is its ability to create maps. It might not be the best in the market. It still allows me to add those final touches to my maps in a satisfying way. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** I dislike its cost, which limits accessibility and makes collaboration difficult for departments. It can be frustrating when we have to rely on another department for account access. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** They enable me to work offline, which is essential for my fieldwork. The mapping and spatial analysis capabilities are exceptional. Help me make decisions for my business. It has definitely increased our efficiency and accuracy, in collecting and analyzing data. ### 5. The Go-To GIS software **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Manuel L. | GIS Specialist, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** June 26, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** It is the leading GIS software for a reason. It has all the tools you need for data management, analysis, and cartography. The most widely used GIS software expands beyond a desktop application with several online tools. While new iterations of the program are now available (ArcPro), ArcGIS Desktop remains a powerful GIS program I still use. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** The look and style of its interface may seem outdated to some. It is less customizable as compared to other programs. My biggest dislike, however, is its cartographic ability. While still very good, I do find myself putting the final touches to my maps in ArcPro. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** We use ArcGIS Desktop to edit our Field Maps collected data and manage our company's internal databases. We work with attachments a lot, and the Basic license for Desktop still allows us to edit features with attachments, while an Advanced license is needed in Pro. ### 6. Best for spatial analysis process **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rahul S. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through Google using a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 21, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** As a landscape architect, Arcgis is providing a great help in understanding the regional setting as well as micro elements in landscape. I don't think any other competitors have such detailed data formats. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** Took some time in mastering the software. Also I couldn't find the shortcuts in the beginning and dragged a lot in the process. But later, watched some YouTube tutorials and gained speed. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** It absolutely works well while trying the process of Ian Mcharg's land suitability analysis. Makes our life easy with analysing each maps in a very detailed manner. ### 7. Customization and Cartographic Limits **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mike W. | Executive Editor, Publishing, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 10, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** The GIS programme ArcGIS Desktop is simple to learn and clear. It is packed with a tonne of addons that make finding or completing network pieces incredibly quick. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** When compared to other software solutions, the level of customization it provides is inadequate. But its cartographic talents are where I am disappointed the most. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** While creating an outstanding fibre optic wireline network, this tool aids me in locating the fibre network components. Thus helping me create a robust workflow. ### 8. User interface is designed excellently. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Vaishnavi G. | Graduate P&ID Designer , Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 05, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** The advanced visualisation of satellite imagery through powerful management tools makes it easier to analyse and interpret data extensively. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** The downside of ArcGIS is the storage process of data files as it does not allow to create files in the main frame. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** The software has helped me correct ground elevation levels taken by GIS equipment. ### 9. Seemingly useful for students to professionals **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Shreya B. | Senior Software Engineer - Geospatial , Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 05, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** The built in toolboxes comes very handy whenever a new challenge is there for analysing geographical data. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** There's nothing to dislike about. Just that, this product should continue. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** The filtration of data and segregation of spatial data into visual representation, which is understandable for any individual who does not belong from GIS domain. ### 10. GIS Analysis and digital image processing **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** SHOBHIT P. | Project Scientist, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 28, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Python integration and various GIS and Remote Sensing tools **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** It uses the single core of the PC processor. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** Hydrology using SWAT model in ArcGIS desktop. ### 11. GIS researcher with 3 years of experience **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 29, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** ArcMap's ability to perform GIS analysis and data manipulation. Geomorphic mapping and editing features are effortless. It is user-friendly and versatile. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** It crashes a lot of time without prompting any message. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** It helps in geomorphic mapping and hydrological modelling in my research. ### 12. Best software for GIS **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Consulting | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Current User:** The reviewer uploaded a screenshot or submitted the review in-app verifying them as current user. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through Google One Tap using a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Full and complete solution for GIS analytics **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** Maybe a lot of configurations, but in the end it is a benefit :-) **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** GIS analysis made simple and affordable for all users ### 13. Great Platform, Easy to Use Features, Wonderful UX **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Financial Services | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Wide range of tools to use for mapping and great data management capabilities. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** The software is complex and can be very difficult to learn. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** Using it for spatial analysis. ### 14. Powerful commercial software with essential functions in one place **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mark M. | Senior Traffic Modeller, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 21, 2022 At G2, we prefer fresh reviews and we like to follow up with reviewers. They may not have updated their review text, but have updated their review. **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Very clear documentation with examples for each GIS function or tool **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** Cost of commercial license limits the accessibility for less advanced users who are not given any chance to learn **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** I need some spatial analysis from time to time. I need to aggregate or distribute some census data in different zoning levels regularly. ### 15. Easy to use **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Financial Services | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through a business email account **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** August 08, 2023 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Program was easy and understand and manuveur. Would recommend. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** lags at times but not often enough to effect outcome. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** Used for mapping ### 16. ArcGIS Desktop - GIS Tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** PRASHANT A. | Sr. Consultant - OSP Design Expert, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** September 05, 2022 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** ArcGIS Desktop is easy to use and user-friendly GIS tool. It is loaded with a lot of addons which help in completing or locating the network elements very quickly. **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** I like all the features of the ArcGIS Desktop tool, but the one thing which can be worked out is when we load much data tool starts hanging and sometimes stops performing. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** This tool helps me locate the Fiber network elements to design the best fibre optic wireline network. Moreover, it is much handy on your PC Screen since you can always make it open. ### 17. Beginner **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Higher Education | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** December 05, 2019 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** Adding points to particular maps in general **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** A lot of tool that I won't use in my work **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** Really it didn't, we had to work in it on lessons ### 18. ARC GIS Desktop is so much better than online **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Research | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) This reviewer's identity has been verified by our review moderation team. They have asked not to show their name, job title, or picture. **Validated Reviewer:** Validated through LinkedIn **Incentivized:** This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Source: G2 invite:** Invitation from G2. This reviewer was offered a nominal gift card as thank you for completing this review. **Reviewed Date:** May 14, 2019 **What do you like best about ArcGIS Desktop?** It has more capabilities than the online version **What do you dislike about ArcGIS Desktop?** It is not as intuitive to learn to use and it is too expensive for students **Recommendations to others considering ArcGIS Desktop:** We had created our map on the online version, and were getting help using the desktop version. But our lab cannot get access to an account because it's so expensive, so we have to partner with another department in the school who has access. **What problems is ArcGIS Desktop solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are creating a visual representation of our network of supporting organizations ## ArcGIS Desktop Discussions - [What is ArcGIS Desktop used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-arcgis-desktop-used-for) - [View ArcGIS Desktop pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/arcgis-desktop/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-09-10+09%3A03%3A43+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=aab4fd97-672c-4254-8822-07e0bcad2bb2&secure%5Btoken%5D=4b0f99e02ab0fcf776da1da693f82f50a1fad24363992dd8e5545050143015c2&format=llm_user) ## ArcGIS Desktop Features **Data Management** - Data Capture - Data Storage - Data Manipulation - Data Visualization - Data Capture and Transfer **Map Creation** - Geocoding - Buffer Zone Query - Overlaying - Publishing **Analysis** - Spatial Analysis - Reporting - Real-Time Streaming - Trend Analysis - Statistical Analysis **Additional Functionality** - Monitoring - Reporting & Statistics - Color Codes/Icons - Map Creation - Geographic Maps - Location Tracking - AI Copilot - Internet Mapping - API - Map Sharing - Third-Party Integrations - Interoperability - Reporting/Analytics - Image Management - Activity Dashboard - Geotargeting - Labeling - Data Collection - Route Optimization - Geolocation - Generative AI - Data Import/Export - Multi-Location - Census Data Integration - 3D Imaging - Data Mapping ## Top ArcGIS Desktop Alternatives - [Google Earth Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/google-earth-pro/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (372 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (1,850 reviews) - [BatchGeo](https://www.g2.com/products/batchgeo/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (998 reviews)