--- title: QGIS Reviews meta_title: 'QGIS Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 155 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how QGIS works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.5 review_count: 155 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-11-08' parent_category: name: CAD & PLM url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm ---

QGIS Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users value the customization options in QGIS, allowing tailored workflows and enhancing the geospatial experience. (3 mentions)
Users admire the user-friendly interface of QGIS, enhancing their experience with easy navigation and customization options. (2 mentions)
Users appreciate the excellent service of QGIS, highlighting its community support and user-friendly features. (2 mentions)
Users value the powerful geospatial capabilities of QGIS, enjoying its flexibility and user-friendly features for diverse applications. (2 mentions)
Users value the free and open-source access of QGIS, enabling widespread use of advanced GIS tools. (2 mentions)
Users often experience stability issues with QGIS, especially when handling large datasets or intensive processes. (3 mentions)
Users find feature limitations in QGIS, particularly in documentation and user-friendliness for beginners. (2 mentions)
Users find the steeper learning curve challenging, particularly when attempting to master advanced features in QGIS. (2 mentions)
Users experience slow loading issues with QGIS when handling large datasets, impacting overall functionality and user satisfaction. (2 mentions)
Users often face accuracy issues with QGIS due to occasional instability and inconsistent plugin quality affecting results. (1 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of QGIS

1. Customization Options
Users value the customization options in QGIS, allowing tailored workflows and enhancing the geospatial experience.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you like about QGIS?

What I like best about QGIS is its open-source flexibility and powerful geospatial capabilities. It allows seamless integration with various data form

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"GIS Experience"

What do you like about QGIS?

I appreciate the flexibility to add as many layers as needed, each in a different format, and the ability to incorporate Python into the process.

2. Ease of Use
Users admire the user-friendly interface of QGIS, enhancing their experience with easy navigation and customization options.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you like about QGIS?

What I like best about QGIS is its open-source flexibility and powerful geospatial capabilities. It allows seamless integration with various data form

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you like about QGIS?

QGIS is an amazing tool that combines power, flexibility, and accessibility! Here are some of the things I love most about it: - Free and Open-Source

3. Excellent Service
Users appreciate the excellent service of QGIS, highlighting its community support and user-friendly features.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you like about QGIS?

What I like best about QGIS is its open-source flexibility and powerful geospatial capabilities. It allows seamless integration with various data form

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you like about QGIS?

QGIS is an amazing tool that combines power, flexibility, and accessibility! Here are some of the things I love most about it: - Free and Open-Source

4. Feature Functionality
Users value the powerful geospatial capabilities of QGIS, enjoying its flexibility and user-friendly features for diverse applications.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you like about QGIS?

What I like best about QGIS is its open-source flexibility and powerful geospatial capabilities. It allows seamless integration with various data form

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you like about QGIS?

QGIS is an amazing tool that combines power, flexibility, and accessibility! Here are some of the things I love most about it: - Free and Open-Source

5. Free Access
Users value the free and open-source access of QGIS, enabling widespread use of advanced GIS tools.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you like about QGIS?

QGIS is an amazing tool that combines power, flexibility, and accessibility! Here are some of the things I love most about it: - Free and Open-Source

Emanuel K.
EK

Emanuel K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"The Leading Open-Source GIS Powerhouse for Professionals and Learners Alike"

What do you like about QGIS?

The most helpful thing about QGIS is its powerful tools and flexibility, all for free. It supports many data formats, has a large plugin ecosystem, an

5 Cons or Disadvantages of QGIS

1. Stability Issues
Users often experience stability issues with QGIS, especially when handling large datasets or intensive processes.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

One thing I dislike about QGIS is that it can become slow or unstable when working with very large datasets or high-resolution layers. Some advanced p

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

While QGIS is a powerful and versatile GIS tool, it does have some drawbacks that users should be aware of: - Performance Issues with Large Datasets

2. Feature Limitations
Users find feature limitations in QGIS, particularly in documentation and user-friendliness for beginners.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"GIS Experience"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

The documentation for the pyQGIS module is lacking, making it difficult to fully understand or utilize its features. Additionally, the module does not

Emanuel K.
EK

Emanuel K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"The Leading Open-Source GIS Powerhouse for Professionals and Learners Alike"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

The least helpful aspect of QGIS is that it can have a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. Overall, while QGIS is powerful, it requires ti

3. Learning Curve
Users find the steeper learning curve challenging, particularly when attempting to master advanced features in QGIS.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

While QGIS is a powerful and versatile GIS tool, it does have some drawbacks that users should be aware of: - Performance Issues with Large Datasets

Emanuel K.
EK

Emanuel K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"The Leading Open-Source GIS Powerhouse for Professionals and Learners Alike"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

The least helpful aspect of QGIS is that it can have a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. Overall, while QGIS is powerful, it requires ti

4. Slow Loading
Users experience slow loading issues with QGIS when handling large datasets, impacting overall functionality and user satisfaction.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

M0

Maxman 0.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Powerful, Flexible, and User-Friendly Open-Source GIS Solution"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

One thing I dislike about QGIS is that it can become slow or unstable when working with very large datasets or high-resolution layers. Some advanced p

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

While QGIS is a powerful and versatile GIS tool, it does have some drawbacks that users should be aware of: - Performance Issues with Large Datasets

5. Accuracy Issues
Users often face accuracy issues with QGIS due to occasional instability and inconsistent plugin quality affecting results.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

BR

Bruno R.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"QGIS: free and on par with ArcGIS Pro"

What do you dislike about QGIS?

While QGIS is a powerful and versatile GIS tool, it does have some drawbacks that users should be aware of: - Performance Issues with Large Datasets

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QGIS Reviews FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: Nov 04, 2026

What is QGIS, and what problem is it built to solve?

QGIS is open-source GIS software for creating, editing, visualizing, and analyzing geospatial data. It helps users turn geographic information—including vector, raster, and database data—into maps and spatial analysis.

What languages does QGIS support?

QGIS supports 1 language: English.

What company sizes and industries is QGIS the best fit for?

QGIS is used by positively rated reviewers across small, mid-sized, and enterprise organizations, with activity clustering in several geospatially focused fields. The strongest segments include:
  • Company sizes: Small businesses, mid-market organizations, and enterprises.
  • Industries: Civil engineering, research, computer software and IT services, environmental services, government administration, and higher education.

What customer support options does QGIS provide, and how do users find the overall support experience?

QGIS support options include a knowledge base, email/help desk, and FAQs or forums. The support experience is largely self-directed: users value the community forums and online guidance, while troubleshooting complex issues can take extra searching and effort.

What is the experience like for teams switching to QGIS from another tool?

Switching to QGIS is often driven by the cost of commercial GIS licensing, while its mapping and spatial-analysis tools give users a capable alternative for many established workflows. ArcGIS and its related products are the most commonly named prior tools, with MapInfo also mentioned; users describe adapting to a different interface and learning some workflows as part of the transition. The open-source model can also make it easier to extend access across a team without adding license costs.

What tools and platforms does QGIS integrate with, and how do these integrations help users get more value from the product?

QGIS lists 1 integration, GRASS. Users also describe working with it alongside tools and services such as:
  • GIS analysis tools: GRASS and SAGA.
  • Spatial databases: PostGIS, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.
  • Web mapping and publishing: GeoServer and WMS/WFS services.
  • Statistical tools: R.
These connections help users bring spatial data into analysis workflows, work with database-stored layers, and prepare or publish map outputs.

What features or capabilities could make QGIS even more useful?

QGIS could be more comfortable to learn and more dependable for demanding projects, while also smoothing map production and plugin workflows. Users point to these constructive improvements:
  • Make the interface and tool navigation clearer, especially for beginners and for locating less familiar functions.
  • Improve stability and processing performance with large datasets and complex operations.
  • Make print layouts and map exports easier to refine for polished, professional outputs.
  • Expand documentation and learning guidance for tools, plugins, and troubleshooting.
  • Improve plugin compatibility and communicate updates more clearly so changes are easier to manage.

QGIS Reviews (155)

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QGIS Reviews (155)

View 1 Video Reviews
4.5
155 reviews
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Aishwarya S.
AS
Aishwarya S.
Summer Intern
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Originally submitted 1/19/2022
"Awesome plugins available and easy to use"
5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

The user interface is very good and easy to use. Tools are very easily accessible. The plugins available are very good and make the work very easy, like the geo-referencing tool is very good. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

Sometimes it crashes while using more than three plugins. The directory files sometimes don't get saved and the software crashes. To run the software, it needs the C drive path, which sometimes gets hectic! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Dylan R.
DR
Dylan R.
Water Resources Technician
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"QGIS is the ultimate tool for creating amazing cartography and geographic analysis."
5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

Powerful open-source geoprocessing with a clean and intuitive user interface. Advanced geoprocessing and digitizing tools make producing valuable geographic analysis a breeze. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose errors based on the provided documentation. Updated error code documentation on the online help portal would be appreciated. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Surya M.
SM
Surya M.
Graduate Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Very user friendly"
5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

It has a very easy-to-use user interface. And also it has got a large userforum with solutions available. Has Pythons interface as well to perform data analysis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

The downside would be that it gets lots of updates which is good but then the tools change with respect to the version. Every time it updates i have to reinstall the addins Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Abdallah A.
AA
Abdallah A.
Structural Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Solution for Geographical mapping and representation"
4.5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

I like the ease in which maps can be created in QGIS, it accepts many file extensions and it is easy to navigate overall. The menus are self explanatory which makes it easy to work with for beginner users Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

I mostly dislike that some newer releases have broken features that work perfectly in older versions. In addition troubleshooting for QGIS can be quite a hastle sometimes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Luis Guilherme B.
LB
Luis Guilherme B.
Solar Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"The best open-source GIS software."
5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

It's community support and the simplicity to run several spatial operations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

It's uninstalling process when you want to update to a newer version. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Civil Engineering
UC
Verified User in Civil Engineering
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Very Helpful Open source software"
4.5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

Handy plugins... they have the tutorials or the help manual available so its easier to do the GIS operations very easy to follow. Plus, the software is opensource Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

Nothing really.. its just that there are tooo many options/ plugins which often changes or gets updated and i think these updates needs to be documented some where Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Amarasingam N.
AN
Amarasingam N.
Lecturer
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Originally submitted 9/27/2021
"QGIS for effective work"
4.5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

It is the most efficient tool for raster and shapefile image processing. Furthermore, we may download and install this software for free, as well as install many sorts of plugins. Furthermore, it takes up less space and runs faster than competing tools such as ArcGIS. It is compatible with Mac operating systems. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

1. Functionality is limited compared to other platforms such as ArcGIS. 2. Raster images in the windows vanish throughout the processing. 3. Creating the final map is a little more complicated than using Arcgis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Oil & Energy
IO
Verified User in Oil & Energy
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Used Qgis to do analysis on various kml files and tiff images"
4.5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

simple and useful features with good UI, such as vector and raster comparison, kml and shapely files analysis, tiff image extractions etc. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

Lack of some features from arcgis and tutorial can't be found for many features easily Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Alain D.
AD
Alain D.
GIS Analyst / Cartographer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Best Open Source GIS Software"
3.5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

the most helpful part of QGIS is that the software is free of charge and has enough features and plugins for essential use Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

what I dislike is that it does not contain all features for professional use Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Michael M.
MM
Michael M.
Co-Founder
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"QGIS The Best Free and Open-source GIS Software"
5/5
What do you like best about QGIS?

QGIS is my opinion, one of the best free and open-source GIS software that I have ever come across. QGIS is under active development and updated on a consistent basis. Compared to the proprietary GIS software QGIS compares very well and surpasses most of them. QGIS has a number of plugins that extend the functionality of its use, such as the Semi-Automatic Classification plugin that allows for automatic classification of remote sensing images. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about QGIS?

One thing that I find a bit annoying is the updating procedure for QGIS, where one has to download the entire setup and install it offline. If they could implement an online update that that would really make the updating process a little less inconvenient. The QGIS version that is available for Linux OS is usually a bit behind such that one for Windows. Whereas certain aspects work well on Windows, they don't work on Linux. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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