ArcGIS Pro
Esri's Windows desktop GIS for 2D and 3D mapping, spatial analysis and data management.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows
Is ArcGIS Pro free?
No, it's a paid product
- Free trial:
- 21 days
Checked on ArcGIS Pro's site Nov 8, 2026
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About ArcGIS Pro
ArcGIS Pro is Esri's flagship desktop GIS and the commercial standard in many governments, utilities and engineering firms. It covers 2D, 3D and time-aware mapping, data editing and management, spatial and imagery analysis with built-in AI models, and publishing to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise so maps and layers can be shared across an organisation. Workflows can be automated with Python and ModelBuilder, and extended with add-ins built on the .NET SDK. ArcGIS Pro isn't sold on its own: access comes with ArcGIS user type licences, and there are three license levels with increasing capabilities, plus a free 21-day trial. It installs and runs only on Windows, so Mac and Linux users need a virtual machine or a different tool. It's the safe choice where Esri is already the organisational standard, while individuals and smaller teams often find QGIS covers what they need at no cost.
Best for: Organisations standardised on Esri that need enterprise GIS and vendor support.
ArcGIS Pro pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from ArcGIS Pro's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 21 days | Nov 8, 2026 | esri.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Deep integration with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise
- 2D, 3D and time-aware maps in one app
- Automation with Python and ModelBuilder
- Built-in AI models for imagery analysis
Why people leave
- Runs on Windows only
- Licensed through ArcGIS user types, which costs more than free alternatives
- Tied to Esri's platform for sharing and collaboration
ArcGIS Pro vs QGIS, GRASS and CARTO
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Top ArcGIS Pro alternatives
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ArcGIS Pro: common questions
What is ArcGIS Pro?
ArcGIS Pro: Esri's Windows desktop GIS for 2D and 3D mapping, spatial analysis and data management. Best for organisations standardised on Esri that need enterprise GIS and vendor support. Available for Windows.
Is ArcGIS Pro free?
No, ArcGIS Pro is a paid product.
How much does ArcGIS Pro cost?
ArcGIS Pro is a paid product. Free trial: 21 days. Checked on ArcGIS Pro's own site, November 2026.
Does ArcGIS Pro have a free trial or refund?
Free trial: 21 days. Source: ArcGIS Pro's own site.
Is ArcGIS Pro open source?
No, ArcGIS Pro is not open source. Open-source alternatives include QGIS and GRASS.
What platforms does ArcGIS Pro run on?
ArcGIS Pro is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to ArcGIS Pro?
The highest-ranked ArcGIS Pro alternatives right now are QGIS, GRASS and CARTO. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
ArcGIS Pro vs QGIS: what's the difference?
ArcGIS Pro is a paid product; QGIS is free and open source. QGIS is open source and ArcGIS Pro is not. Only QGIS runs on macOS and Linux.