QGIS
Free, open-source desktop GIS for making maps, editing spatial data and running analysis.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux
Is QGIS free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- GPL-2.0
Checked on QGIS's site Oct 30, 2026
Switch from QGIS to
All 4
ArcGIS ProPaid
GRASSOpen source
FeltStarting price: $199/month billed yearly (Team)
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 4
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About QGIS
QGIS is a community-built geographic information system released under the GNU GPL, and the most widely used free alternative to Esri's ArcGIS. It handles the core of GIS work on the desktop: loading vector and raster data from a long list of formats and databases, editing points, lines and polygons with CAD-like tools, styling layers and producing print-quality layouts, atlases and reports. A processing toolbox wraps hundreds of algorithms, including GRASS and other providers, and a graphical modeller chains them into repeatable workflows. Python scripting and a large plugin repository extend it further. QGIS runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and ships both a long-term release for stability and a faster-moving latest release. It's free for any use; paid support comes from third-party providers. Organisations that rely on Esri's cloud services and enterprise tooling may find integration easier in ArcGIS, but for most mapping and analysis QGIS is a complete tool.
Best for: Analysts, researchers and organisations that want full desktop GIS without licence fees.
QGIS pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from QGIS's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and open source | Nov 8, 2026 | qgis.org |
Pros and cons
What works
- Free for any use under the GPL, with no seat licences
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Strong cartography with layouts, atlases and reports
- Large plugin library and Python scripting
Why people leave
- Less integrated with Esri's ArcGIS Online and Enterprise services
- Support comes from the community or third-party firms, not one vendor
- Frequent releases mean plugins can lag behind new versions
QGIS vs ArcGIS Pro, GRASS and Felt
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | QGIS | ArcGIS Pro | GRASS | Felt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Paid | Open source | Free plan + paid |
| Verified price | — | — | — | $199/month billed yearly (Team) |
| Free plan | Free app | No | Free app | Yes, 3 seats and 25 viewers |
| Open source | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
Top QGIS alternatives
See all 4- 1ArcGIS Pro68.8
The commercial industry standard, with tight links to ArcGIS Online and Esri's enterprise tools.
- 2GRASS64.8
Free and open source with deeper raster, terrain and hydrology analysis, often used alongside QGIS.
- 3Felt61.8
Browser-based maps teams can edit together in real time, with free viewers and a QGIS plugin on paid plans.
- 4
MapTiler42.3Hosted or self-hosted basemaps and tiles that plug into QGIS and web apps.
Why people left QGIS
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from QGIS, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Write a review of QGIS
QGIS: common questions
What is QGIS?
QGIS: Free, open-source desktop GIS for making maps, editing spatial data and running analysis. Best for analysts, researchers and organisations that want full desktop GIS without licence fees. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is QGIS free?
Yes. QGIS is free, open-source software.
How much does QGIS cost?
QGIS is free and open source. Price: Free and open source. Checked on QGIS's own site, November 2026.
Is QGIS open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at qgis/QGIS.
What platforms does QGIS run on?
QGIS is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to QGIS?
The highest-ranked QGIS alternatives right now are ArcGIS Pro, GRASS and Felt. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
QGIS vs ArcGIS Pro: what's the difference?
QGIS is free and open source; ArcGIS Pro is a paid product. QGIS is open source and ArcGIS Pro is not. Only QGIS runs on macOS and Linux.