QGIS vs. ArcGIS: A comparison for modern GIS workflows

QGIS and ArcGIS are both geographic information systems (GIS) used to analyze, edit, and visualize geographic datasets. But they’re built on very different foundations. QGIS is a customizable, open-source workhorse, while ArcGIS is an enterprise ecosystem built for professional teams. They have similar features, so choosing one mainly comes down to how you want to work. 

In this guide, we’ll unpack each platform's strengths. Get ready to: 

• Compare both platforms via real workflow needs rather than long feature lists.
• Examine how QGIS versus ArcGIS handles flexibility, data handling, and performance.
• Understand key differences related to scale, budget, and team expertise.

Plus, see how both tools connect with Felt so you can build a seamless, cloud-based workflow that matches your team’s skills and goals. 

QGIS vs. ArcGIS: What they do and how they compare

Choosing between QGIS or ArcGIS begins with understanding the basics of each platform. Both are widely used GIS, handle core mapping and spatial analysis, and support a variety of applications from everyday cartographic design to complicated geoprocessing. 

But they approach those tasks in fundamentally different ways. Here’s a quick summary of both tools.

What’s QGIS?

QGIS is a free, open-source GIS platform shaped by other users. It uses a plugin ecosystem to give teams room to customize the tool to specific geospatial workflows, mapping needs, and budgets. Tools like PyQGIS (a Python interface that lets you automate tasks and build custom features) and support for PostGIS (a spatial database that supports geospatial data management) give QGIS a high level of flexibility. They even have an Add to Felt plugin.This lets teams use QGIS to analyze data before using Felt to share and collaborate.

What’s ArcGIS?

ArcGIS is an enterprise-ready GIS software from Esri and includes tools like ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Living Atlas. ArcGIS Pro, Esri’s primary platform, provides a ribbon interface that helps teams manage workflows in tabs — the same style you see in apps like Word or Excel. The UI changes based on what you work on, so mapping, editing, and geoprocessing have their own tabs. For many teams, that structure makes ArcGIS platforms functionality more approachable across varied skill levels. 

Feature comparison across visualization, analysis, and data workflows

Choosing between open-source plugins versus managed software isn’t the only thing that separates ArcGIS from QGIS. Let’s look at how those foundational differences play out across the workflows your team relies on the most. 

QGIS

QGIS software has strong appeal for teams who want control over how their GIS systems work. While it doesn’t have the processing power and simple learning curve of enterprise software, it has deep customization potential. Let’s take a look.

Visualization and styling workflows

QGIS gives users tons of freedom to shape the look and feel of their maps. You can fully customize symbols and labels, with additional layout tools to edit map design and composition. For spatial analysts with a strong preference for customization, QGIS offers plenty of space to visualize a specific cartographic style. 

Analysis tools and processing performance

The QGIS toolbox includes a vast set of spatial analysis tools and even includes PyQGIS, an API that lets you use GIS tools through custom Python scripts. It’s extremely flexible and works well for smaller geoprocessing needs. Performance varies depending on your specific server setup, dataset formatting, and project scope. Large vector and raster datasets can be slow to render without an experienced spatial analyst who knows how to manage spatial indexes for more efficient geoprocessing. 

Ecosystem, integrations, and data management

QGIS integrates with open-source tools and a wide range of file-based formats, including GeoTiFF, Shapefile, and WFS. You can store and organize data locally, on shared drives, and in external databases, giving teams the flexibility to manage spatial data according to organizational preferences. 

ArcGIS

ArcGIS software is designed for large organizations that rely on predictable workflows and consistent support. Here’s how its mapping, analysis, and data management form a cohesive ecosystem. 

Visualization and styling workflows

ArcGIS software organizes visualization tools in an intuitive, guided interface. The ribbon groups related workflows — styling, labeling, layout — so it’s easy to move through each step without hunting for features. Since the UI is more intuitive, teams with different experience levels (from spatial analysts to project managers) can produce maps that feel consistent. 

ArcGIS Pro has access to Living Atlas, a collection of geospatial information like maps and data layers. Reliable basemaps and spatial layers allow teams to start mapmaking with a strong base rather than build everything from scratch. The software also folds in 3D scenes and interactive outputs, which makes it a valuable asset to visualize reports, presentations, and dashboards. 

Analysis tools and processing performance

ArcGis Pro comes equipped with a large library of analysis tools designed to handle complex spatial needs at scale, from large rasters to multi-step models. Built-in extensions and ModelBuilder support help teams automate and repeat workflows, making the platform a smart choice for organizations handling heavy analytical workloads.

Ecosystem, integrations, and data management

ArcGIS Pro connects directly to ArcGIS Online, Esri’s cloud-based GIS, making it easy for teams to share layers, updates, and maps without manual file management. The broader Esri ecosystem adds an expansive geographic library that helps build narratives around your maps. It’s a structured setup that simplifies data management, collaboration, and publishing in a single spot. 

Choosing the right GIS for your workflow

With the strengths of ArcGIS Pro versus QGIS in mind, the next step is figuring out which is the better fit for your team. Here are a few considerations when deciding between ArcGIS, QGIS, or a hybrid workflow:

• Your team’s level of expertise and capacity: both QGIS and ArcGIS require a deep understanding of spatial data and users without accredited expertise report a steep learning curve.
• Teams that prefer open-source flexibility and customization control: QGIS offers full control over scripting, customization, and ultimately, cost. It’s a strong fit for users who need adaptable tools for data analysis and geoprocessing. This tool is also best if teams have the skills to adapt Python and plugins to their needs. 
• Organizations that need structured, enterprise-ready systems: ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro have integrations that are dependable and predictable, which is ideal for teams without extensive GIS experience. Large teams and long-running projects tend to benefit from the stability and support that Esri provides. This does come with a steep price tag, which could be a dealbreaker depending on your budget. 
• Teams that blend desktop and cloud-based collaboration: A hybrid workflow lets spatial analysts use QGIS and ArcGIS Pro for heavy data lifting before turning to Felt to share, collaborate, and publish. It’s a smooth option for organizations, letting them leverage the strengths of each platform while making the final output accessible to the entire team. 

Make better GIS decisions with Felt

Felt gives teams a fast, browser-based workspace for sharing, visualizing, and collaborating on geospatial data — whether the work starts in QGIS or ArcGIS. The QGIS > Felt plugin streamlines getting data onto the Felt platform, and Esri integrations make it just as simple to bring in ArcGIS data for cross-team projects. With support for nearly every data source, teams can simplify workflows, reduce back-and-forth, and collaborate without relying on complex GIS software. 

See how Felt can empower your mapping workflows and team collaboration. Book a demo to learn more. 

FAQ

Is ArcGis better than QGIS? 

That depends. Both platforms cover the essentials: managing and visualizing data and advanced geoprocessing. But they diverge in cost, licensing, and support. Whereas QGIS provides you with all the tools to build your own setup, Arc offers a ready-made ecosystem and structured support. 

Which operating system is primarily designed for running ArcGIS?

ArcGIS runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Organizations that use MAC or Linux must use a Windows partition on Intel processors or in a virtual environment like Parallels Desktop. 

Who supports ArcGIS?

ArcGIS is developed and maintained by Esri, a global leader in GIS software, intelligence, and mapping. 

Do architects use QGIS?

Yes, architects use QGIS for various tasks, including site analysis and spatial work. This tool is also popular in similar industries, like urban planning, real estate development, and civil engineering.