ArcGIS Pro vs ArcGIS Desktop

by Gralio Mar 11, 2025

ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop are both powerful GIS software platforms from Esri, catering to different user needs and preferences. ArcGIS Pro excels in modern workflows and 3D visualization, while ArcGIS Desktop offers a more familiar experience and broader tool support for existing users.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 200 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 hour, 36 minutes of reading.

ArcGIS Pro

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ArcGIS Desktop

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About

ArcGIS Pro is a professional mapping and analysis software designed by Esri. It allows users to visualize and understand data through interactive maps, charts, and 3D models. With ArcGIS Pro, you can analyze spatial patterns, trends, and relationships within your data, leading to more informed decisions. Primarily used by industries who rely on location intelligence, ArcGIS Pro is a powerful tool for understanding and interacting with the world geographically.

ArcGIS Desktop is a powerful mapping and analysis software suite for professionals. It allows you to create, manage, analyze, and share geographic information. With tools for mapping, data visualization, spatial analysis, and 3D modeling, ArcGIS Desktop can turn raw data into actionable insights. It's used by businesses and organizations of all sizes to understand geographic trends, make better decisions, and improve operations.

Summary

Main difference

ArcGIS Pro is a newer, 64-bit application with a modern interface and advanced 3D visualization capabilities, better suited for modern workflows and large datasets. ArcGIS Desktop, while older, offers a more familiar experience for long-time users and broader tool support for specific tasks, potentially requiring less retraining.

Relative strengths of ArcGIS Pro (compared to ArcGIS Desktop)

Modern 64-bit architecture for better performance with large datasets and complex analyses.
Advanced 3D visualization tools for enhanced data exploration and presentation.
Seamless integration with ArcGIS Online for cloud-based collaboration and data sharing.

Relative weaknesses of ArcGIS Pro (compared to ArcGIS Desktop)

Steeper learning curve for users accustomed to the older ArcGIS Desktop interface.
Potential compatibility issues with older extensions or scripts designed for ArcGIS Desktop.
Higher system requirements compared to ArcGIS Desktop, potentially necessitating hardware upgrades.

Who should use ArcGIS Pro VS. ArcGIS Desktop

ArcGIS Pro is a professional mapping and analysis software by Esri, ideal for GIS professionals, data analysts, and researchers working with location intelligence. Users praise its modern interface, seamless Esri product integration, and powerful visualization tools. Some users note a steeper learning curve from ArcMap and occasional performance issues with large datasets.

ArcGIS Desktop is a comprehensive mapping and analysis software suite ideal for GIS professionals, analysts, and researchers working with spatial data. It offers powerful tools for creating interactive maps, performing geoprocessing tasks, and automating workflows. While experience with GIS software is helpful, it's not required thanks to numerous learning resources.

Ideal for medium to large businesses (101+ employees).
Suitable for businesses across all industries.

Best fit for medium to large businesses (100+ employees).
Particularly well-suited for software, IT, telecommunications, real estate, construction, and non-profit/government organizations.

ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop features

Supported

Partially supported

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Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Actionable Intelligence from Disparate Data

Supported

ArcGIS Pro Intelligence analyzes disparate data to produce actionable intelligence.

Supported

ArcGIS Desktop allows visualizing, exploring, and analyzing disparate data to produce actionable intelligence.
Data Visualization

Supported

ArcGIS Pro visualizes data in 2D and 3D maps and links charts, graphs, tables, and timelines.

Partially supported

ArcGIS Desktop supports 2D and 3D maps, charts, and timelines. Tables and graphs integrations are not explicitly confirmed.
2D and 3D Editing

Supported

ArcGIS Pro supports creating and editing in both 2D and 3D.

Supported

ArcGIS Desktop supports 2D editing in ArcMap and 3D editing in ArcScene and ArcGlobe.
Task and Workflow Automation

Supported

ArcGIS Pro offers automation via ModelBuilder, Python scripting, and Task Framework.

Supported

ArcGIS Desktop supports task automation via ModelBuilder and Python scripting in ArcGIS Pro.
Geoprocessing Tools

Supported

ArcGIS Pro offers a suite of geoprocessing tools for tasks such as data conversion, buffering, clipping, and spatial joins.

Supported

ArcGIS Desktop offers geoprocessing tools including buffering, clipping, and spatial joins.
Interactive maps

Supported

ArcGIS Pro allows users to create interactive maps with zoom, pan, and click to explore data.

Supported

ArcGIS Desktop allows creating interactive maps with zooming, panning, and clicking for exploring data.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop Pricing

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We couldn't find a pricing page for ArcGIS Pro.

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We couldn't find a pricing page for ArcGIS Desktop.

ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop review insights

Users love

Faster processing and improved performance compared to ArcMap.
Modern and user-friendly interface.
Seamless integration with ArcGIS Online and other Esri products.
Powerful cartography and 3D visualization tools.
Enhanced data management capabilities.

No data

Users dislike

Limited functionality for some tools compared to ArcMap, requiring use of both.
Occasional bugs and crashes, especially with large datasets.
Steep learning curve for users familiar with ArcMap.
High system requirements and slow performance on older hardware.
Licensing system can be confusing and expensive.

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ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop Ratings

G2

4.3/5

(182)
Glassdoor

4.0/5

(1527)

G2

4.5/5

(18)
Glassdoor

4.0/5

(1527)

Company health

Employee growth

5% increase in the last year

Web traffic

6% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

How important is a modern UI/UX for my team?

A modern UI/UX is likely very important for your team. ArcGIS Pro is praised for its modern and user-friendly interface, a significant advantage over ArcGIS Desktop, especially for users transitioning from older software or new to GIS software. A better UI/UX generally leads to increased productivity, reduced training time, and higher user satisfaction. While ArcGIS Desktop is a powerful tool, a dated interface can hinder efficiency and create frustration. If your team values ease of use and a streamlined workflow, ArcGIS Pro's modern UI/UX should be a strong consideration.

Which product best supports personal geodatabases?

ArcGIS Desktop supports personal geodatabases, while ArcGIS Pro does not. Therefore, ArcGIS Desktop is the better choice if working with personal geodatabases is a requirement.

What are the advantages of ArcGIS Pro?

ArcGIS Pro boasts a more modern and user-friendly interface, faster processing speeds, and seamless integration with ArcGIS Online and other Esri products. It offers superior 3D visualization and enhanced data management capabilities compared to ArcGIS Desktop. Users praise ArcGIS Pro for its powerful cartography tools and overall improved performance.

What are the disadvantages of ArcGIS Pro?

ArcGIS Pro can have a steep learning curve for users already familiar with ArcMap, often requiring them to use both programs due to some tools having limited functionality in ArcGIS Pro. It can also be resource-intensive, with high system requirements and potential slow performance on older hardware. Occasional bugs and crashes, especially with large datasets, have also been reported. Finally, the licensing system can be complex and expensive.

Alternatives to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop

QGIS

QGIS is a free and open-source software that lets you analyze and visualize location data to create maps and reports. It works with various data formats, making it easy to integrate with existing systems. QGIS is highly customizable, offering advanced tools for map creation, data editing, and analysis. It's a popular choice across industries due to its powerful features and flexibility.

ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Enterprise is a system that helps businesses visualize and understand their data through maps and location-based tools. It lets you explore data, see patterns, and make better decisions. This system is particularly helpful for tracking trends, planning strategically, and improving efficiency for any business dealing with location-based information. While particularly robust for larger datasets, ArcGIS Enterprise provides secure, customizable tools to benefit mid-sized companies as well.

Esri ArcGIS

Esri ArcGIS is a suite of software tools for mapping and understanding location data. It allows you to visualize your data on maps, analyze it to find patterns and trends, and share those insights with others in your organization. ArcGIS offers solutions for businesses of all sizes, across industries, helping them make better decisions using the power of location. They are a market leader in this space and provide tools to help organizations understand and act upon complex geographic information.

CleverMaps

CleverMaps is a location intelligence platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to analyze your business data on a map and combine it with demographic information, points of interest, and other location-based data. CleverMaps offers a suite of tools to help you understand geographic trends, optimize operations, and make better decisions. Industries like retail, banking, and logistics use it for tasks like site selection, route optimization, and risk assessment.

Spark SQL

Spark SQL is a tool that makes it easier to analyze large amounts of organized data within your company. It's like using a spreadsheet program but designed to handle much bigger datasets. You can work with data using familiar tools like SQL or through simple commands, making it easier for your teams to understand and analyze information. Spark SQL is versatile and can be used with different programming languages, giving your data professionals flexible options.

ArcGIS Online

ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based mapping and analysis software. It allows you to create interactive maps, analyze data visually, and share location-based insights with colleagues. You can easily integrate your existing data, enhance it with location context, and make better-informed decisions. It's used by businesses of all sizes across various industries, but its strength lies in managing and understanding location-based information.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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