CARTO vs ArcGIS Online Comparison
CARTO
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
CARTO is a powerful yet easy to use Geographic Information System Software that allows for mapping and for the creation of interactive maps using the location data. Use it to create custom maps and locations, show spatia…
ArcGIS Online
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Individuals
- Freelancers / Consultants
ArcGIS Online from Esri is a most powerful, flexible and easiest-to-use location intelligence platform in the market today. Using ArcGIS Online for ArcGIS Cloud, ArcGIS for Server, or a combination of the two allows to s…
ArcGIS Online leads on user satisfaction with a 4.5-star rating across 557 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
CARTOArcGIS Online
The core difference between CARTO and ArcGIS Online lies in CARTO's focus on creating interactive, visually appealing maps quickly, while ArcGIS Online excels in complex spatial analysis and collaboration in a cloud environment. CARTO is ideal for teams of data analysts and GIS specialists, whereas ArcGIS Online is best suited for organizations needing extensive mapping tools and global datasets.
- Best for creating interactive, multi-layer spatial maps - Ideal for medium to large enterprises - Focuses on fast map creation - Suitable for data analysts and GIS specialists - Emphasizes visual appeal and user engagement - Great for urban planners requiring spatial analytics
- Best cloud-based GIS platform for complex analysis - Ideal for organizations with 51-500 or 500+ employees - Offers seamless integration of mapping and analysis tools - Supports field collaboration and diverse datasets - Provides workflow-specific GIS applications - Suitable for teams needing extensive mapping capabilities
CARTO vs ArcGIS Online — at a glance
| Feature | CARTO | ArcGIS Online |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Reviews | 88 | 557 |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises |
| Category | Geographic Information System Software | Geographic Information System Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001 |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between CARTO and ArcGIS Online
- Target audience: CARTO is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while ArcGIS Online targets Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants.
- User satisfaction: ArcGIS Online scores higher with a 4.5-star average.
- Deployment: CARTO supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android; ArcGIS Online supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows.
CARTO vs ArcGIS Online — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Geographic Information System Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for creating interactive, multi-layer spatial maps for data-driven insights.
- You need fast creation of visually appealing, interactive maps with multiple data layers.
- Your team includes data analysts, GIS specialists, or urban planners requiring spatial analytics.
- You want a flexible GIS tool for location analytics, urban planning, or marketing behavior analysis.
- Your users lack GIS or data analytics expertise due to the intimidating learning curve.
- You require extensive marketplace apps, connectors, or advanced GIS customization features.
Best cloud-based GIS platform for complex spatial analysis and field collaboration.
- You need seamless integration of mapping and analysis tools in a cloud environment
- Your team requires access to diverse global datasets and workflow-specific GIS apps
- Field survey teams need strong mobility features to enhance on-site productivity
- You are a small business with limited budget due to high subscription costs
- You require simple, beginner-friendly GIS tools or advanced geoprocessing capabilities
CARTO: Best for creating interactive, multi-layer spatial maps for data-driven insights. ArcGIS Online: Best cloud-based GIS platform for complex spatial analysis and field collaboration.
Description | CARTO is a powerful yet easy to use Geographic Information System Software that allows for mapping and for the creation of interactive maps using the location data. Use it to create custom ... Read More about CARTO | ArcGIS Online from Esri is a most powerful, flexible and easiest-to-use location intelligence platform in the market today. Using ArcGIS Online for ArcGIS Cloud, ArcGIS for Server, or a ... Read More about ArcGIS Online |
|---|---|---|
Free Trial Availability | ||
Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises | 51-500 employees500+ employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do CARTO and ArcGIS Online Compare on Features?
Total Features | 10 Features | 11 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare CARTO and ArcGIS Online on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
|---|---|---|
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | — | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
CARTO User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights CARTO's powerful mapping capabilities and ease of use for spatial analytics, tempered by a learning curve and some feature limitations. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights powerful integration and mobility features, tempered by concerns over cost and complexity for new users. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  3 Videos |  2 Videos |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, CARTO or ArcGIS Online?
- ArcGIS Online edges out the other on user ratings (4.5 vs 4.4). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do CARTO and ArcGIS Online offer a free trial?
- Yes, both CARTO and ArcGIS Online offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of CARTO vs ArcGIS Online?
- CARTO starts at Contact for pricing. ArcGIS Online starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to CARTO?
- Top alternatives to CARTO include eSpatial, ArcGIS Online, Mapbox, Map Business Online, Esri ArcGIS.
- What are the top alternatives to ArcGIS Online?
- Top alternatives to ArcGIS Online include CARTO, eSpatial, Maptitude, vMAP, Esri ArcGIS.