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Best GIS and Mapping Software in 2026

GIS and mapping software helps you work with geographic information, maps, and location-based projects. This list includes desktop, web, self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, and API options.

  1. 1

    GRASS GIS

    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    GRASS GIS offers extensive geospatial processing through multiple interfaces, with integrations and a large extension repository. It is free and open source, but is provided with no warranty.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Mapbox Studio

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1

    Mapbox Studio offers detailed style controls and ways to publish maps across SDKs and APIs. Users should account for separately billed API or tileset usage and the limits on Style Components.

    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    QGIS

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    QGIS covers mapping, analysis, reporting, and web-service publishing without a listed software charge.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    SAGA GIS

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Pick SAGA GIS if you want a free desktop GIS with geoscience and imagery tools, scripting options, and documented data interfaces.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    CARTO

    Free trial APISelf-hostedWeb

    CARTO combines GIS visualization, spatial analysis, AI agents, and warehouse connectivity. Teams should review deployment, support, quota, and production-use terms during the trial and sales process.

    6.3 Pricing on request · 14-day trial Visit site
  6. 6

    GeoDa

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.3 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    Global Mapper

    Free trial AndroidiPhoneWindows

    Choose Global Mapper if your work needs broad geospatial format support, spatial analysis, or specialized geodetic and lidar tools.

    6.1 From $599/user/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
  8. 8

    ArcGIS Hub

    by ArcGIS Hub
    Paid APISelf-hostedWeb

    ArcGIS Hub combines community-facing websites, data sharing, and engagement tools, with Premium adding collaboration features.

    6.0 Pricing on request Visit site
  9. 9

    ILWIS

    by 52°North
    Free plan
    5.8 Visit site
  10. 10

    Manifold GIS (Release 9)

    Free trial Self-hostedWindows

    Manifold Release 9 offers broad spatial connectivity and analysis with edition-based licensing.

    5.7 Visit site
  11. 11

    ArcGIS Pro

    by Esri
    Paid
    4.3 Visit site
  12. 12

    GeoMedia

    by Hexagon
    Paid Windows
    4.3 Visit site
  13. 13

    MapInfo Pro

    Paid Windows

    MapInfo Pro combines advanced spatial analysis, raster support, and web mapping in a Windows desktop package. A 30-day trial is available, but continued access is paid and requires requesting pricing.

    4.1 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    Hexagon M.App Enterprise

    by Hexagon
    Paid
    4.0 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare whether a tool has a free plan or trial, its pricing model, supported platform, and licence terms. If reading or changing code matters, check the licence before choosing.

Questions

Which GIS tools have a free plan?

GeoDa, GRASS GIS, ILWIS, and Mapbox Studio list free plans. Other tools on the list may use paid, freemium, or trial pricing.

Which tools offer free trials?

CARTO and Global Mapper list 14-day trials. MapInfo Pro lists a 30-day trial, and Manifold GIS (Release 9) offers a free trial.

What platforms are covered?

The list includes software for Windows, self-hosted use, Linux, the web, macOS, and API access.

Is a free plan the same as open-source software?

No. A free plan concerns price or access. If code access or modification matters, check the tool's licence separately.

How much does Global Mapper cost?

Global Mapper lists pricing from $599 per user per year and a 14-day trial.

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