ArcGIS Online: Esri's cloud platform for web maps, apps and spatial analysis. GeoServer: Open-source server for sharing geospatial data via OGC standards.
| ArcGIS Online | GeoServer | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Web GIS & Cloud Platforms | Web GIS & Cloud Platforms |
| Pricing model | Paid | Open source |
| Starts at | See website | Free |
| Free tier | Free trial and limited public account | — |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Software licence | — | GPL-2.0 |
| API | Yes | — |
| Platforms | Web, API | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Made by | Esri | — |
| Commercial use | Check terms | Check terms |
| Export / print images | Check terms | Check terms |
| Offline / caching | Check terms | Check terms |
| Visits from MapTools | 7 | 8 |
| Visit | Visit |
ArcGIS Online features
- Web maps and scenes
- Dashboards and Experience Builder apps
- Living Atlas content
- Cloud spatial analysis
- Organisation sharing and roles
GeoServer features
- WMS, WFS, WCS, WMTS
- Vector tiles
- SLD and CSS styling
- PostGIS and raster sources
Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.