# QGIS Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is QGIS the right GIS solution for you? Explore 100 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/185949/QGIS/reviews --- QGIS 4.5 (100) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/185949/QGIS/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated June 3rd, 2026 # Reviews of QGIS Ease of use 4.2 Customer Service 4.0 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Sandra G Phd StudentHigher Education, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “QGIS provides a comprehensive suite of tools for mapping and spatial analysis.“ July 19, 2024 AV Alexandre V salesConsumer Goods, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “in the company where i work most of those using computer with 32bit capability are unable to use QGIS due to this incompatibility.“ June 19, 2023 Sandra G Phd StudentHigher Education, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The software is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs.“ July 19, 2024 AV Alexandre V salesConsumer Goods, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I think that QGIS is simple to use and efficient in map making, but it is more difficult to install and use on computers with 32-bit capacity, thus making it difficult for many individuals to use it.“ June 19, 2023 oA oumaima A research analystEnvironmental Services, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “i appreciate the vast capabilities of QGIS, allowing me to perform complex spatial operations, create visually appealing maps, and analyze data effectively.“ July 3, 2023 AP Aswathy P EngineerCivil Engineering, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Its too slow when it comes to performance.“ March 5, 2025 Sandra G Phd StudentHigher Education, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “QGIS has been a valuable addition to my work with geographic data.“ July 19, 2024 WS Werner Nell S TeacherE-Learning, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “It was extremely difficult to download. “ March 6, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 100 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Sandra G. Phd Student Higher Education Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A Solid Geographic Information System Tool" July 19, 2024 5.0 QGIS has been a valuable addition to my work with geographic data. The software is feature-rich and user-friendly for a GIS tool. It offers a wide range of capabilities for spatial data analysis and visualization. Additionally, being open-source makes it a cost-effective choice for anyone in need of GIS software. Overall, QGIS is a reliable tool for geographic information system tasks. Pros QGIS provides a comprehensive suite of tools for mapping and spatial analysis. It supports a wide range of data formats and has robust plugins that extend its functionality. The software is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs. The community support and extensive documentation make it easier to learn and troubleshoot issues. Cons The interface can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, and there can be a steep learning curve. Some advanced features may require additional training or practice to use effectively. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) The switch was driven by the need for a cost-effective solution that didn't compromise on capabilities and offered flexibility and customization options. Review Source hS hamza S. researcher Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My personal experience on QGIS" August 11, 2023 4.0 In my opinion, QGIS is currently the best GIS software, offering all the necessary tools through a multitude of plug-ins, but also because it's free and open source, making it the best choice for students and researchers. Pros One of the things I liked most about this program is that it's free and open source. It also provides all the necessary tools in a single software, so there's no need to download other programs. It also allows you to download satellite images with no need to download them from external sites, and to process them automatically, saving the user time and effort. Cons So far, I haven't encountered any problems or complications with it. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) ArcGIS offers a set of applications such as ArcMap, ArcScene ...etc, which makes it very complicated to use, unlike QGIS, which provides all in one application, not to mention that ArcGIS requires a paid license, which I can't afford. Review Source AP Aswathy P. Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "QGIS REVIEW" March 5, 2025 3.0 Pros Helps with locating the points where we have tested. Cons Its too slow when it comes to performance. Review Source Tharindu D. District Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS - The Best GIS Platform" November 19, 2019 5.0 After starting with QGIS, my design flow in QGIS involves over 80% of the total work. Before QGIS, creation of pipe lines, adding lengths manually, introducing elevations to thousands of notes along with demands usually consumed over a month for each scheme. But with QGIS, the time requirement changed to a matter of hours, which is unbelievable. Pipelines are automatically generated with exported shape files, demands are exported with demand buffers, which are created and managed in QGIS and all elevation data sets are all there in the same project. Pros QGIS is a free software, with exceptional customization as well as some amazing built-in features. Compared to most other GIS platforms including paid ones, QGIS offers a hassle free user experience since we can handle/ manage all our files within a single interface such as creating-converting-managing all data layers very easily. The other major upside is the availability of a ton of third party plug ins, which will help you do almost everything you need. As a daily user of the software, QGIS has become an integral part of my design workflow in modelling and managing water supply pipe networks. With the latest QGIS 3, we received many new features to further enhance the level of presentation compared to what it offered before. This was a very nice surprise and a much welcomed bonus to all users. Cons Unlike many free apps, there are literally no downsides to using QGIS compared to the alternatives. Reason for choosing QGIS In my opinion, QGIS is the best platform, that offers all the customization you will ever need with a massive amount of built-in and third party plugins. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Mainly, QGIS offered an all in one solution, compared to arc map - arc toolbox - arc catalog combined workflow, which was simple and smooth. Not to mention, QGIS is totally free Review Source EH Emma H. GIS Analyst Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS - get your work done fast." March 13, 2023 5.0 As a GIS Analyst, QGIS has changed my professional life and I am now in the Open Source GeoSpatial community. I love the efficiency of it and that you can download it anywhere in the world via the QGIS Project page. The QGIS Community are kind and ethical and are ready to help users. Pros I moved over to QGIS from ESRI as I was working in consulting and QGIS performed quickly (very powerful and lots of tools available from GDAL, GRASS and SAGA) and was more stable. The default styles were beautiful as well and the ease of working with Open Data such as ArcGIS REST Servers made my workflows efficient. The Plugins, such as SLYR, lets me work with ESRI products with ease and QGIS is the main software to run your Tuflow in. With a long term release each year and quarterly updates, it is always evolving with technology. Using Geopackages when working with the Cloud environments also make my workflows efficient. I love that I can share my work easily as well with fellow workers and clients. Lots of support in its Documentation as well in the community via socials or email lists or Stackoverflow. Cons Labelling needs to be developed a bit more but in saying that, I can get a complex fauna study map out. As it is free, corporations can use it but they need to also contribute to it as well so we can keep the development up. Alternatives considered [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Reason for choosing QGIS Cost; Workflows in ESRI products were unstable and costly in time; ESRI was expensive and the tools we needed required additional costs; QGIS creates beautiful maps. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Cost at first and then efficiency in workflows. Review Source AZ Antonis Z. Urban planner and regional developer Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS review" August 14, 2022 3.0 Till now, my QGIS use is restricted to creating map products, which is great but alittle bit more time-consuming. Pros It is built extremely user friendly, with similar UI to other softwares provided by vendors at great cost. It works for GIS users, providing an open source powerfull tool, triggering the user to expand their skills to coding. Cons There should be more built-in options regarding the data visualization, specially when creating map products (greater farmating libraries). I would like to see less versions of the software, but more stable. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Because the earlier product, was provided under a student license, and i cannot afford to purchase one. But also QGIS has pushed me to explore new skills (learn the basics of pthon and SQL) Review Source MM Mauricio M. Profesional GIS / Analista de Datos Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### " QGIS, a Geographic Information System for data visualization and analysis" November 21, 2019 5.0 I have generated a series of dashboards capable of creating geostatistical maps, all are visible in my linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauriciomarquezgoa/ Pros It is a free, intuitive, easy-to-use software, with a lot of documentation on the web, capable of solving complex spatial data problems. Add-ons make it the best free GIS on the web. Cons The map composer has an extension called Atlas which is able to add HTML elements, Javascript among others that allow expressions and function to make intersections to the flight that give a great dynamism to the configured maps. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) For the cost of the software license and because I did not obtain the documentation that allows me to resolve the contracts they had when using it. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Founder/ Managing Director Civil Engineering Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Excellent Open Source GIS software" November 6, 2020 5.0 I have loved discovering this software. It is all that I had hoped I could find since ESRI products are so so expensive and it is my budget. But QGIS days everything I need for professional mapping and analysis. Pros This is a full-featured, intuitive GIS software with many devoted users who develop add ons for some many situations. The software is updated regularly. It connects to all the databases and sources I need. Cons The installation is a little difficult at times and it requires uninstalling the previous version. The tool bar graphics can look a little dated graphically. Alternatives considered [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Reason for choosing QGIS The price, the functionality, the ability to just start using it Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) ESRI is way too expensive for a small start up like myself. QGIS does what I need for a donation. Review Source WNS Werner Nell S. Teacher E-Learning Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Not user friendly and extremely difficult to download " March 6, 2025 1.0 It was unfortunately a complete waste of time. Pros There are sadly no pros. I will not be using this product under any circumstances ever again. Cons It was extremely difficult to download. I am a newbie to GIS. All I got was a bunch of files that did not want to open on my computer and took unnecessary space. I cannot waste my time in this way. Review Source Usman A. Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "QGIS for You Mapping Needs" August 29, 2024 4.0 Pros The software is free and open source which provides benefits to students and on academic projects. Cons The software lacks tools that are available in competitive products such as ArcGIS Pro. Review Source oA oumaima A. research analyst Environmental Services Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Unleashing the Power of Spatial Analysis" July 3, 2023 5.0 QGIS offers a broad range of tools and functionalities for spatial analysis, data management, and map creation. i appreciate the vast capabilities of QGIS, allowing me to perform complex spatial operations, create visually appealing maps, and analyze data effectively. Pros QGIS is an open-source software, meaning it is freely available for download and use. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for individuals and organizations with limited budgets or those who prefer open-source solutions. Cons QGIS, like any powerful software, has a learning curve, especially for users who are new to geographic information systems (GIS). Review Source VR Verified Reviewer CEO Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The best SIG software for the price." November 19, 2022 5.0 Pros The easy of use, all the community, reviews... the way it have to works, it's really smooth! Cons It's always updating, a lot of improvementes in any update, but sometimes a bug. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Student Higher Education Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "A student's view on QGIS" December 10, 2022 4.0 My overall experience with QGIS is positive, the software does what is has to do. Pros QGIS is a good software to analyse and visualize data in. As a student geography we use QGIS often to do all sort of tasks. The mapping possibilities in QGIS are very good and extensive. You can also download free versions which is great if you're new to GIS, so you can try and see if you like the software without losing any money. I've been using QGIS for about 5 months now, in that time i didn't have any weird errors or crashes of the software, which i did have with the software that i was using before (ArcMap). Cons As I'm very new to QGIS, it's sometimes difficult to find all the functions that I need, there are a lot of options which can make it difficult in use. It is good to have an understanding of GIS if you want to use QGIS. Review Source MM Michael M. Founder - CEO Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS - Best Open Source GIS Software" April 2, 2020 5.0 I have used QGIS for a long time, it's one software that is very good and constantly been upgraded. The functionality os quite extensive and compares very well with high ranking propriety software. It can handle all that I throw at it and quite well. I have a very good experience working with QGIS. Pros Ease of use of QGIS, it is free to use, extensive functionality, incorporation of Remote Sensing plugins and other plugins, constant upgrade of the software, ease of installation Cons I did not find anything that is not easy to use, maybe I have not yet encountered such a problem. There is a very wide literature of help on the internet if you find something that you don't know. Reason for choosing QGIS QGIS is given for free Review Source MS Marwa S. PhD student in Geophysics and Seismology Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "QGIS , the best for spatial studies" May 7, 2022 5.0 Pros I am working on building a 3D geotechnical model, and QGIS was the best decision I chose to complete my work. First it is an open tool, second you can literally learn everything online, if you visit their FAQ you can manage to understand how to deal with your data.. Very recommended for spatial analysis ! Cons Nothing specific not to like about the software!! Review Source CY Calvin Y. Project Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A very capable tool" August 31, 2021 5.0 QGIS has been our most heavily used software amongst our teams. The versatility in function it offers has allowed us to partner wide ranging agencies in providing geospatial analysis, mapping, and data visualization services for different kinds of projects. It has been a very useful tool for us. Pros QGIS has a very vibrant online community that has been very helpful for me, especially during my early days using the software years ago. I struggled a bit to learn how to execute certain tasks like thematic layers styling and advanced spatial analysis. But thanks to the help \[SENSITIVE CONTENT\] guidance I received, I was able to learn quickly without much difficulty. Cons On our large scale projects where we deal with large volumes of data, QGIS can be very slow in processing tasks and commands, even on high capacity devices. Review Source FM Felipe M. Reserarcher Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Very complete GIS software" May 9, 2023 5.0 Pros This is a great open-source GIS software and is equipped with plenty of features and customization options for projecting and analyzing spatial data. Its interface with online maps from services like Google and Bing, which makes it easy to work with different basemaps. It's also a great alternative to ArcGIS, particularly for those who are looking for a free and open-source solution. Cons The software can be a bit tricky to navigate for those who are new to GIS or have limited experience with similar tools. Switched from [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Because the cost of ArqGIS Review Source JD Jakub D. Senior Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS is great!" February 22, 2021 5.0 It's not that welcoming to new users, but once you get into it, it's really good. QGIS should enable you to get most of your GIS-related work done - and all of that for the price you can't beat. Pros Great GIS software. It is evolving constantly, it's free and it does the job well no matter if you just want to take a look at a shapefile or you want to deliver more complex projects - it's there and it works. On top of that you've got access to a number of plugins which should bring all the functionality you need. Cons There are a lot of software/libraries dependencies and backward compatibility is not always a guarantee for your projects. Even if it's not ideal it causes the extended use of older version of QGIS when working on a specific project for longer. Review Source BK Brian K. UAS Operations Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "QGIS is my swiss army knife" April 2, 2020 5.0 I needed a program that could quickly extract topographic contours from a DSM tiff file, and do it at different resolutions. I've been using QGIS for this purpose for 2 years now. Pros The reason I sought out QGIS was to extract topographic contours from DSM tiff files. I have since found a dozen other uses for this very robust GIS program. Convert files, extract data, interpolate DSM files, analyze aerial data...the features are endless. Cons The learning curve can be a little steep at first, but there is an in depth wiki page that details every feature. Alternatives considered [ArcGIS](https://www.capterra.com/p/93333/ArcGIS/) Reason for choosing QGIS QGIS is open source and free. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer New business Trainee Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A complete application with georeferenced data" April 5, 2020 4.0 QGIS helps me extract reliable and quality georeferenced data. Pros What I like most about QGIS is that it is an extremely complete application, full of features and data. Cons What I like least about QGIS is that the application ends up being very complicated to use, it could be a little more intuitive. Review Source JS Jeremiah S. Project Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Fully Featured Open Source GIS" May 21, 2020 4.0 Very positive experience with QGIS considering this is a free software. When compared to the paid options with similar features, there is little to complain about this product. Pros QGIS is open source with constant updates that continue to improve the software. Though some of the features may not be as robust as paid options, it is a great tool for anyone using GIS data regularly Cons The user interface is outdated and needs revamping. Some features are either difficult to find or sometimes buggy/not working. Review Source LS Lewis S. Senior Geotechnical Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "QGIS" November 20, 2023 4.0 Pros Great functions and outputs. Adding maps and shapefiles can be very useful Cons Not very intuitive. The functions need to be researched on youtube or forums to learn Review Source VO Victor O. Junior Product Owner Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best free software for map management" May 18, 2021 5.0 I love the software and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in geo data management. Pros I like that this software is open source, yet has a lot of powerful features, most of which I have not gotten around to exploring. Cons The plethora of features can sometimes be dauting to someone with little knowledge about using the software. Review Source JM Jay M. Student Industrial Automation Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Detailed and diverse tool" November 24, 2019 5.0 Pros I used QGIS for my traffic simulation project and honestly, this tool was mostly used to create various shapefiles. This extracts every kind of tiniest road possible which makes it very precise to use in simulation. Also, the software is not too heavy and can be used without any lag. They also provide Grass GIS for advanced applications. Cons For basic and advanced GIS applications, this software is just ample enough. No cons as of now. Review Source MF Miftakhul F. Surveyor Research Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Ease to use" February 2, 2021 4.0 Good, easy to your and very simple. Pros I have some mapping data to proccesing and i found qgis as familiar software that i hear. It simple to do and many object to processed by features. Cons It simple to use for begginer. Toolbar and feature are many so you can processed data as you do Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [GIS](https://www.capterra.com/gis-software/) ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.