ArcGIS vs PolyWorks Comparison
Compare ArcGIS vs PolyWorks features, pricing, and more.
Last updated: November 2026
ArcGIS
7.2/10
Esri's GIS platform for mapping, spatial analysis and field data collection, used by utilities, governments and infrastructure owners to manage networks and assets.
PolyWorks
6.5/10
PolyWorks is InnovMetric's 3D dimensional analysis and quality control software suite. Manufacturers use it to inspect parts with CMMs, portable metrology devices and point cloud scanners.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall Rating | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Integration | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Security | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Support | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Cost | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Analytics | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Customization | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Scalability | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Cheapest paid plan | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Estimated cost for 10 users | Contact for pricing | Free PolyWorks|Reviewer |
| Features | ||
| Asset Registry | Not listed | |
| GIS and Mapping | Not listed | |
| Inspection Automation | Not listed | |
| Inspection Checklists | Not listed | |
| Offline Field App | Not listed | |
| Work Orders | Not listed | |
ArcGIS vs PolyWorks cost by team size
| Team size | ArcGIS | PolyWorks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 user | Contact for pricing | FreePolyWorks|Reviewer |
| 5 users | Contact for pricing | FreePolyWorks|Reviewer |
| 10 users | Contact for pricing | FreePolyWorks|Reviewer |
| 25 users | Contact for pricing | FreePolyWorks|Reviewer |
| 50 users | Contact for pricing | FreePolyWorks|Reviewer |
The plan that fits each team size, billed monthly, before add-ons and usage charges. Each cost opens that tool's pricing calculator for the team size.
Which One Should You Choose?
Why choose ArcGIS
- Higher Security score (7/10 vs 5/10)
- Higher Scalability score (9/10 vs 7/10)
Why choose PolyWorks
- Has a free plan (ArcGIS does not)
- Higher Integration score (9/10 vs 8/10)
Pros & Cons
ArcGIS
Pros
- One platform covers desktop, cloud, self-hosted and mobile GIS, so office and field teams work from the same data.
- Field Maps works fully offline for maps, forms, tasks and utility network tracing.
- Integrates with Cityworks, Salesforce, Power Automate and offers APIs for custom systems.
- G2 reviewers praise how it handles layers and datasets and how easy cloud access makes remote work.
Cons
- No public pricing, and reviewers cite subscription and credit costs as the main complaint.
- Credits are consumed by premium services, which can limit heavy use.
- ArcGIS Online lacks some geoprocessing tools found in ArcGIS Pro and Desktop.
- Reviewers report a steep learning curve without training.
PolyWorks
Pros
- Supports a very wide range of hardware, including probing arms, laser trackers, point cloud scanners and CNC CMMs through direct drivers or I++.
- Can convert one inspection sequence to run on CMMs of different brands.
- Macro scripting and sequence editing make repeated, high-volume inspections efficient.
- Produces First Article Inspection reports that comply with AS9102 and PPAP, and includes SPC and Gauge R&R studies.
- A free Reviewer app lets stakeholders examine inspection results without buying a license.
Cons
- No public pricing, and a reseller comparison places it in the most expensive tier.
- A steep learning curve, which a reseller rates as the hardest of the packages it compared.
- Very few public user reviews; G2 lists too few reviews to give buying insight.
- Built for dimensional metrology, not for maintenance, asset management or field work.
Not sold on either?
Air Inspection Automation (AiA)Our product
Plans DJI drone inspection missions for power line towers from LiDAR scans: it finds the towers, places photo stops, checks clearance, and splits the route into battery flights.
Made by the team behind b stack radar. Shown here because it fits this topic. It is not part of our rankings. How we rank tools
Frequently Asked Questions
ArcGIS scores higher on our Industrial & Infrastructure Software criteria: 7.2/10 against 6.5/10 for PolyWorks. The largest gap is in Scalability: 9/10 for ArcGIS and 7/10 for PolyWorks.
PolyWorks has a free plan; ArcGIS does not list one.
