ArcGIS StoryMaps vs Datastory

ArcGIS StoryMaps8.9Visit Datastory8.6Visit

Higher score ArcGIS StoryMaps #4 in Data Storytelling Tools 8.9/10 Free plan · 21-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Explore StoryMaps

vs

Datastory #6 in Data Storytelling Tools 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Datastory

• ArcGIS StoryMaps fits best

  Geographic and 3D narrative storytelling

• Datastory fits best

  AI-assisted, source-rich data stories

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Side by side

Feature	ArcGIS StoryMaps 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Datastory 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.6
Ranking	#4 in Data Storytelling Tools	#6 in Data Storytelling Tools
Best for	Geographic and 3D narrative storytelling	AI-assisted, source-rich data stories
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	21 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud
Platforms	Web	Web
Integrations	5 integrations	4 integrations
Features ArcGIS StoryMaps 3/4 · Datastory 0/4
Interactive visualizations	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Narrative annotations	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Presentation flow	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Live data refresh	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Share mode	Both	Not checked yet
Data source limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines maps, 3D scenes, multimedia, and narrative text Supports ArcGIS web maps, web scenes, and Living Atlas content Offers sharing, embedding, collections, and audience analytics	AI recommends charts and provides data insights Supports annotations, sources, methodology, embeds, and exports Combines data catalogs, collaboration, branding, and responsive charts
Cons	Public accounts have feature and usage limits Paid access is tied to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise user types Its focus is geographic storytelling rather than general-purpose visualization	Starter is limited to 15 data visualizations Team collaboration and custom theming require Professional Data integration and modelling are reserved for Enterprise
Our verdict	ArcGIS StoryMaps is a web-based tool for creating digital stories and briefings with maps, geographic data, multimedia, text, and embedded content. It is designed for teams, educators, communicators, and organizations that need to explain… Read the review →	Datastory is a cloud-based data storytelling platform for journalists, researchers, analysts, NGOs, government agencies, consultants, and teams. Users can upload CSV data, work with spreadsheets or the Open Data Catalog, and create… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• ArcGIS StoryMaps — where it wins

  • Combines maps, 3D scenes, multimedia, and narrative text
  • Supports ArcGIS web maps, web scenes, and Living Atlas content
  • Offers sharing, embedding, collections, and audience analytics

  Where it doesn't

  • Public accounts have feature and usage limits
  • Paid access is tied to ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise user types
  • Its focus is geographic storytelling rather than general-purpose visualization

• Datastory — where it wins

  • AI recommends charts and provides data insights
  • Supports annotations, sources, methodology, embeds, and exports
  • Combines data catalogs, collaboration, branding, and responsive charts

  Where it doesn't

  • Starter is limited to 15 data visualizations
  • Team collaboration and custom theming require Professional
  • Data integration and modelling are reserved for Enterprise

• ArcGIS StoryMaps8.9/10 · Free plan · 21-day trial

  A map-led storytelling tool for interactive geographic and 3D presentations.

  Explore StoryMapsFull verdict →
• Datastory8.6/10 · Free plan

  AI-assisted data storytelling with interactive publishing, sources, and collaboration.

  Visit DatastoryFull verdict →