Excalidraw vs Diagrams.net: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Excalidraw and Diagrams.net comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need whiteboard features specifically
- • Open-source virtual whiteboard for hand-drawn style diagrams and sketches.
- • Features real-time collaboration, voice chat, and export to PNG, SVG, and PDF.
Diagrams.net
Security-first diagramming
Best for you if:
- • You need diagramming features specifically
- • You need security-first diagramming
- • You want a completely free tool
| At a Glance |  Excalidraw | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Whiteboard | Diagramming |
Rating | 84/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Excalidraw | Diagrams.net |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 160 |
| Categories | WhiteboardDiagramming | DiagrammingWhiteboard |
Understanding the Differences
Both Excalidraw and Diagrams.net solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Excalidraw positions itself as "virtual whiteboard for sketching" while Diagrams.netfocuses on "security-first diagramming". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Excalidraw
Excalidraw makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Diagrams.net
Diagrams.net is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Excalidraw lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Excalidraw
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Excalidraw handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Excalidraw
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Excalidraw
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Excalidraw is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Excalidraw higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Diagrams.net more (160 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Excalidraw Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Diagrams.net If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Excalidraw (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Excalidraw scores higher in our analysis, but Diagrams.net might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalidraw or Diagrams.net better?
Based on our analysis, Excalidraw scores higher with 84/100. Excalidraw isfree while Diagrams.net is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Excalidraw to Diagrams.net easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Excalidraw and Diagrams.net offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Excalidraw is completely free.Diagrams.net is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.