Excalidraw vs FigJam: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Excalidraw and FigJam 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.
Bottom line: FigJam is our overall pick for whiteboard workflows. Pick Excalidraw if you need a fully free option.
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 need something completely free
- • Open-source virtual whiteboard for hand-drawn style diagrams and sketches.
- • Features real-time collaboration, voice chat, and export to PNG, SVG, and PDF.
FigJam
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
Best for you if:
- • Collaborative online whiteboard for real-time team ideation and planning.
- • Offers templates, AI features for generation and summarization, and integrations with project management tools.
| At a Glance |  Excalidraw |  FigJam |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Whiteboard | Whiteboard |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Choose Excalidraw or FigJam?
Choose Excalidraw if
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
- Free to use
- Simple UI
- Sketch aesthetic
- You want a fully free tool (FigJam requires payment)
Choose FigJam if
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
- Figma integration
- Simple to use
- Good free tier
| Feature | Excalidraw | FigJam |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 484 reviews |
| Categories | WhiteboardDiagramming | WhiteboardDiagramming |
In-Depth Analysis
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Strengths
- +Free to use
- +Simple UI
- +Sketch aesthetic
Weaknesses
- -Basic features
- -No rich templates
Key features
FigJam
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
Strengths
- +Figma integration
- +Simple to use
- +Good free tier
Weaknesses
- -Less features than Miro
- -Figma account needed
Key features
Pricing: Excalidraw vs FigJam
| Plan | Excalidraw | FigJam |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | 7 Excalidraw+ Monthly | $3 /editor/month Professional |
| Tier 3 | 6 Excalidraw+ Yearly | $5 /editor/month Organization |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Excalidraw pricing and FigJam pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Excalidraw is free. FigJam is freemium.
Go with: Excalidraw
Want the highest-rated option?
FigJam is rated 4.7/5. Excalidraw has no ratings yet.
Go with: FigJam
Value user reviews?
Excalidraw: no ratings yet. FigJam: 484 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: FigJam
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Excalidraw is free. FigJam is freemium. Go with Excalidraw if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are whiteboard tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
FigJam is rated 4.7/5; Excalidraw has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
FigJam
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Excalidraw
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
FigJam is our pick. That said, Excalidraw is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalidraw or FigJam better?
FigJam is rated in our evaluation. Excalidraw is free and FigJam is freemium.
What are Excalidraw and FigJam used for?
Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching. FigJam: Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming.
What does Excalidraw cost vs FigJam?
Excalidraw is completely free. FigJam is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.