Excalidraw vs Figma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Excalidraw and Figma 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated April 14, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- 0
- • 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.
Figma
The collaborative design platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Cloud-native design platform with real-time multiplayer collaboration for interface design, prototyping, and developer handoff
- • Free tier includes 3 projects; Professional starts at $15/editor/month with unlimited files and version history
| At a Glance |  Excalidraw |  Figma |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Excalidraw | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignWhiteboard | UI/UX DesignGraphic Design |
How Excalidraw and Figma Compare
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Free
Figma
The collaborative design platform
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Excalidraw is free. Figma is freemium.
Go with: Excalidraw
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Excalidraw
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Excalidraw
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Excalidraw is free. Figma is freemium. Go with Excalidraw if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Excalidraw
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Figma
The Bottom Line
Excalidraw is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalidraw or Figma better?
Excalidraw is rated high in our evaluation. Excalidraw is free and Figma is freemium.
What are Excalidraw and Figma used for?
Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching. Figma: The collaborative design platform.
What does Excalidraw cost vs Figma?
Excalidraw is completely free. Figma is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.