FigJam vs Excalidraw: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FigJam and Excalidraw 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:
FigJam
Online whiteboard by Figma
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Collaborative online whiteboard for real-time team ideation and planning.
- • Offers templates, AI features for generation and summarization, and integrations with project management tools.
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.
| At a Glance |  Excalidraw | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Whiteboard | Whiteboard |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | FigJam | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | WhiteboardDiagramming | WhiteboardDiagramming |
Understanding the Differences
Both FigJam and Excalidraw solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.FigJam positions itself as "online whiteboard by figma" while Excalidrawfocuses on "virtual whiteboard for sketching". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose FigJam
FigJam makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Excalidraw
Excalidraw is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, FigJam lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: FigJam
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. FigJam handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: FigJam
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: FigJam
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Excalidraw won't cost you anything.
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 FigJam higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Excalidraw more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What FigJam Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Excalidraw 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 FigJam (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. FigJam scores higher in our analysis, but Excalidraw 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 FigJam or Excalidraw better?
Based on our analysis, FigJam scores higher with 85/100. FigJam isfreemium while Excalidraw 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 FigJam to Excalidraw 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 FigJam and Excalidraw offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. FigJam is freemium with a free tier.Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.