FigJam vs Excalidraw: Which is Better 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.
Bottom line: FigJam wins this matchup. Our overall Whiteboard pick is ClickUp. Our free Whiteboard pick is Microsoft OneNote. 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:
FigJam
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
Best for you if:
- • You want figma integration
- • You want simple to use
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (FigJam requires payment)
- • You want free to use
- • You want simple UI
| At a Glance | FigJam | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Whiteboard | Whiteboard |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose FigJam or Excalidraw?
Choose FigJam if
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
- You want figma integration
- You want simple to use
Choose Excalidraw if
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
- You want a fully free tool (FigJam requires payment)
- You want free to use
- You want simple UI
| Feature | FigJam | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 640 reviews | ★4.5/5 31 reviews |
| Categories | WhiteboardDiagramming | WhiteboardDiagramming |
In-Depth Analysis
FigJam
Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming
FigJam's pricing is quite fair, especially with a generous free 'Starter' tier.
Strengths
- +Figma integration
- +Simple to use
- +Good free tier
Weaknesses
- -Less features than Miro
- -Figma account needed
Key features
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Excalidraw's pricing is very generous, especially with its robust free tier offering full whiteboard features and collaboration.
Watch out
No mention of storage limits on paid plans
Strengths
- +Free to use
- +Simple UI
- +Sketch aesthetic
Weaknesses
- -Basic features
- -No rich templates
Key features
Pricing: FigJam vs Excalidraw
| Plan | FigJam | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $3 /editor/month Professional | 7 Excalidraw+ Monthly |
| Tier 3 | $5 /editor/month Organization | 6 Excalidraw+ Yearly |
| Tier 4 | custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on FigJam pricing and Excalidraw pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Excalidraw is free. FigJam is freemium.
Go with: Excalidraw
Want the highest-rated option?
FigJam: 4.0/5 (640 reviews). Excalidraw: 4.5/5 (31 reviews).
Go with: Excalidraw
Value user reviews?
FigJam: 640 reviews (4.0/5). Excalidraw: 31 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: FigJam
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
FigJam is freemium. Excalidraw is free. 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?
Excalidraw is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
FigJam
- Larger review base (640 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Excalidraw
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5
The Bottom Line
FigJam wins this matchup. Our overall Whiteboard pick is ClickUp. Our free Whiteboard pick is Microsoft OneNote. That said, Excalidraw is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FigJam or Excalidraw better?
FigJam is rated in our evaluation. FigJam is freemium and Excalidraw is free.
What are FigJam and Excalidraw used for?
FigJam: Online whiteboard for real-time team brainstorming and diagramming. Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching.
What does FigJam cost vs Excalidraw?
FigJam is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.