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Gliffy vs draw.io: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Gliffy and draw.io 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: draw.io is our overall pick for diagramming workflows. Pick Gliffy if you need a free tier to start with.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Jun 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Gliffy

Diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira

Best for you if:

  • • Cloud-based diagramming tool with native Confluence and Jira integration
  • • AI-powered diagram generation, Zero Egress deployment, and SOC 2/HIPAA compliance

draw.io

Free, open-source diagramming for any use case

Best for you if:

  • • You need something completely free
  • • Free, security-first online and desktop diagramming tool.
  • • Offers real-time collaboration and AI-powered diagram generation.
At a Glance
GliffyGliffy
draw.iodraw.io
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
FreeFree tier available
Best For
DiagrammingDiagramming
Rating
4.3/54.5/5

Choose Gliffy or draw.io?

Gliffy

Choose Gliffy if

Diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira

  • Deep Atlassian integration makes it the natural choice for Confluence teams
  • AI diagram generation speeds up creation from natural language
  • Zero Egress option satisfies strict compliance requirements (ITAR, HIPAA)
draw.io

Choose draw.io if

Free, open-source diagramming for any use case

  • Completely free
  • No account required
  • Works offline
  • You want a fully free tool (Gliffy requires payment)
Gliffy logo

Gliffy

Diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira

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TOP RATED
draw.io logo

draw.io

Free, open-source diagramming for any use case

Visit Website
FeatureGliffydraw.io
Pricing ModelFreemiumFree
User Rating
★4.3/5
362 reviews
★4.5/5
1,212 reviews
Categories
DiagrammingUI/UX Design
DiagrammingProductivity

In-Depth Analysis

GliffyGliffy

Diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira

Strengths

  • +Deep Atlassian integration makes it the natural choice for Confluence teams
  • +AI diagram generation speeds up creation from natural language
  • +Zero Egress option satisfies strict compliance requirements (ITAR, HIPAA)
  • +SOC 2 Type II and Atlassian Cloud Fortified certified
  • +No training required, intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Weaknesses

  • -Primarily useful for Atlassian users, limited value outside Confluence/Jira
  • -Gliffy Online standalone editor has fewer features than the Confluence version
  • -Less feature-rich than Lucidchart or Miro for advanced diagramming
  • -Pricing tied to Atlassian Marketplace billing model
  • -Free tier limited to 10 users only

Key features

Native Confluence and Jira integration with embedded diagramsDrag-and-drop interface with real-time shape previewAI-powered diagram generation from natural language promptsZero Egress deployment option keeping data within Atlassian environmentsFreehand drawing and sticky notes for brainstormingSearchable diagram text across Confluence documents
Starts at Free

draw.iodraw.io

Free, open-source diagramming for any use case

Strengths

  • +Completely free
  • +No account required
  • +Works offline

Weaknesses

  • -Less polished UX
  • -Limited collaboration

Key features

Diagram creationFlowchartsUML diagramsCloud storage integrationOffline supportFree and open source
Starts at Free

Pricing: Gliffy vs draw.io

PlanGliffydraw.io
Tier 1N/A
Free
Free
Tier 2N/A
$1.7
Confluence/Jira Cloud
Tier 3N/A
Custom
Data Center

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Gliffy pricing and draw.io pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

draw.io is free. Gliffy is freemium.

Go with: draw.io

Want the highest-rated option?

Gliffy: 4.3/5 (362 reviews). draw.io: 4.5/5 (1,212 reviews).

Go with: draw.io

Value user reviews?

Gliffy: 362 reviews (4.3/5). draw.io: 1,212 reviews (4.5/5).

Go with: draw.io

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Gliffy is freemium. draw.io is free. Go with draw.io if free matters most.

2

What's your use case?

Both are diagramming tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

draw.io is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5.

Key Takeaways

draw.io

  • Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
  • Larger review base (1,212 reviews)
  • Completely free
  • Our pick for this comparison

Gliffy

  • Choose if you want diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira

The Bottom Line

draw.io is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gliffy or draw.io better?

draw.io is rated in our evaluation. Gliffy is freemium and draw.io is free.

What are Gliffy and draw.io used for?

Gliffy: Diagrams for teams, seamlessly integrated with Confluence and Jira. draw.io: Free, open-source diagramming for any use case.

What does Gliffy cost vs draw.io?

Gliffy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). draw.io is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

Gliffy Alternativesdraw.io AlternativesGliffy Full Reviewdraw.io Full Review
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