Gliffy vs Excalidraw: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gliffy 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:
Gliffy
Diagramming for Confluence
Best for you if:
- • You need diagramming features specifically
- • You need diagramming for confluence
- • You need professional-grade features
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need whiteboard features specifically
- • 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 | Paid | Free |
Best For | Diagramming | Whiteboard |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Gliffy | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 208 | 0 |
| Categories | DiagrammingUI/UX Design | WhiteboardDiagramming |
Understanding the Differences
Both Gliffy and Excalidraw solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Gliffy positions itself as "diagramming for confluence" while Excalidrawfocuses on "virtual whiteboard for sketching". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Gliffy
Gliffy makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Excalidraw
Excalidraw is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Excalidraw won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Excalidraw
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Excalidraw is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Excalidraw
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Gliffy is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Gliffy
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 Excalidraw higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Gliffy more (208 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Excalidraw Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Gliffy If
- 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 Excalidraw (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Excalidraw scores higher in our analysis, but Gliffy 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 Gliffy or Excalidraw better?
Based on our analysis, Excalidraw scores higher with 84/100. Gliffy ispaid 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 Gliffy 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 Gliffy and Excalidraw offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Gliffy is paid with potential trial.Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.