Lucidchart vs Excalidraw: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lucidchart 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated May 1, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Lucidchart
Intelligent diagramming
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Cloud-based diagramming tool for flowcharts, org charts, and technical diagrams.
- • Features real-time collaboration, Visio import/export, and enterprise integrations.
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.
| At a Glance |  Lucidchart |  Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Lucidchart | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignDiagramming | UI/UX DesignWhiteboard |
How Lucidchart and Excalidraw Compare
Lucidchart
Intelligent diagramming
Free tier available
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Excalidraw is free. Lucidchart is freemium.
Go with: Excalidraw
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Lucidchart
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Lucidchart
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Lucidchart is freemium. Excalidraw is free. 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
Lucidchart
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Excalidraw
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Lucidchart is our pick. That said, Excalidraw is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lucidchart or Excalidraw better?
Lucidchart is rated high in our evaluation. Lucidchart is freemium and Excalidraw is free.
What are Lucidchart and Excalidraw used for?
Lucidchart: Intelligent diagramming. Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching.
What does Lucidchart cost vs Excalidraw?
Lucidchart is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.