Mermaid vs Excalidraw: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mermaid 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: Mermaid wins this matchup. Our overall Diagramming pick is Lucid Train. Our free Diagramming pick is Zapier Canvas. Pick Excalidraw if you need whiteboard.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mermaid
Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.
Best for you if:
- • You want diagrams as code
- • You want gitHub native support
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want free to use
- • You want simple UI
| At a Glance | Mermaid | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Diagramming | Whiteboard |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Mermaid or Excalidraw?
Choose Mermaid if
Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.
- You want diagrams as code
- You want gitHub native support
- Your work is diagramming-shaped, not whiteboard-shaped
Choose Excalidraw if
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
- You want free to use
- You want simple UI
- Your work is whiteboard-shaped, not diagramming-shaped
| Feature | Mermaid | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 11 reviews | ★4.5/5 31 reviews |
| Categories | DiagrammingDocumentation | WhiteboardDiagramming |
In-Depth Analysis
Mermaid
Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.
Mermaid offers a very generous free tier with its open-source option and a functional 'Basic' tier for free.
Strengths
- +Diagrams as code
- +GitHub native support
- +Free and open source
- +Many diagram types
- +Easy syntax
Weaknesses
- -Limited styling
- -Complex diagrams hard
- -Rendering varies
- -Documentation gaps
- -Less flexible than draw tools
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: Mermaid vs Excalidraw
| Plan | Mermaid | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | Free Basic | 7 Excalidraw+ Monthly |
| Tier 3 | $8 Plus | 6 Excalidraw+ Yearly |
| Tier 4 | Custom Premium | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mermaid pricing and Excalidraw pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mermaid
Want the highest-rated option?
Mermaid: 4.7/5 (11 reviews). Excalidraw: 4.5/5 (31 reviews).
Go with: Mermaid
Value user reviews?
Mermaid: 11 reviews (4.7/5). Excalidraw: 31 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Excalidraw
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Mermaid is a diagramming tool. Excalidraw is in whiteboard. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Mermaid is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Mermaid
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Excalidraw
- Larger review base (31 reviews)
- Better fit for whiteboard
The Bottom Line
Mermaid wins this matchup. Our overall Diagramming pick is Lucid Train. Our free Diagramming pick is Zapier Canvas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mermaid or Excalidraw better?
Mermaid is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Mermaid and Excalidraw used for?
Mermaid: Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.. Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching.
What does Mermaid cost vs Excalidraw?
Mermaid is completely free. Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.