Mermaid vs Redash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mermaid and Redash 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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 the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need diagramming features specifically
- • Generates diagrams and charts from text definitions.
- • Supports various diagram types like flowcharts and sequence diagrams.
Redash
Open-source data visualization and dashboards
Best for you if:
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Redash is an open-source tool for querying databases and visualizing data
- • It connects to any data source and creates dashboards with SQL
| At a Glance |  Mermaid |  Redash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Diagramming | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Mermaid | Redash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DiagrammingData Visualization | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Mermaid and Redash Compare
Mermaid
Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.
Free · 86/100 score
Redash
Open-source data visualization and dashboards
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Mermaid is a diagramming tool. Redash is in business intelligence.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mermaid is free. Redash is freemium.
Go with: Mermaid
Want the highest-rated option?
Mermaid: 86/100. Redash: 82/100.
Go with: Mermaid
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mermaid
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Mermaid is free. Redash is freemium. Go with Mermaid if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Mermaid is a diagramming tool. Redash is in business intelligence. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Mermaid scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Mermaid
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Redash
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
Mermaid (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mermaid or Redash better?
Mermaid scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Mermaid is free and Redash is freemium.
What are Mermaid and Redash used for?
Mermaid: Create diagrams and charts from text in a simple, intuitive, and highly customizable way.. Redash: Open-source data visualization and dashboards.
What does Mermaid cost vs Redash?
Mermaid is completely free. Redash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.