tldraw vs Excalidraw: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between tldraw 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
tldraw
Infinite canvas whiteboard
Best for you if:
- • Free and open-source collaborative whiteboard.
- • Designed for quick drawing, diagramming, and ideation.
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • 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 |  tldraw |  Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 81/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | tldraw | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignWhiteboard | UI/UX DesignWhiteboard |
How tldraw and Excalidraw Compare
tldraw
Infinite canvas whiteboard
Free · 81/100 score
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Free · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: tldraw
Want the highest-rated option?
tldraw: 81/100. Excalidraw: 84/100.
Go with: Excalidraw
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Excalidraw scores higher: 84/100 vs 81/100.
Key Takeaways
Excalidraw
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 81
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
tldraw
The Bottom Line
Excalidraw (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tldraw or Excalidraw better?
Excalidraw scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are tldraw and Excalidraw used for?
tldraw: Infinite canvas whiteboard. Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching.
What does tldraw cost vs Excalidraw?
tldraw is completely free. Excalidraw is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.