tldraw vs Whimsical: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between tldraw and Whimsical 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:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Free and open-source collaborative whiteboard.
- • Designed for quick drawing, diagramming, and ideation.
Whimsical
Visual workspace for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You need whiteboard features specifically
- • Whimsical is a visual workspace for flowcharts, wireframes, and docs
- • It combines diagrams, mind maps, and documentation beautifully
| At a Glance |  tldraw |  Whimsical |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | Whiteboard |
Rating | 81/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | tldraw | Whimsical |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignWhiteboard | WhiteboardDiagramming |
How tldraw and Whimsical Compare
tldraw
Infinite canvas whiteboard
Free · 81/100 score
Whimsical
Visual workspace for teams
Free tier available · 85/100 score
tldraw is a ui/ux design tool. Whimsical is in whiteboard.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
tldraw is free. Whimsical is freemium.
Go with: tldraw
Want the highest-rated option?
tldraw: 81/100. Whimsical: 85/100.
Go with: Whimsical
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Whimsical
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
tldraw is free. Whimsical is freemium. Go with tldraw if free matters most.
What's your use case?
tldraw is a ui/ux design tool. Whimsical is in whiteboard. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Whimsical scores higher: 85/100 vs 81/100.
Key Takeaways
Whimsical
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 81
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
tldraw
- Completely free
- Better fit for ui/ux design
The Bottom Line
Whimsical (85/100) is our pick. That said, tldraw is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tldraw or Whimsical better?
Whimsical scores 85/100 in our evaluation. tldraw is free and Whimsical is freemium.
What are tldraw and Whimsical used for?
tldraw: Infinite canvas whiteboard. Whimsical: Visual workspace for teams.
What does tldraw cost vs Whimsical?
tldraw is completely free. Whimsical is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.