Almanac vs Excalidraw — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Almanac and Excalidraw to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Excalidraw takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams. Almanac (3.9) is the better pick if you need remote teams that need structured, async document workflows with approvals..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Almanac | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.9(34) | ★★★★★ 4.7(110) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | $12/member/mo (Business) | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | Web, VS Code Extension |
| Learning Curve | easy | Easy |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Remote teams that need structured, async document workflows with approvals. | Developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams |
| Verdict | situational | Best Free Whiteboard |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Almanac | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Async document collaboration | — | |
| Approval workflows | — | |
| Template library | — | |
| Handbook builder | — | |
| Version control | — | |
| Suggested changes | — | |
| Hand-Drawn Style | — | |
| Real-Time Collaboration | — | |
| Library System | — | |
| Encryption | — | |
| Open Source | — |
Almanac
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for async document collaboration
- ✓Approval workflows bring structure to document review
- ✓Professional template library saves creation time
Cons
- ✕Narrow niche limits broad appeal
- ✕Smaller feature set than Notion or Confluence
- ✕No API limits custom integrations
Excalidraw
Pros
- ✓Completely free and open-source
- ✓Charming hand-drawn aesthetic
- ✓Zero setup — works in browser
Cons
- ✕Not for professional diagrams
- ✕Limited shape library
- ✕Collaboration features basic vs Miro
The Bottom Line
Both Almanac and Excalidraw are solid tools in the Cloud Storage & Collaboration space. Excalidraw edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and is the better choice for developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams. However, if you prioritize remote teams that need structured, async document workflows with approvals., Almanac is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.