Excalidraw vs Miro — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Excalidraw and Miro 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. Miro (4.7) is the better pick if you need product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Excalidraw | Miro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(110) | ★★★★★ 4.7(380) |
| Pricing Model | free | freemium |
| Starter Price | Free | $8/member/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, VS Code Extension | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams | Product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration |
| Verdict | Best Free Whiteboard | Best Collaborative Whiteboard |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Excalidraw | Miro |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Drawn Style | — | |
| Real-Time Collaboration | — | |
| Library System | — | |
| Encryption | — | |
| Open Source | — | |
| Infinite Canvas | — | |
| Templates | — | |
| Video Chat | — | |
| Diagramming | — | |
| Sprint Planning | — |
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
Miro
Pros
- ✓Massive template library
- ✓Best-in-class real-time collaboration
- ✓Works for any team type
Cons
- ✕Gets expensive with large teams
- ✕Can feel overwhelming at first
- ✕Performance with huge boards
The Bottom Line
Both Excalidraw and Miro are solid tools in the Cloud Storage & Collaboration space. Excalidraw edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.7) and is the better choice for developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams. However, if you prioritize product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration, Miro is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.