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MiroExcalidraw 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.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Excalidraw takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams. Miro (3.5) is the better pick if you need distributed teams doing visual collaboration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Excalidraw | Miro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(110) | ★★★★ 3.5(43) |
| Pricing Model | free | freemium |
| Starter Price | Free | $10/member/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, VS Code Extension | Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Learning Curve | Easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams | Distributed teams doing visual collaboration |
| Verdict | Best Free Whiteboard | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Excalidraw | Miro |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Drawn Style | — | |
| Real-Time Collaboration | — | |
| Library System | — | |
| Encryption | — | |
| Open Source | — | |
| Whiteboard | — | |
| Templates | — | |
| AI | — | |
| Video | — | |
| Integrations | — | |
| Voting | — |
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
- ✓Visual collab
- ✓Templates
- ✓AI
- ✓Free tier
Cons
- ✕Laggy boards
- ✕Per-member
- ✕Overwhelming
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 3.5) and is the better choice for developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams. However, if you prioritize distributed teams doing visual collaboration, Miro is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalidraw better than Miro?▼
Excalidraw scores higher overall with a 4.7 rating vs 3.5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Excalidraw is best for Developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams, while Miro is best for Distributed teams doing visual collaboration.
Can I switch from Excalidraw to Miro?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Miro offers trial options to help you evaluate the switch.
Which is more affordable, Excalidraw or Miro?▼
Excalidraw starts at Free, while Miro starts at $10/member/mo. Excalidraw offers a free tier.