Miro vs Excalidraw — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Miro and Excalidraw to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Miro takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration. Excalidraw (4.7) is the better pick if you need developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Miro | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(380) | ★★★★★ 4.7(110) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | $8/member/mo | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Web, VS Code Extension |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration | Developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams |
| Verdict | Best Collaborative Whiteboard | Best Free Whiteboard |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Miro | Excalidraw |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite Canvas | — | |
| Templates | — | |
| Video Chat | — | |
| Diagramming | — | |
| Sprint Planning | — | |
| Hand-Drawn Style | — | |
| Real-Time Collaboration | — | |
| Library System | — | |
| Encryption | — | |
| Open Source | — |
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
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 Miro and Excalidraw are solid tools in the Cloud Storage & Collaboration space. Miro edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.7) and is the better choice for product teams, designers, and anyone doing visual collaboration. However, if you prioritize developers wanting quick, informal technical diagrams, Excalidraw is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.