Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lucidchart - Cloud-based diagramming platform specializing in flowcharts with AI-assisted creation, templates, and real-time collaboration.
- 2#2: Microsoft Visio - Professional desktop and web app for advanced flowcharts with data integration, automation, and Visio-exclusive shapes.
- 3#3: diagrams.net - Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating flowcharts offline or online with extensive shape libraries and exports.
- 4#4: Miro - Collaborative whiteboard platform with intuitive flowchart tools, sticky notes, and infinite canvas for teams.
- 5#5: Creately - Visual collaboration tool for building flowcharts with drag-and-drop, smart connectors, and database integration.
- 6#6: SmartDraw - Automated diagramming software that generates flowcharts from data or text with hundreds of templates.
- 7#7: Whimsical - Fast, minimalist tool for creating flowcharts, wireframes, and mind maps with keyboard shortcuts and embeds.
- 8#8: Gliffy - Diagram maker integrated with Atlassian tools for flowcharts, UML, and technical diagrams in teams.
- 9#9: yEd Graph Editor - Free desktop graph editor with powerful automatic layout algorithms for complex flowcharts and networks.
- 10#10: Excalidraw - Open-source hand-drawn style whiteboard for quick, collaborative sketches of flowcharts and diagrams.
Tools were chosen based on a balanced evaluation of features (including automation, template libraries, and integration capabilities), usability, output quality, and value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance across diverse use cases.
Comparison Table
Navigate the world of flowchart software with this comparison table, highlighting tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, diagrams.net, Miro, Creately, and more. Learn key features, best-use scenarios, and pricing details to identify the ideal fit for your project, whether for personal, team, or professional use.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucidchart Cloud-based diagramming platform specializing in flowcharts with AI-assisted creation, templates, and real-time collaboration. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Visio Professional desktop and web app for advanced flowcharts with data integration, automation, and Visio-exclusive shapes. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | diagrams.net Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating flowcharts offline or online with extensive shape libraries and exports. | other | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | Miro Collaborative whiteboard platform with intuitive flowchart tools, sticky notes, and infinite canvas for teams. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Creately Visual collaboration tool for building flowcharts with drag-and-drop, smart connectors, and database integration. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | SmartDraw Automated diagramming software that generates flowcharts from data or text with hundreds of templates. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Whimsical Fast, minimalist tool for creating flowcharts, wireframes, and mind maps with keyboard shortcuts and embeds. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Gliffy Diagram maker integrated with Atlassian tools for flowcharts, UML, and technical diagrams in teams. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | yEd Graph Editor Free desktop graph editor with powerful automatic layout algorithms for complex flowcharts and networks. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 10 | Excalidraw Open-source hand-drawn style whiteboard for quick, collaborative sketches of flowcharts and diagrams. | other | 7.6/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
Cloud-based diagramming platform specializing in flowcharts with AI-assisted creation, templates, and real-time collaboration.
Professional desktop and web app for advanced flowcharts with data integration, automation, and Visio-exclusive shapes.
Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating flowcharts offline or online with extensive shape libraries and exports.
Collaborative whiteboard platform with intuitive flowchart tools, sticky notes, and infinite canvas for teams.
Visual collaboration tool for building flowcharts with drag-and-drop, smart connectors, and database integration.
Automated diagramming software that generates flowcharts from data or text with hundreds of templates.
Fast, minimalist tool for creating flowcharts, wireframes, and mind maps with keyboard shortcuts and embeds.
Diagram maker integrated with Atlassian tools for flowcharts, UML, and technical diagrams in teams.
Free desktop graph editor with powerful automatic layout algorithms for complex flowcharts and networks.
Open-source hand-drawn style whiteboard for quick, collaborative sketches of flowcharts and diagrams.
Lucidchart
enterpriseCloud-based diagramming platform specializing in flowcharts with AI-assisted creation, templates, and real-time collaboration.
AI-assisted diagramming and live data linking that auto-updates flowcharts from external sources
Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagramming platform renowned for creating professional flowcharts, process maps, org charts, and UML diagrams with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports real-time collaboration, data integration from sources like Google Sheets and Excel, and automation features like conditional formatting. With thousands of templates and shapes, it caters to both beginners and experts in visualizing complex workflows.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for teams
- Extensive library of templates, shapes, and integrations with tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Advanced automation including AI-powered diagramming and data-linked visuals
Cons
- Free plan limits exports and document count
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive for large enterprises
- Performance may lag with very complex diagrams
Best For
Teams and professionals requiring collaborative, data-driven flowcharting in enterprise environments.
Pricing
Free plan available; Individual at $9/user/month (billed annually), Team at $13.99/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Microsoft Visio
enterpriseProfessional desktop and web app for advanced flowcharts with data integration, automation, and Visio-exclusive shapes.
Data-linked diagrams that automatically generate and refresh flowcharts from external sources like Excel or SQL databases
Microsoft Visio is a professional diagramming tool renowned for creating detailed flowcharts, process maps, organizational charts, and network diagrams. It provides an extensive library of customizable shapes, templates, and stencils specifically designed for flowcharting and visual modeling. Visio stands out with its data connectivity features, allowing diagrams to link to live data sources like Excel or databases for automatic updates and dynamic visualizations.
Pros
- Vast library of industry-specific templates and stencils for precise flowcharting
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps like Excel and Teams for collaboration
- Advanced data linking and automation for creating dynamic, updatable diagrams
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- Primarily subscription-based, which may not suit one-time users
- Desktop version requires higher-tier plans, limiting accessibility for basic needs
Best For
Enterprise teams and professionals in the Microsoft ecosystem who need robust, data-driven flowcharting and diagramming capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $5/user/month for web-only Plan 1; $15/user/month for full desktop Plan 2; included in select Microsoft 365 business plans.
diagrams.net
otherFree, open-source diagramming tool for creating flowcharts offline or online with extensive shape libraries and exports.
Offline desktop app that mirrors full web functionality and auto-syncs with cloud storage
diagrams.net (formerly draw.io) is a free, versatile web-based diagramming tool specialized for creating flowcharts, process maps, UML diagrams, and a wide range of other visual diagrams. It features an extensive library of drag-and-drop shapes, connectors, and templates tailored for flowcharting, with support for layers, styling, and advanced formatting. The tool runs in the browser or as a desktop app for offline use, integrating with cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, and GitHub for easy saving and sharing.
Pros
- Completely free with no feature limitations or subscriptions
- Vast library of flowchart-specific shapes, templates, and stencils
- Full offline support via desktop app with cloud sync
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming for complete beginners
- Real-time collaboration relies on third-party cloud integrations
- Lacks native advanced automation or scripting for complex flows
Best For
Freelancers, educators, and small teams needing powerful, cost-free flowcharting tools for professional diagrams.
Pricing
100% free for all features; no paid tiers or upsells required.
Miro
creative_suiteCollaborative whiteboard platform with intuitive flowchart tools, sticky notes, and infinite canvas for teams.
Infinite collaborative canvas with real-time multiplayer editing
Miro is a versatile online collaborative whiteboard platform designed for visual teamwork, enabling users to create flowcharts, diagrams, mind maps, and process maps using drag-and-drop shapes, connectors, and templates. It supports real-time multiplayer editing on an infinite canvas, making it ideal for brainstorming and mapping workflows collaboratively. While not a dedicated flowchart tool, it offers robust diagramming capabilities with integrations to tools like Jira and Slack.
Pros
- Seamless real-time collaboration for teams
- Infinite canvas prevents space limitations
- Extensive library of flowchart templates and shapes
Cons
- Performance can lag on very large or complex boards
- Less precise for highly technical diagrams compared to specialized tools
- Free plan limits features for advanced use
Best For
Distributed teams and agile groups collaborating on process flows, user journeys, and visual planning.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Starter at $8/user/month, Business at $16/user/month, Enterprise custom.
Creately
specializedVisual collaboration tool for building flowcharts with drag-and-drop, smart connectors, and database integration.
Real-time collaborative editing with live cursors and comments
Creately is a cloud-based diagramming platform specializing in flowcharts, UML diagrams, wireframes, and organizational charts with a vast library of customizable templates. It features a drag-and-drop interface for quick visual creation and supports real-time collaboration among teams. The tool integrates with popular apps like Slack, Jira, and Google Workspace, making it suitable for agile workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor with extensive template library
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Strong integrations with productivity tools
Cons
- Limited exports and features on free plan
- Higher pricing for advanced team features
- Occasional lag with very complex diagrams
Best For
Teams and remote collaborators creating flowcharts and diagrams in agile or project management environments.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $5/user/month (billed annually); Team plans from $10/user/month.
SmartDraw
specializedAutomated diagramming software that generates flowcharts from data or text with hundreds of templates.
SmartTemplates with automatic formatting that adjusts shapes, connectors, and layouts in real-time as you draw.
SmartDraw is a powerful diagramming tool specializing in flowcharts, organizational charts, floor plans, and more, with a focus on automation and professional visuals. It features an extensive library of over 34,000 symbols and templates, intelligent auto-formatting, and one-click creation from data sources like Excel. The software supports seamless import/export with Visio and Office apps, making it ideal for business process mapping and technical illustrations.
Pros
- Vast template and symbol library for quick starts
- Intelligent auto-formatting and layout automation
- Strong integrations with Visio, Office, and Google Workspace
Cons
- Subscription-only pricing can be expensive for casual users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Web version lacks some desktop features
Best For
Business professionals and teams creating complex flowcharts and diagrams that require automation and professional polish.
Pricing
Starts at $9.95/user/month (billed annually at $119.40) for Standard; $17.95/user/month for Enterprise.
Whimsical
creative_suiteFast, minimalist tool for creating flowcharts, wireframes, and mind maps with keyboard shortcuts and embeds.
Infinite canvas with fluid switching between flowchart, mind map, and wireframe modes in one workspace
Whimsical is a collaborative web-based tool that enables users to create flowcharts, mind maps, wireframes, and documentation on an infinite canvas. It excels in rapid diagramming with drag-and-drop shapes, smart connectors, and auto-layout options tailored for process visualization. Real-time multiplayer editing and seamless integration with tools like Slack and Jira enhance team workflows for flowcharting.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick flowchart creation
- Strong real-time collaboration and infinite canvas
- Versatile shape library with auto-snapping connectors
Cons
- Limited advanced flowchart features like full BPMN support
- Web-only with no native offline or desktop app
- Free plan restricts team features and file history
Best For
Teams and product managers needing fast, collaborative flowcharts integrated with mind mapping and wireframing.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Pro at $10/user/month (annual); Enterprise custom pricing.
Gliffy
enterpriseDiagram maker integrated with Atlassian tools for flowcharts, UML, and technical diagrams in teams.
Native integration with Confluence and Jira for inline diagram editing and live embedding
Gliffy is a web-based diagramming tool designed for creating flowcharts, UML diagrams, organizational charts, and wireframes with a drag-and-drop interface. It excels in flowcharting by offering an extensive library of shapes, templates, and connectors specifically for process mapping and visualization. Integrated seamlessly with Atlassian products like Confluence and Jira, it enables collaborative editing and embedding of diagrams directly into workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick flowchart creation
- Strong integration with Confluence and Jira for team collaboration
- Vast library of flowchart shapes and templates
Cons
- Limited advanced automation and scripting compared to enterprise tools
- Performance can lag with very large or complex diagrams
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams without robust free tier
Best For
Teams already using Atlassian tools who need straightforward flowcharting embedded in documentation and project management workflows.
Pricing
Personal plan at $10/user/month (billed annually); Team plans start at $99/month for up to 10 users; Enterprise custom pricing.
yEd Graph Editor
otherFree desktop graph editor with powerful automatic layout algorithms for complex flowcharts and networks.
Advanced automatic layout algorithms (e.g., hierarchical, organic, orthogonal) that effortlessly organize large-scale flowcharts.
yEd Graph Editor is a free, cross-platform desktop application designed for creating professional diagrams, including flowcharts, BPMN processes, UML diagrams, and network graphs. It excels in automatic layout algorithms that intelligently arrange nodes and edges for complex visualizations. Users can import data from spreadsheets or XML and export to formats like PDF, SVG, and PNG, making it versatile for technical documentation.
Pros
- Powerful automatic layout algorithms for complex flowcharts
- Supports wide variety of diagram types including BPMN and UML
- Completely free with no limitations
Cons
- Desktop-only with no real-time collaboration
- Java-based interface feels dated and has a learning curve
- Limited mobile support and cloud integration
Best For
Technical professionals and engineers needing advanced, automatic flowchart layouts for complex diagrams without subscription costs.
Pricing
Completely free for personal and commercial use.
Excalidraw
otherOpen-source hand-drawn style whiteboard for quick, collaborative sketches of flowcharts and diagrams.
Unique hand-drawn, sketchy aesthetic that makes flowcharts feel approachable and less intimidating
Excalidraw is a free, open-source virtual whiteboard tool designed for creating hand-drawn style diagrams, including flowcharts, directly in the browser. It offers basic shapes, arrows, text, and connectors with real-time collaboration, making it suitable for quick sketching and brainstorming sessions. While not a dedicated flowcharting powerhouse, it excels in simplicity and exports to SVG, PNG, and other formats for easy sharing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid flowchart creation
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration without accounts
- Completely free and open-source with export options
Cons
- Hand-drawn style lacks precision for professional diagrams
- Limited advanced features like auto-layout or data integration
- No built-in templates or libraries for complex flowcharts
Best For
Individuals or small teams creating quick, informal flowcharts during brainstorming without needing professional polish.
Pricing
Free forever; open-source with optional self-hosting and a paid Excalidraw+ plan for advanced collaboration features starting at $7/user/month.
Conclusion
When evaluating flowchart software, the top performers offer tailored solutions to diverse needs. Lucidchart emerges as the clear leader, celebrated for its AI-driven creation, abundant templates, and real-time collaboration, making it a versatile choice for nearly any user. Microsoft Visio follows with its professional focus, excelling in advanced features like data integration and exclusive shapes, while diagrams.net impresses as a free, open-source option with robust offline and online capabilities. Each tool brings unique strengths, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for workflows ranging from simple to complex.
Ready to elevate your flowcharting? Dive into Lucidchart to unlock its intuitive design and powerful features—your next efficient project starts now.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison