Alternatives · Whiteboards
DrawSQL alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded DrawSQL alternative is PlantUML (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
DrawSQL compared with 5 alternatives: dbdiagram.io, Eraser, PlantUML, Visual Paradigm and Lucidchart.
DrawSQL has a free plan. Paid plans start at $19 per month for 1 user, billed monthly ($171 billed yearly). All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a DrawSQL sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| DrawSQLThis tool | Free plan · from $19/mo | Yes | Web |
| dbdiagram.io | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web |
| Eraser | Free plan · from $45/mo | Yes | Web |
| PlantUML | Free | Free | Web, Browser extension |
| Visual Paradigm | Free plan · from $6/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Lucidchart | Free plan · from $9/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
Price against what you get
DrawSQL starts at $19 a month and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. 4 of the 5 alternatives on this chart score higher and start lower: dbdiagram.io, PlantUML, Visual Paradigm and Lucidchart.
Eraser scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from DrawSQL
dbdiagram.io
Draw database ER diagrams by writing DBML code
- dbdiagram.io starts at $8 per month, billed monthly (annual billing saves up to 42%).
- dbdiagram.io does not cover templates, which DrawSQL does.
Suits: Developers who prefer writing a schema as code over dragging boxes
Eraser
AI diagramming and docs canvas for engineering teams
- Eraser starts at $45 per member / month, billed annually ($60 billed monthly).
- Eraser also covers Markdown and documents.
- Eraser does not cover templates, which DrawSQL does.
Suits: Engineering teams documenting system architecture
PlantUML
Draw UML and other diagrams from plain-text descriptions
- PlantUML is free.
- PlantUML also lists a browser extension.
- PlantUML is open source, according to its own site.
- PlantUML also covers Gantt & timelines and mind mapping.
- PlantUML does not cover templates, which DrawSQL does.
Suits: Developers who want diagrams stored as text in version control
Visual Paradigm
Desktop and online modeling suite for UML, BPMN and architecture
- Visual Paradigm starts at $6 per month (Modeler edition, subscription).
- Visual Paradigm also lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Visual Paradigm can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Visual Paradigm also covers mind mapping.
- Visual Paradigm does not cover templates, which DrawSQL does.
Suits: Software and systems teams doing UML, SysML or database design
Lucidchart
Browser-based diagramming for flowcharts, org charts and systems
- Lucidchart starts at $9 per month, billed annually.
- Lucidchart also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Lucidchart also covers mind mapping.
Suits: Documenting processes as flowcharts and process maps
Limits worth knowing in DrawSQL
- This is a database diagramming tool, not a general whiteboard.
- Free diagrams are public and capped at 15 tables; private diagrams need a paid plan.
- The Starter plan is for one user; real-time collaboration starts at Growth with up to 5 users.
- The pricing FAQ lists MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server and MariaDB as supported databases.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to DrawSQL?
The alternatives to DrawSQL in this directory are dbdiagram.io, Eraser, PlantUML, Visual Paradigm and Lucidchart. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with DrawSQL.
Is there a free alternative to DrawSQL?
Yes. PlantUML is free to use. dbdiagram.io, Eraser, Visual Paradigm and Lucidchart have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which DrawSQL alternatives work on Windows?
The DrawSQL listing does not include a Windows app. Visual Paradigm lists one.
Which DrawSQL alternatives work on macOS?
The DrawSQL listing does not include a macOS app. Visual Paradigm lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to DrawSQL?
PlantUML is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.