Alternatives · Whiteboards
Microsoft Visio alternatives
Microsoft Visio compared with 6 alternatives: Lucidchart, draw.io, SmartDraw, OmniGraffle, Creately and 1 more.
Microsoft Visio is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1). 3 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft VisioThis tool | Free trial · from $5.00/mo | Trial only | Web, Windows |
| Lucidchart | Free plan · from $9/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| draw.io | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| SmartDraw | Free trial · from $10.95/mo | Trial only | Web |
| OmniGraffle | Free trial · from $59.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, iOS |
| Creately | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | Web |
| MindManager | Free trial · from $99/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Microsoft Visio
- Free plan · from $9/mo
Lucidchart
Browser-based diagramming for flowcharts, org charts and systems
- Lucidchart starts at $9 per month, billed annually. Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- Lucidchart has a free plan. Microsoft Visio does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Lucidchart lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a Windows app.
- Microsoft Visio can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Documenting processes as flowcharts and process maps
- Free
draw.io
Free diagram editor that saves files to storage you choose
- draw.io is free. Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- draw.io has a free plan. Microsoft Visio does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only draw.io lists macOS and Linux apps.
- draw.io is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Microsoft Visio can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: UML, ERD, network and flowchart diagrams at no cost
- Free trial · from $10.95/mo
SmartDraw
Floor plans, scaled layouts and business diagrams in the browser
- SmartDraw starts at $10.95 per month, billed annually ($7.95 intro price for new customers). Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a Windows app.
- Microsoft Visio can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SmartDraw also covers whiteboard.
Suits: Floor plans, site plans and other scaled layouts without CAD software
- Free trial · from $59.99 one-time
OmniGraffle
Diagramming and vector drawing app for Mac, iPad and iPhone
- OmniGraffle starts at $59.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad; Mac from $149.99 one-time. Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- Only OmniGraffle lists macOS and iOS apps.
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a web app.
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a Windows app.
- Microsoft Visio also covers mind mapping.
Suits: Mac, iPad and iPhone users who want a native diagramming app
- Free plan · from $5/mo
Creately
Visual workspace for diagrams, whiteboards and planning
- Creately starts at $5 per month, billed annually ($60 a year). Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- Creately has a free plan. Microsoft Visio does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Microsoft Visio lists a Windows app.
- Creately is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Microsoft Visio can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Teams that mix flowcharts, mind maps and whiteboards on one canvas
- Free trial · from $99/yr
MindManager
Mind mapping and diagramming software with Gantt charts
- MindManager starts at $99 per user / year (Essentials, web only). Microsoft Visio starts at $5.00 per user / month, paid yearly (Visio Plan 1).
- Only MindManager lists macOS, iOS and Android apps.
- MindManager also covers kanban boards and Gantt & timelines.
Suits: Project managers who plan with mind maps and Gantt charts in one file
Limits worth knowing in Microsoft Visio
- The desktop app's system requirements list only Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019; on other systems Visio is limited to the web app.
- Visio Plan 1 is web and Teams only. The desktop app, BPMN 2.0, floor plans, engineering diagrams and data linking need Plan 2.
- The web app bundled with Microsoft 365 has limited templates and needs a work or school account; personal Microsoft accounts are not supported.
- Trials cover only Plan 1 and Plan 2 and require a credit card. Visio Standard 2024 and Professional 2024 have no trial version.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Microsoft Visio?
The alternatives to Microsoft Visio in this directory are Lucidchart, draw.io, SmartDraw, OmniGraffle, Creately and MindManager. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Microsoft Visio.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Visio?
Yes. draw.io is free to use. Lucidchart and Creately have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Microsoft Visio alternatives work on macOS?
The Microsoft Visio listing does not include a macOS app. draw.io, OmniGraffle and MindManager list one.
Which Microsoft Visio alternatives work on Linux?
The Microsoft Visio listing does not include a Linux app. draw.io lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Visio?
draw.io 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 Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.