What is the difference between Draw.io (diagrams.net) and FigJam?

Draw.io (diagrams.net) is best for Anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming, while FigJam is best for Figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming. Draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at Free and FigJam starts at Free.

Is Draw.io (diagrams.net) or FigJam cheaper?

Draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at Free and is free. FigJam starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to FigJam?

Both Draw.io (diagrams.net) and FigJam offer free tiers.

Draw.io (diagrams.net) vs FigJam

Draw.io (diagrams.net) is free, open-source diagramming tool that works in the browser with no account needed, while FigJam is collaborative whiteboard from Figma for brainstorming, diagramming, and workshops. Draw.io (diagrams.net) is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Draw.io (diagrams.net) is built for anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming, whereas FigJam targets figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming.

At a glance

	Draw.io (diagrams.net)	FigJam
Best for	Anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming	Figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Confluence Plugin	✓	—
Free	✓	—
Many Shapes	✓	—
No Account	✓	—
Sticky Notes	—	✓
Voting	—	✓
Whiteboard	—	✓
Widgets	—	✓

Draw.io (diagrams.net)

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in diagramming

Try Draw.io (diagrams.net) → Full review

FigJam

Strengths

Infinite whiteboard canvas for brainstorming and visual thinking
Sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on
Free for 3 FigJam files — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes voting alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in diagramming
Relatively new (founded 2021) — the feature set and integrations are still maturing

Try FigJam → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both Draw.io (diagrams.net) and FigJam are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Draw.io (diagrams.net) offers Confluence Plugin, Free and Many Shapes that FigJam lacks. FigJam brings Sticky Notes, Voting and Whiteboard that Draw.io (diagrams.net) does not have.

Team fit: Both tools target any size teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.

Open source: Draw.io (diagrams.net) is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. FigJam is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: Draw.io (diagrams.net)'s biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows. FigJam's biggest strengths are: infinite whiteboard canvas for brainstorming and visual thinking. sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on.

Watch out for: With Draw.io (diagrams.net), users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With FigJam, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Draw.io (diagrams.net) if...

You need a tool built for anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Confluence Plugin and Free
You care about includes free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows

Choose FigJam if...

You need a tool built for figma users wanting collaborative brainstorming and diagramming
You specifically need Sticky Notes and Voting
You care about sticky notes and drawing tools make remote workshops feel hands-on
The free tier works for you: free for 3 figjam files