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

Mermaid is best for Developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown, while Draw.io (diagrams.net) is best for Anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming. Mermaid starts at Free and Draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at Free.

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

Mermaid starts at Free and is free. Draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to Draw.io (diagrams.net)?

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

Mermaid vs Draw.io (diagrams.net)

Mermaid is javaScript-based diagramming tool that renders diagrams from text definitions, while Draw.io (diagrams.net) is free, open-source diagramming tool that works in the browser with no account needed. Mermaid is built for developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown, whereas Draw.io (diagrams.net) targets anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming.

At a glance

	Mermaid	Draw.io (diagrams.net)
Best for	Developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown	Anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Confluence Plugin	—	✓
Free	—	✓
Git-Friendly	✓	—
Many Chart Types	✓	—
Many Shapes	—	✓
Markdown	✓	—
No Account	—	✓
Text-Based	✓	—

Mermaid

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Text-Based 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 Mermaid → Full review

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

The bottom line

Pricing: Both Mermaid and Draw.io (diagrams.net) are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.

Feature gaps: Mermaid offers Git-Friendly, Many Chart Types and Markdown that Draw.io (diagrams.net) lacks. Draw.io (diagrams.net) brings Confluence Plugin, Free and Many Shapes that Mermaid does not have.

Team fit: Mermaid is geared toward individual users and small setups, while Draw.io (diagrams.net) is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Open source: Both Mermaid and Draw.io (diagrams.net) are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.

Where each tool shines: Mermaid's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes text-based as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows. Draw.io (diagrams.net)'s biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows.

Watch out for: With Mermaid, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Draw.io (diagrams.net), the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.

Choose Mermaid if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting text-based diagrams in markdown
You specifically need Git-Friendly and Many Chart Types
You care about includes text-based as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
Your team size fits the individuals profile Mermaid is designed for

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

You need a tool built for anyone wanting free, full-featured diagramming
You specifically need Confluence Plugin and Free
You care about includes free as a core feature, purpose-built for diagramming workflows
Your team size fits the any size profile Draw.io (diagrams.net) is designed for