draw.io (diagrams.net) vs Milanote
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Free open-source diagramming you can run anywhere.
The verdict
Both draw.io (diagrams.net) and Milanote are credible whiteboarding tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
draw.io (diagrams.net) — Free open-source diagramming you can run anywhere.
Milanote — Visual boards for organizing creative projects.
draw.io (diagrams.net) vs Milanote: side by side
| Dimension | draw.io (diagrams.net) | Milanote |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free – $12.99/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Best for | Developers, Budget Conscious Teams | Designers, Creatives |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Self Hosted | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
draw.io (diagrams.net) key facts
- Vendor
- JGraph
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Developers, Budget Conscious Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- UK
Milanote key facts
- Vendor
- Milanote
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $12.99/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Designers, Creatives
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Melbourne, Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is draw.io (diagrams.net) better than Milanote?
Neither is universally better — draw.io (diagrams.net) edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is draw.io (diagrams.net) or Milanote cheaper?
draw.io (diagrams.net) is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at free; Milanote starts at free – $12.99/user/mo.
Can draw.io (diagrams.net) replace Milanote?
Yes for most teams — both are whiteboarding tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.