draw.io vs Sparx Enterprise Architect

draw.io9.4Visit Sparx Enterprise Architect8.6Visit

Higher score draw.io #1 in Diagramming Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit draw.io

vs

Sparx Enterprise Architect #7 in Diagramming Software 8.6/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit site

• draw.io fits best

  Most users needing broad, free diagramming

• Sparx Enterprise Architect fits best

  Enterprise architecture and requirements modeling

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Side by side

Feature	draw.io 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Sparx Enterprise Architect 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.6
Ranking	#1 in Diagramming Software	#7 in Diagramming Software
Best for	Most users needing broad, free diagramming	Enterprise architecture and requirements modeling
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Integrations	13 integrations	8 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features draw.io 1/3 · Sparx Enterprise Architect 1/3
Real-time collaboration	✓	✓
Desktop apps	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Offline editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Diagram types	flow charts, mind maps, org charts, Venn diagrams, infographics, network diagrams, architecture diagrams, floor plans, electrical diagrams, rack diagrams, UML diagrams, BPMN diagrams, Kanban boards, ER diagrams, Mermaid diagrams, Gitflow diagrams, C4 models, threat models	UML Use Case, Activity, State, Interaction Overview, Sequence, Communication, Package, Class, Object, Composite, Component, Deployment; BPMN; SysML
Import/export formats	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Editor seat limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Supports technical, business, software, infrastructure, and process diagrams Imports and exports a wide range of common diagram formats Offers web, offline desktop, Chrome extension, and platform integrations	Supports UML, BPMN, SysML, ArchiMate and requirements traceability Shared repositories, version control, baselines and multi-user projects Imports and exports formats including XMI, BPMN XML, CSV, PDF and SVG
Cons	Real-time collaboration depends on supported storage and integrations Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose diagramming Commercial access for companies is handled through Atlassian integrations	Paid licenses start at $245 per license The free Lite plan is limited to read-only model viewing Native desktop support is centered on Windows; macOS and Linux use Wine or CrossOver
Our verdict	draw.io is a browser-based and desktop diagramming application for technical, business, software, infrastructure, and process diagrams. It suits individuals, teams, developers, analysts, and organizations that need one editor for… Read the review →	Sparx Enterprise Architect is a desktop modeling, design and management platform for enterprise architects, business analysts, software developers, systems engineers, testers and project managers. It covers enterprise architecture,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• draw.io — where it wins

  • Supports technical, business, software, infrastructure, and process diagrams
  • Imports and exports a wide range of common diagram formats
  • Offers web, offline desktop, Chrome extension, and platform integrations

  Where it doesn't

  • Real-time collaboration depends on supported storage and integrations
  • Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose diagramming
  • Commercial access for companies is handled through Atlassian integrations

• Sparx Enterprise Architect — where it wins

  • Supports UML, BPMN, SysML, ArchiMate and requirements traceability
  • Shared repositories, version control, baselines and multi-user projects
  • Imports and exports formats including XMI, BPMN XML, CSV, PDF and SVG

  Where it doesn't

  • Paid licenses start at $245 per license
  • The free Lite plan is limited to read-only model viewing
  • Native desktop support is centered on Windows; macOS and Linux use Wine or CrossOver

• draw.io9.4/10 · Free plan

  A broad, free diagramming editor with strong format support and collaboration options.

  Visit draw.ioFull verdict →
• Sparx Enterprise Architect8.6/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A deep enterprise modeling suite with broad standards support and high paid-license costs.

  Visit siteFull verdict →