Head-to-head · Graph Visualization Tools Software
Gephi vs Graphviz
Gephi leads on 0 checks, Graphviz on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGephi · 8.8/10
- Free planonly Gephi
Gephi scores higher on our rubric for graph visualization tools software: 8.8 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #10.
Gephi is the better fit for large-scale network exploration and metrics. Graphviz is the better fit for scriptable graph and diagram rendering.
- Gephi fits best
Large-scale network exploration and metrics
- Graphviz fits best
Scriptable graph and diagram rendering
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Side by side
| Feature | Gephi 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Graphviz 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Graph Visualization Tools Software | #10 in Graph Visualization Tools Software |
| Best for | Large-scale network exploration and metrics | Scriptable graph and diagram rendering |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Open source |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Browser extension | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Gephi 0/3 · Graphviz 0/3 | ||
| Interactive filtering | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Team collaboration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Scripting or API | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Graph data model | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Export formats | Not checked yet | BMP, EPS, GIF, JPEG, JSON, PDF, PNG, PS, SVG, TIFF, WebP, DOT, XDOT |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Gephi is open-source software for exploring, analyzing, manipulating, and visualizing graph and network data. Researchers, journalists, students, and others working with complex relationships can use its desktop application for interactive… Read the review → |
Graphviz is open-source software for turning structural graph descriptions into diagrams. It is suited to people who need repeatable graph, network, or hierarchical diagram rendering rather than a primarily manual drawing workspace. DOT… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Gephi — where it wins
- Combines real-time visualization, layouts, filtering, and network metrics.
- Imports graph files, spreadsheets, CSV files, and databases.
- Exports graph formats and SVG, PDF, or PNG; plugins extend its capabilities.
Where it doesn't
- Its broad set of layouts and metrics may take time to learn.
- Gephi Lite offers browser exploration, while the desktop app holds broader editing tools.
- Support is through community resources and documentation.
Graphviz — where it wins
- DOT supports nodes, edges, subgraphs, and clusters
- Multiple layout engines, including hierarchical directed-graph layouts
- Exports raster, vector, document, and structured data formats
Where it doesn't
- DOT is the listed import format
- Output formats depend on the build and installed libraries
- Support is provided through community resources and documentation
- Gephi8.8/10 · Free plan
Free network analysis with desktop and browser-based graph exploration.
Visit GephiFull verdict → - Graphviz8.0/10 · Open source
A scriptable, open-source renderer for graph, network, and hierarchical diagrams.
Visit GraphvizFull verdict →
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All graph visualization tools software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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