Microsoft Visio vs Cacoo

Microsoft Visio8.9Visit Cacoo8.5Visit

Higher score Microsoft Visio #4 in Diagram Software 8.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Visio

vs

Cacoo #8 in Diagram Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Cacoo

• Microsoft Visio fits best

  Microsoft-centric professional diagramming

• Cacoo fits best

  Small teams wanting low-cost live collaboration

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Microsoft Visio 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Cacoo 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.5
Ranking	#4 in Diagram Software	#8 in Diagram Software
Best for	Microsoft-centric professional diagramming	Small teams wanting low-cost live collaboration
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$5/user/mo (best)	$6/user/mo
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	14 days
Free trial length	30 days	14 days · no card needed
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows	Web
Support	Docs	Email, Docs · 24/7
Integrations	9 integrations	10 integrations
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Visio 3/3 · Cacoo 2/3
Real-time collaboration	✓	✓
Desktop app	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Version history	✓	✓
Specs
Diagram types	basic, block, business matrix, Venn, cycle, pyramid, flowchart, process, cross-functional, SDL, UML, ERD, network, Azure, AWS, BPMN, floor plan, HVAC, plant layout, timeline, Gantt, PERT, ITIL, Pivot, Six Sigma, value-stream map, organization chart	flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, process diagrams, BPMN diagrams, network diagrams, UML diagrams, organizational charts, timelines, charts, wireframes
Export formats	PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG, EMF, GIF, TIF, BMP, WMF	PNG, SVG, PDF, PS, PPT
Import formats	DWG, DXF, EMZ, EMF, GIF, JPG, PNG, SVG, SVGZ, TIF, TIFF, BMP, DIB, WMF	Microsoft Visio, CSV
Maximum editors	Not checked yet	1 editors
Our review
Pros	Supports flowcharts, UML 2.5, BPMN 2.0, network, and engineering diagrams Real-time coauthoring, commenting, sharing, and version restore Plan 2 adds Windows desktop, offline files, and two-way data connectivity	Free plan includes unlimited users, real-time editing, comments, and chat Supports flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, and technical diagrams Offers web and private-server Enterprise deployment
Cons	No standalone free plan is available Advanced capabilities require the $15-per-user monthly Plan 2 Windows desktop access is limited to Plan 2	Pro lists support for 1 user Enterprise pricing is custom on the main pricing page Platform coverage centers on web and self-hosted deployment
Our verdict	Microsoft Visio is diagramming software for businesses and teams creating flowcharts, organization charts, network diagrams, floor plans, timelines, process maps, and technical diagrams. It combines web access, templates, stencils,… Read the review →	Cacoo is an online diagramming and visual collaboration tool from Nulab, Inc. It is designed for teams creating flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, technical diagrams, charts, tables, Kanban boards, and brainstorming workflows. Real-time… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Microsoft Visio — where it wins

  • Supports flowcharts, UML 2.5, BPMN 2.0, network, and engineering diagrams
  • Real-time coauthoring, commenting, sharing, and version restore
  • Plan 2 adds Windows desktop, offline files, and two-way data connectivity

  Where it doesn't

  • No standalone free plan is available
  • Advanced capabilities require the $15-per-user monthly Plan 2
  • Windows desktop access is limited to Plan 2

• Cacoo — where it wins

  • Free plan includes unlimited users, real-time editing, comments, and chat
  • Supports flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, and technical diagrams
  • Offers web and private-server Enterprise deployment

  Where it doesn't

  • Pro lists support for 1 user
  • Enterprise pricing is custom on the main pricing page
  • Platform coverage centers on web and self-hosted deployment

• Microsoft Visio8.9/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad, Microsoft-centric diagramming suite with strong desktop and data features.

  Visit VisioFull verdict →
• Cacoo8.5/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A low-cost collaborative diagramming tool with broad formats and deployment options.

  Visit CacooFull verdict →