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Head-to-head · Diagram Software

SmartDraw vs Cacoo

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score SmartDraw #7 in Diagram Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit SmartDraw
Cacoo #8 in Diagram Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Cacoo

SmartDraw leads on 0 checks, Cacoo on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSmartDraw · 8.6/10
  • Free planonly Cacoo
  • Free trialonly Cacoo
  • Most featuresSmartDraw · 3 of 3

SmartDraw scores higher on our rubric for diagram software: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Cacoo offers free plan; SmartDraw doesn't.

SmartDraw is the better fit for general-purpose diagramming with office integrations. Cacoo is the better fit for small teams wanting low-cost live collaboration.

  • SmartDraw fits best

    General-purpose diagramming with office integrations

  • 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 SmartDraw 8.6/10 Visit ↗ Cacoo 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.6 8.5
Ranking #7 in Diagram Software #8 in Diagram Software
Best for General-purpose diagramming with office integrations Small teams wanting low-cost live collaboration
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $6/user/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web
Support Email, Live chat, Docs Email, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, GDPR, PCI DSS SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 14 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SmartDraw 3/3 · Cacoo 2/3
Real-time collaboration ✓ ✓
Desktop app ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Version history ✓ ✓
Specs
Diagram types floor plans, site plans, building layouts, evacuation plans, accident reconstructions, crime scenes, circuit diagrams, wiring diagrams, electrical plans, planograms, flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams, UML diagrams, ERDs, data flow diagrams, timelines, mind maps, Gantt charts, cause-and-effect diagrams flowcharts, wireframes, mind maps, process diagrams, BPMN diagrams, network diagrams, UML diagrams, organizational charts, timelines, charts, wireframes
Export formats JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, Visio PNG, SVG, PDF, PS, PPT
Import formats PDF, VSD, VSDX, Visio stencils, Lucidchart files, JPEG, PNG, SVG Microsoft Visio, CSV
Maximum editors Not checked yet 1 editors
Our review
Pros
  • Supports business, technical, IT, floor-plan, and project diagrams
  • Real-time collaboration, comments, and version history
  • Integrates with Microsoft, Google, Atlassian, and storage tools
  • 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 free plan is available
  • The broad feature set may exceed basic diagramming needs
  • Regular Individual and Team prices are billed annually
  • 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

SmartDraw is diagramming and scaled-drawing software for organizations, professionals, and non-technical users. It covers flowcharts, workflows, organizational charts, mind maps, project charts, technical engineering and IT diagrams, data…

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 →
  1. SmartDrawDiagram Software 8.6Paid
  2. CacooDiagram Software 8.5Free plan · 14-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SmartDraw — where it wins

    • Supports business, technical, IT, floor-plan, and project diagrams
    • Real-time collaboration, comments, and version history
    • Integrates with Microsoft, Google, Atlassian, and storage tools

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • The broad feature set may exceed basic diagramming needs
    • Regular Individual and Team prices are billed annually
  • 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
  • SmartDraw8.6/10 · Paid

    A broad diagramming suite for teams that need office integrations and collaboration.

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

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

    Visit CacooFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update