Head-to-head · Diagram Software
SmartDraw vs 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
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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 |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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 →
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All diagram software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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