Sparx Enterprise Architect vs Astah UML

Sparx Enterprise Architect8.9Visit Astah UML8.5Visit

Higher score Sparx Enterprise Architect #2 in UML Modeling Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Sparx Systems

vs

Astah UML #7 in UML Modeling Software 8.5/10 Free plan · 20-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Astah UML

• Sparx Enterprise Architect fits best

  Mature enterprise modeling teams

• Astah UML fits best

  Affordable cross-platform UML modeling

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Side by side

Feature	Sparx Enterprise Architect 8.9/10 Visit ↗	Astah UML 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.9	8.5
Ranking	#2 in UML Modeling Software	#7 in UML Modeling Software
Best for	Mature enterprise modeling teams	Affordable cross-platform UML modeling
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$6.99/user/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	20 days
Free trial length	30 days	20 days
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	8 integrations	4 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Sparx Enterprise Architect 0/4 · Astah UML 3/4
Code generation	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Reverse engineering	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Team collaboration	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Model repository	Not checked yet	—
Specs
UML diagram types	Not checked yet	Class, Use Case, State Machine, Activity, Sequence, Timing, Communication, Component, Deployment, Composite Structure
Deployment	Not checked yet	Desktop
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros	Supports 14 UML 2.5 diagram types plus BPMN and SysML Combines repositories, versioning, traceability and multi-user projects Includes code engineering, database modeling and extensive model exchange	Broad UML 2.x diagram coverage Java, C#, and C++ reverse engineering Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons	The Lite edition is limited to read-only model viewing Paid licenses start at $245 per license Floating licenses cost more than equivalent standard licenses	Desktop deployment without a model repository Advanced AI features require version 11 or later Free access is limited to eligible university students
Our verdict	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 UML 2.5 with 14 diagram types,… Read the review →	Astah UML is desktop UML modeling software for software engineers, students, and development teams. It supports UML 2.x class, use case, state machine, activity, sequence, timing, communication, component, deployment, and composite… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Sparx Enterprise Architect — where it wins

  • Supports 14 UML 2.5 diagram types plus BPMN and SysML
  • Combines repositories, versioning, traceability and multi-user projects
  • Includes code engineering, database modeling and extensive model exchange

  Where it doesn't

  • The Lite edition is limited to read-only model viewing
  • Paid licenses start at $245 per license
  • Floating licenses cost more than equivalent standard licenses

• Astah UML — where it wins

  • Broad UML 2.x diagram coverage
  • Java, C#, and C++ reverse engineering
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop deployment without a model repository
  • Advanced AI features require version 11 or later
  • Free access is limited to eligible university students

• Sparx Enterprise Architect8.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A broad enterprise modeling suite with deep repositories, engineering and versioning features.

  Visit Sparx SystemsFull verdict →
• Astah UML8.5/10 · Free plan · 20-day trial

  A broad, affordable cross-platform UML tool with collaboration, reverse engineering, and AI features.

  Visit Astah UMLFull verdict →