draw.io (diagrams.net) vs Scapple
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Free open-source diagramming you can run anywhere.
The verdict
Both draw.io (diagrams.net) and Scapple are credible whiteboarding tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose draw.io (diagrams.net) if you want a lower starting price (free), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Free open-source diagramming you can run anywhere.
Scapple - Freeform note jotting and connection tool.
draw.io (diagrams.net) vs Scapple: side by side
| Dimension | draw.io (diagrams.net) | Scapple |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $20.99/user once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Open source | One-time |
| Best for | Developers, Budget Conscious Teams | Writers, Brainstormers |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Self HostedWinner | Mac, Windows |
| Rating | 4.6/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
draw.io (diagrams.net) key facts
- Vendor
- JGraph
- Pricing
- Open source - Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Developers, Budget Conscious Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- UK
Scapple key facts
- Vendor
- Literature & Latte
- Pricing
- One-time - From $20.99/user once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Mac, Windows
- Best for
- Writers, Brainstormers
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Cornwall, UK
Frequently asked questions
Is draw.io (diagrams.net) better than Scapple?
Neither is universally better - draw.io (diagrams.net) edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is draw.io (diagrams.net) or Scapple cheaper?
draw.io (diagrams.net) is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. draw.io (diagrams.net) starts at free; Scapple starts at from $20.99/user once.
Can draw.io (diagrams.net) replace Scapple?
Yes for most teams - both are whiteboarding tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.
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