Gliffy vs SmartDraw Comparison
Gliffy
Starting at $8 /Month
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Gliffy is web-based diagramming software that allows users to bring diagrams to life. Upload and share diagrams, import documents, add shapes, and drag and drop text for a meaningful collaboration experience. Stay on tra…
SmartDraw
Starting at $5.95 /Month
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
SmartDraw is easy-to-use, beginner friendly diagramming software that develops logical thinking and learning skills for lower grades to higher grades. It's an economical choice for schools and districts with limited fund…
Gliffy leads on user satisfaction with a 4.1-star rating across 188 reviews.
Gliffy vs SmartDraw — at a glance
| Feature | Gliffy | SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Reviews | 188 | 309 |
| Starting price | $8 /Month | $5.95 /Month |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Diagramming Software | Diagramming Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | — |
| Data residency | Global | US |
Key differences between Gliffy and SmartDraw
- Pricing: Gliffy starts at $8 /Month, while SmartDraw starts at $5.95 /Month.
- Free trial: Gliffy offers a free trial; SmartDraw does not.
- Target audience: Gliffy is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while SmartDraw targets Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises.
- User satisfaction: Gliffy scores higher with a 4.1-star average.
- Deployment: Gliffy supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; SmartDraw supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.
Gliffy vs SmartDraw — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Diagramming Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for simple, collaborative web-based diagramming with easy drag-and-drop.
- You need a low-complexity, intuitive tool for quick diagram creation.
- Your team requires real-time collaboration with alerts on edits and deadlines.
- You want cloud-based access to support remote and distributed teams.
- You require extensive offline functionality for uninterrupted work.
- You need highly advanced shape customization beyond basic templates.
Best for budget-friendly, easy diagramming in education and SMBs.
- You need a simple, drag-and-drop interface with extensive templates.
- You represent a school or small to medium business with limited funds.
- You require versatile diagram types like flowcharts, floor plans, and network diagrams.
- Your team needs advanced customization and specialized design capabilities.
- You require robust, real-time multi-user collaboration features.
Gliffy: Best for simple, collaborative web-based diagramming with easy drag-and-drop. SmartDraw: Best for budget-friendly, easy diagramming in education and SMBs.
Description | Gliffy is web-based diagramming software that allows users to bring diagrams to life. Upload and share diagrams, import documents, add shapes, and drag and drop text for a meaningful ... Read More about Gliffy | SmartDraw is easy-to-use, beginner friendly diagramming software that develops logical thinking and learning skills for lower grades to higher grades. It's an economical choice for schools ... Read More about SmartDraw |
|---|---|---|
Entry Level Pricing |
|
|
Free Trial Availability |
| |
Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 1-50 employees51-500 employees | Small BusinessMedium Business |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
|---|
Need a second opinion?
Get shortlist help from a software advisor
Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.
How do Gliffy and SmartDraw Compare on Features?
Total Features | 8 Features | 8 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Gliffy and SmartDraw on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
Pricing Option | ||
|---|---|---|
Starting From |
|
|
Pricing Plans |
|
|
Pricing Page |  |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
|
|
|---|---|---|
Platforms Supported |
|
|
Modes of support |
|
|
API Support |
|
|
Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | ✗ No | — |
|---|---|---|
GDPR | ✓ Yes | — |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🇺🇸 US |
Gliffy User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and collaboration features, tempered by limitations in free version and customization. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and template variety, tempered by performance issues and limited collaboration features. What buyers like
Common complaints
|
Pros and Cons |
|
|
Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  5 Screenshots |  4 Screenshots |
|---|---|---|
Videos |  3 Videos |  3 Videos |
Add another option to compare side by side
Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.Compare similar software options
Related Blogs and Articles for Diagramming Software
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Gliffy or SmartDraw?
- Gliffy edges out the other on user ratings (4.1 vs 3.9). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Gliffy and SmartDraw offer a free trial?
- Gliffy offers a free trial. SmartDraw does not.
- What is the starting price of Gliffy vs SmartDraw?
- Gliffy starts at $8 /Month. SmartDraw starts at $5.95 /Month.
- What are the top alternatives to Gliffy?
- Top alternatives to Gliffy include Miro, FigJam, SmartDraw, Cacoo, Microsoft Visio.
- What are the top alternatives to SmartDraw?
- Top alternatives to SmartDraw include Miro, FigJam, Floorplanner, Gliffy, Cacoo.