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Microsoft Visio vs Gliffy Comparison

Last updated:

Microsoft Visio

4.3(2,846 reviews)

Starting at $5 /User/Month

  • Free Trial
  • Medium Business
  • Small Business

Visio is a diagramming software for visually conveying information. Use it to create flowcharts, organizational charts, or detailed systems diagrams—even mind maps and other task-oriented graphic organizers. Visio also i…

Gliffy

4.1(188 reviews)

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…

Microsoft Visio leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 2,846 reviews.

Microsoft Visio vs Gliffy — at a glance

FeatureMicrosoft VisioGliffy
Rating4.3 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews2,846188
Starting price$5 /User/Month$8 /Month
Free trial Yes Yes
Free version No No
Best forMedium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryDiagramming SoftwareDiagramming Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001GDPR
Data residencyUSGlobal

Key differences between Microsoft Visio and Gliffy

  • Pricing: Microsoft Visio starts at $5 /User/Month, while Gliffy starts at $8 /Month.
  • Target audience: Microsoft Visio is built for Medium Business and Small Business, while Gliffy targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • User satisfaction: Microsoft Visio scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
  • Deployment: Microsoft Visio supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Gliffy supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Microsoft Visio vs Gliffy — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

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.

Microsoft Visio - Diagramming Software
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Gliffy - Diagramming Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Microsoft Visio

Best for creating complex, professional diagrams integrated with Microsoft 365.

Choose if
  • You need detailed business process maps or IT system architecture diagrams.
  • Your team relies heavily on Microsoft Office and 365 integration.
  • You want access to a large library of ready-made templates and shapes.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require extensive third-party integrations beyond the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • You prefer a simple, intuitive diagramming tool with minimal learning curve.

Gliffy

Best for simple, collaborative web-based diagramming with easy drag-and-drop.

Choose if
  • 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.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require extensive offline functionality for uninterrupted work.
  • You need highly advanced shape customization beyond basic templates.

Microsoft Visio: Best for creating complex, professional diagrams integrated with Microsoft 365. Gliffy: Best for simple, collaborative web-based diagramming with easy drag-and-drop.

Description

Visio is a diagramming software for visually conveying information. Use it to create flowcharts, organizational charts, or detailed systems diagrams—even mind maps and other task-oriented ... Read More about Microsoft Visio

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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $5
  • Starts from $8 , Billed Yearly

Free Trial Availability

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.9/10

9.2/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

Best Company Size

51-500 employees501-1000 employees
1-50 employees51-500 employees
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Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

No software demo available

Microsoft Visio has not given any software demo yet

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How do Microsoft Visio and Gliffy Compare on Features?

Total Features

8 Features

8 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare Microsoft Visio and Gliffy 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

      • $5
      • $8 , Billed Yearly

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Professional

        • Unlimited diagrams

        • Access to templates

        • Import from other applications

        Show more +

      • Enterprise

        • Easy admin controls

        • Centralized security

        • Team management

        Show more +

      Pricing Page

      Microsoft Visio pricing
      Gliffy pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Installed - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      ✓ Yes
      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      ISO 27001

      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🇺🇸 US
      🌐 Global

      Microsoft Visio User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      151

      55

      8

      0

      1

      98

      17

      5

      1

      2

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlights Visio's powerful diagramming features and Microsoft integration, tempered by concerns over complexity and limited marketplace options.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Integration with Microsoft products
      • Variety of templates

      Common complaints

      • Complexity for new users
      • Limited third-party extensions

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlights ease of use and collaboration features, tempered by limitations in free version and customization.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Collaboration capabilities
      • Shape and template variety

      Common complaints

      • Limited free version features
      • Lack of advanced customization

      Pros and Cons

      • Wide variety of ready-made templates and shapes for diverse diagram types

      • Seamless integration with Microsoft Office products

      • Ability to create complex diagrams that remain easy to read

      • Steep learning curve for newcomers due to feature richness

      • Limited marketplace for additional apps and connectors

      • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface enabling quick diagram creation

      • Extensive library of shapes and templates supporting diverse diagram types

      • Cloud-based access facilitating collaboration and remote work

      • Free version has limited features, often requiring paid upgrades

      • Limited advanced customization options for shapes and templates

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      How to draw an ERD diagram

      5 Screenshots

      Videos

      No videos available.

      video-0

      3 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Microsoft Visio and Gliffy in 2026

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      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, Microsoft Visio or Gliffy?
      Microsoft Visio edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Microsoft Visio and Gliffy offer a free trial?
      Yes, both Microsoft Visio and Gliffy offer a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Microsoft Visio vs Gliffy?
      Microsoft Visio starts at $5 /User/Month. Gliffy starts at $8 /Month.
      What are the top alternatives to Microsoft Visio?
      Top alternatives to Microsoft Visio include Miro, FigJam, SmartDraw, Gliffy, DrakonHub.
      What are the top alternatives to Gliffy?
      Top alternatives to Gliffy include Miro, FigJam, SmartDraw, Cacoo, Microsoft Visio.

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