Side by side
ChartDB vs drawDB
Both stand on data modeling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
ChartDB covers schema visualization, editing, exports, and team collaboration, with a free plan and self-hosted option. Consider its free-plan limits and AI data-processing notice when evaluating it.
Visit ChartDB Free plan Self-hostedWeb
drawDB covers database diagram imports, exports, and multiple dialects, with collaboration and AI functions listed in its Pro plans. Note the browser-profile storage behavior and schema sharing with the AI service when deciding which workflow fits.
Visit drawDBThe facts
| ChartDB | drawDB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | ChartDB Pro: $25 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 8 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | chartdb.io | drawdb.app |
| On data modeling software | #2 of 27 | #6 of 27 |
ChartDB: what it does well
- Exports diagrams as SQL, images, diagram JSON, and DBML.
- Supports real-time diagram collaboration.
- Tracks synchronization, schema diffs, and version history.
- Free, open-source self-hosted version is described.
What to know first
- Free plan limits diagrams to 10 tables each.
- AI providers may process inputs, outputs, and personal information.
- Free plan allows one user and one database.
drawDB: what it does well
- Supports seven diagram dialect options, including generic.
- Imports SQL scripts and exports multiple diagram formats.
- The Free plan costs nothing.
- Docker self-hosting is available.
What to know first
- Open-source diagrams are tied to the browser profile.
- MCP does not connect directly to web-only ChatGPT or claude.ai.
- AI operations send the diagram schema to the AI service.
Alternatives to ChartDB Alternatives to drawDB The whole list

