Side by side
draw.io vs Sparx Enterprise Architect
Both stand on diagramming tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source WebWindowsMac+3
draw.io offers a broad set of diagram types, collaboration, and flexible storage choices at no cost. Teams that require Enterprise SSO should note that no such tier is listed.
Visit draw.io
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Enterprise Architect combines modeling, requirements traceability, simulation, code engineering and collaboration in one tool. The free trial is broad, but carries a print watermark, and browser access does not remove the license requirement for creating or editing models.
Visit Sparx Enterprise ArchitectThe facts
| draw.io | Sparx Enterprise Architect | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Professional Standard: $245 per license, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 18 |
| Maker | draw.io | Sparx Enterprise Architect |
| Website | drawio.com | sparxsystems.com |
| On diagramming tools | #1 of 46 | #4 of 46 |
draw.io: what it does well
- Free and open source
- No sign-up or credit card required to start
- Supports real-time collaboration
- Desktop app allows local saving
- Imports and exports multiple diagram formats
What to know first
- No Enterprise tier for SSO
- Support channels listed are GitHub Discussions and Stack Overflow
Sparx Enterprise Architect: what it does well
- Supports UML, SysML and BPMN.
- Requirements can be traced to model elements.
- Simulates behavioral models, including JavaScript.
- Generates and reverse engineers several programming languages.
- Provides real-time collaboration and version history.
What to know first
- Printed documents from the 30-day trial have a watermark.
- WebEA model creation and diagram editing require a valid license.
- Third-party use of the REST API requires a commercial license.
- Plugin access requires Corporate edition or above.
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