[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) \> [Diagram Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/diagram-software/) \> [Lucidchart](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/lucidchart/) \> Lucidchart vs SmartDraw # Lucidchart vs SmartDraw Last Updated: July 13th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Lucidchart](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/lucidchart/) vs [SmartDraw](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/smartdraw/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Diagram Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/diagram-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Diagram Software&cta=diagram-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Lucidchart Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da/resources/normal/logo.png?1693319060)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/lucidchart/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![SmartDraw Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68/resources/normal/logo.png?1727301672)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/smartdraw/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=Lucidchart&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693319060) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=Lucidchart&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693319060) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=Lucidchart&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693319060&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=Lucidchart&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693319060&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=SmartDraw&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301672) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=SmartDraw&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301672) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=SmartDraw&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301672&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=SmartDraw&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301672&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating Lucidchart - Analyst Score: 81 out of 100 81 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (11111 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating SmartDraw - Analyst Score: 82 out of 100 82 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (470 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $7.95 Monthly, Freemium [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Lucidchart&category=Diagram Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/2004e0f2b74655ee92d3a6af6bdb6626-9b3a91c10a2340264d16dd8567e6b9da/resources/normal/logo.png?1693319060) $60 Annually [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=SmartDraw&category=Diagram Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/50af2a04ae2938f4c8c90e1d37968dc1-50ef8931b0e5c947d2193c0b0b157a68/resources/normal/logo.png?1727301672) Pros What we like about Lucidchart and SmartDraw: * Drag-and-drop interface users find easy to pick up for quick diagram creation * Wide template range covers flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and more * Real-time collaboration lets team members edit the same diagram together * Connects with Asana, Jira, Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office * Automated formatting keeps shapes aligned without manual tweaking * Thousands of templates across flowcharts, org charts, and floor plans speed up starts * CAD-like drawing tools support precise, complex technical diagrams * Plugs into Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Confluence, and Jira Cons What we dislike about Lucidchart and SmartDraw: * Project management features like Gantt charts and resource tracking are basic or missing * New users can hit a learning curve due to the depth of options * Real-time collaboration can lag with larger teams or complex diagrams * Free tier limits the features and project types you can access * Users find pricing steep for smaller teams or solo work * Breadth of features can feel overwhelming if you just need simple diagrams * Performance slows on larger diagrams, with sluggish loading reported * Customization options feel limited for users who want deeper tailoring ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Lucidchart and SmartDraw both handle the core diagramming job well, but they fit different buyers. Pick Lucidchart if you want an affordable, browser-first tool your whole team can jump into. Pick SmartDraw if you need polished, presentation-ready output with CAD-like precision and don't mind paying more. Lucidchart starts at $7.95 per user per month with a freemium tier, so you can try it before you commit. SmartDraw starts at $60 per user per year, billed annually. The intervals differ, so don't read those numbers as a head-to-head — just know SmartDraw asks for an upfront yearly commitment while Lucidchart lets you go month to month. For collaboration, Lucidchart leans into real-time co-editing and chat, which suits distributed teams working through ideas together. SmartDraw also supports simultaneous editing with version control, but its strength shows up when you need clean, automated layouts for client-ready decks and reports. On fit, Lucidchart works for any industry and offers templates for engineering, sales, IT, and education. SmartDraw skews toward software development, engineering, and marketing, with extras like CAD-like drawing and PowerPoint-ready exports that appeal to technical and presentation-heavy roles. If your team lives in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and wants quick, simple diagrams, Lucidchart is the easier sell. If you regularly produce intricate technical drawings or formal reports, SmartDraw's automated formatting and precision tools earn the higher price — just budget for the annual commitment and a steeper feature curve. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Lucidchart has an analyst rating of 81\. By comparison SmartDraw has an analyst rating of 82\. Lucidchart - Analyst Score: 81 out of 100 81 SmartDraw - Analyst Score: 82 out of 100 82 Features Comparison **Collaboration** Facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently on complex visual projects, regardless of location or device. 96 100 **Diagram Creation and Editing** Simplifies complex visual communication by providing intuitive tools for creating and editing a wide range of diagrams, from flowcharts to mind maps. 98 98 **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and collaborate on diagrams across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 100 96 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Diagram Software) Strengths The best features of Lucidchart and SmartDraw as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Platform Capabilities Diagram Creation and Editing Integrations Collaboration Collaboration Diagram Creation and Editing Integrations Security Platform Capabilities ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Diagram Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Collaboration** Facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently on complex visual projects, regardless of location or device. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Diagram Creation And Editing** Simplifies complex visual communication by providing intuitive tools for creating and editing a wide range of diagrams, from flowcharts to mind maps. 95% 5% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Platform Capabilities** Empowers users to create and collaborate on diagrams across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 100% 0% 0% 90% 10% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Diagram Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Diagram Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Seamlessly integrates with other productivity tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing overall efficiency within organizations. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive information within diagrams through robust encryption and access controls. 80% 0% 20% 100% 0% 0% **Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 88.4% are fully supported out of the box by Lucidchart including Platform Capabilities, Diagram Creation And Editing and Integrations. SmartDraw supports 86% and excels at Collaboration, Diagram Creation And Editing and Integrations. Lucidchart has an analyst rating of 81 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 11111 reviews, while SmartDraw has an analyst rating of 82 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 470 reviews. Lucidchart is a SelectHub award-winner. ### User Sentiment Summary Lucidchart has a user sentiment rating of 90 based on 11111 reviews. SmartDraw has a user sentiment rating of 85 based on 470 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 11111 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 470 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 90% of users recommend this product Lucidchart has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 11111 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites. 85% of users recommend this product SmartDraw has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 470 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **FinancesOnline** **4.9** (15) n/a **G2.com, Inc** **4.5** (6537) **4.5** (315) **Capterra Inc** **4.5** (2230) **4.1** (115) **Gartner, Inc** **4.5** (383) **4.0** (1) **TrustRadius** **4.4** (1946) **2.4** (39) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Lucidchart and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities. Lucidchart stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() ![Platform Capabilities Award]() SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SmartDraw and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Diagram Software available today. ![Analysts' Pick Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Lucidchart Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart/alternatives/) [SmartDraw Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Template library** – Offers a wide range of templates across flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, floor plans, and Venn diagrams to get you started quickly. * **Data import** – Pulls in CSV files and spreadsheets, then uses data linking and auto-visualization to build dynamic charts from your input. * **Real-time collaboration** – Lets multiple users edit the same diagram together, with integrated chat and collaborative cursors for live teamwork. * **Workplace integrations** – Connects with Dropbox, Slack, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office, and runs on Mac, Linux, and Windows. * **Role management** – Assigns and adjusts responsibilities by individual, project, or department to keep ownership clear. * **Template library** – Includes thousands of templates across flowcharts, org charts, and floor plans, leaning heavier on volume than Lucidchart's range. * **Data import** – Brings in data from Excel and CSV files to build data-driven diagrams without manual rebuilds. * **Real-time collaboration** – Supports simultaneous editing with version control so changes stay tracked across contributors. * **Office integrations** – Works with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Confluence, and Jira for sharing diagrams into existing workflows. * **Automated formatting** – Aligns shapes and applies formatting rules automatically to keep diagrams clean without manual cleanup. ### Top Alternatives in Diagram Software [ Cacoo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/cacoo/) [ ConceptDraw DIAGRAM ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/conceptdraw-diagram/) [ Creately ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/creately/) [ draw.io ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/draw-io/) [ EdrawMax ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/edrawmax/) [ FigJam ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/figjam/) [ FlowMapp ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/flowmapp/) [ Gliffy ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/gliffy/) [ Miro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/collaboration-software-tools/miro/) [ OmniGraffle ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/omnigraffle/) [ SketchWow ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/sketchwow/) [ SmartDraw ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/smartdraw/) [ StarUML ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/staruml/) [ Visio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/visio/) [ Whimsical ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/whimsical-com/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![Cacoo Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS Cacoo](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-cacoo/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![Creately Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS Creately](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-creately/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![draw.io Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS draw.io](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-draw-io/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![EdrawMax Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS EdrawMax](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-edrawmax/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![FigJam Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS FigJam](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-figjam/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![FlowMapp Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS FlowMapp](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-flowmapp/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![Gliffy Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS Gliffy](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-gliffy/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![SketchWow Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS SketchWow](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-sketchwow/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![SmartDraw Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS SmartDraw](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-smartdraw/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![StarUML Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS StarUML](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-staruml/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![Visio Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS Visio](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-visio/) ![Lucidchart Software Tool]() ![Whimsical Software Tool]() [Lucidchart VS Whimsical](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-whimsical-com/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Diagram%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Diagram%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Diagram%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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