[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Business Intelligence](https://www.selecthub.com/category/business-intelligence/) \> [Diagram Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/diagram-software/) \> [SmartDraw](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/smartdraw/) \> SmartDraw vs EdrawMax 

# SmartDraw vs EdrawMax 

Last Updated: July 13th, 2026 

Our analysts compared [SmartDraw](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/smartdraw/) vs [EdrawMax](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/edrawmax/) 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 

[![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) 

Remove Add to Compare 

[![EdrawMax Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8/resources/normal/logo.png?1727301999)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/edrawmax/)

[ ![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=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) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=EdrawMax&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301999) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=EdrawMax&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301999) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=EdrawMax&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301999&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Diagram+Software&product%5Fname=EdrawMax&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1727301999&price=2) 

### Products Insights 

Overall Rating Comparison 

[ 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) 

[ Analyst Rating EdrawMax - Analyst Score: 78 out of 100 78 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (360 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) 

Price Starts From 

$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) 

$11.50 Monthly 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=EdrawMax&category=Diagram Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/6eab0ae583645029c67f0c234c532874-ef021e7c3b70d4c3c057f43f8cba5cb8/resources/normal/logo.png?1727301999) 

Pros 

What we like about SmartDraw and EdrawMax: 

* Intuitive interface that beginners pick up quickly without much training
* Wide template library covers flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and floor plans
* Connects with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace for easy sharing into docs and slides
* Polished output works well for presentations and business reports

* Library of 40,000+ templates gives you a fast starting point for almost any diagram
* Imports and exports Visio, SVG, and CAD files for smoother handoffs with other tools
* Runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux plus a web version
* Drag-and-drop interface stays approachable for users at any skill level

Cons 

What we dislike about SmartDraw and EdrawMax: 

* Pricing can feel steep for solo users and smaller teams on tight budgets
* Breadth of features can overwhelm users who only need simple diagrams
* Users report sluggish loading and lag when working on larger diagrams
* Customization options feel limited for users who need highly specialized diagrams

* Free plan is restrictive enough that complex work pushes you to a paid tier
* Tiered pricing across Free, Basic, and Unlimited can feel convoluted to sort through
* macOS users find the Office-style interface less native than they'd like
* Lacks the deep CAD-style precision tools some advanced users want

### Our Review 

**Bottom line:** SmartDraw and EdrawMax both cover the diagramming basics well, but they fit different buyers. Pick SmartDraw if you live inside Microsoft Office and Google Workspace and want polished output without much fuss. Pick EdrawMax if you want a bigger template catalog, broader OS support, and a lower entry price.

SmartDraw leans toward professionals in engineering, architecture, and project management who need clean diagrams to drop straight into presentations and reports. The intuitive interface and automatic formatting help you move quickly, and integrations with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Confluence, and Jira keep diagrams close to where the rest of your work happens.

EdrawMax casts a wider net across engineers, IT developers, marketers, educators, and students. Its 40,000+ templates and 280+ diagram types give you a head start on almost anything, from UML and electrical schematics to floor plans and infographics. Native Windows, macOS, and Linux support also helps if your team isn't all on the same operating system.

Pricing is where the gap shows up. SmartDraw starts at $60 per year, while EdrawMax starts at $11.50 per month. Both are published prices, but the billing intervals differ, so think about how you actually want to pay before comparing them head to head. EdrawMax also offers a free tier, though users find its limits push you toward a paid plan once diagrams get complex.

If you need CAD-like precision, deep customization, or native Office integrations, SmartDraw is the safer pick despite the cost. If you want cross-platform flexibility, Visio and SVG file compatibility, and a lower monthly commitment, EdrawMax fits better. Smaller teams and individuals who flagged SmartDraw's price as a sticking point will likely feel more at home with EdrawMax.

### Analyst Rating Summary 

Overall Scores 

Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, SmartDraw has an analyst rating of 82\. By comparison EdrawMax has an analyst rating of 78\. 

SmartDraw - Analyst Score: 82 out of 100 82 

EdrawMax - Analyst Score: 78 out of 100 78 

Features Comparison 

**Collaboration**  
Facilitates real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently on complex visual projects, regardless of location or device. 

100 

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 

100 

**Platform Capabilities**  
Empowers users to create and collaborate on diagrams across various platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for diverse work environments. 

96 

89 

[Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Diagram Software) 

Strengths 

The best features of SmartDraw and EdrawMax as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. 

Collaboration

Diagram Creation and Editing

Integrations

Security

Platform Capabilities

Collaboration

Diagram Creation and Editing

Platform Capabilities

Security

### 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. 

100%

0%

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. 

90%

10%

0%

90%

0%

10%

**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%

60%

20%

20%

**Security**   
Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive information within diagrams through robust encryption and access controls. 

100%

0%

0%

100%

0%

0%

**Requirements Summary**Of typical requirements, 86% are fully supported out of the box by SmartDraw including Collaboration, Diagram Creation And Editing and Integrations. EdrawMax supports 74.4% and excels at Collaboration, Diagram Creation And Editing and Platform Capabilities. SmartDraw has an analyst rating of 82 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 470 reviews, while EdrawMax has an analyst rating of 78 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 360 reviews. 

### User Sentiment Summary 

SmartDraw has a user sentiment rating of 85 based on 470 reviews. EdrawMax has a user sentiment rating of 90 based on 360 reviews. 

![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 470 reviews 

![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 360 reviews 

Synopsis 

Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 

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. 

90% 

of users recommend this product

EdrawMax has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 360 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 

User Review Scores 

**G2.com, Inc** 

**4.5** (315) 

**4.5** (139) 

**Capterra Inc** 

**4.1** (115) 

**4.5** (206) 

**Gartner, Inc** 

**4.0** (1) 

n/a 

**TrustRadius** 

**2.4** (39) 

**4.8** (15) 

### Awards 

SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. 

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SmartDraw and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Diagram Software available today. 

![Analysts' Pick Award]()

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated EdrawMax and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Diagram Creation and Editing. EdrawMax stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. 

![User Favorite Award]()

![Diagram Creation and Editing 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 

[SmartDraw Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw/alternatives/) 

[EdrawMax Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/edrawmax/alternatives/) 

### Screenshots 

![Screenshots]() 

![Screenshots]() 

### Key Features 

* **Template library** – Thousands of templates across flowcharts, org charts, network diagrams, and floor plans help you skip a blank canvas.
* **Office integrations** – Connects with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Confluence, and Jira so diagrams drop into the tools you already use.
* **Automated formatting** – Adjusts and aligns shapes for you, keeping diagrams clean without manual nudging.
* **Real-time collaboration** – Lets multiple users edit the same diagram together with version control in the background.
* **Advanced drawing tools** – Includes CAD-like precision controls for users who need more than basic shapes.

* **Template library** – Over 40,000 templates and 280+ diagram types cover everything from flowcharts to floor plans and UML.
* **File format support** – Imports and exports Visio, SVG, CAD, PDF, PPT, and Word for smoother handoffs across teams.
* **Drag-and-drop editor** – Builds diagrams through a simple drag-and-drop flow with 50,000+ symbols on hand.
* **Cross-platform access** – Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web so teammates aren't locked to one OS.
* **Specialized diagrams** – Built-in tools handle Gantt charts, mind maps, electrical schematics, and infographics in one app.

### 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/) [  Lucidchart ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/diagram-software/lucidchart/) [  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/) [  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 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Cacoo Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Cacoo](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-cacoo/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Creately Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Creately](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-creately/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![draw.io Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS draw.io](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/draw-io-vs-smartdraw/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![EdrawMax Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS EdrawMax](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-edrawmax/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![FigJam Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS FigJam](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/figjam-vs-smartdraw/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![FlowMapp Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS FlowMapp](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-flowmapp/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Gliffy Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Gliffy](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-gliffy/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Lucidchart Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Lucidchart](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/lucidchart-vs-smartdraw/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![SketchWow Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS SketchWow](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-sketchwow/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![StarUML Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS StarUML](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-vs-staruml/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Visio Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Visio](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/visio-vs-smartdraw/) 

![SmartDraw Software Tool]() 

![Whimsical Software Tool]() 

[SmartDraw VS Whimsical](https://www.selecthub.com/diagram-software/smartdraw-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. 

[Close](#)

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