Microsoft Visio alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Microsoft Visio: full desktop app runs only on Windows, and web version has fewer features than desktop. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Microsoft Visio, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Lucidchart currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Microsoft Visio alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for most people
LucidchartRuns fully in any browser including on Macs, and imports Visio files.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for a free option
draw.ioFree, open source and cross-platform, with Visio import and a desktop app.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
EdrawMaxVisio-like desktop interface with a one-off licence option and many templates.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for open source
draw.ioFree, open source and cross-platform, with Visio import and a desktop app.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for self-hosting
draw.ioFree, open source and cross-platform, with Visio import and a desktop app.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for Mac
ConceptDraw DIAGRAMA desktop diagramming app for both macOS and Windows that exchanges files with Visio.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for Windows
draw.ioFree, open source and cross-platform, with Visio import and a desktop app.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for Linux
draw.ioFree, open source and cross-platform, with Visio import and a desktop app.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for iPhone and Android
LucidchartRuns fully in any browser including on Macs, and imports Visio files.
Best Microsoft Visio alternative for working in the browser
SmartDrawPitched directly at Visio users, with site licences and Visio file import and export.
Microsoft Visio alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Microsoft Visio?
Lucidchart ranks first right now. Runs fully in any browser including on Macs, and imports Visio files. draw.io and SmartDraw follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Visio?
Yes. Lucidchart (free plan + paid), draw.io (free) and EdrawMax (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Visio?
Yes: draw.io. draw.io can also be self-hosted.
Which Microsoft Visio alternatives work on Linux?
draw.io and EdrawMax run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Microsoft Visio?
The complaints we hear most: full desktop app runs only on Windows; web version has fewer features than desktop; licensing options are confusing to compare.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Microsoft Visio, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.