drawio (diagrams.net) vs tldraw
Self-host pick — both replace Miro (Online whiteboard / visual collaboration).
Both drawio (diagrams.net) and tldraw self-host as a replacement for Miro (Online whiteboard / visual collaboration). Pick drawio (diagrams.net) if you want diagrams (architecture, ER, flowcharts) where Miro is overkill and you want files in git; pick tldraw if you want product teams that want a polished whiteboard inside their own app — embed the component, not host a separate site. Both are Apache-family licensed and similar to set up.
| drawio (diagrams.net)open-source | tldrawopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Setup time | 5min docker run | 10min — clone the example sync server + frontend |
| Monthly cost | $3/mo VPS; static frontend. | $5-10/mo VPS for the sync server. |
| GitHub | jgraph/drawio | tldraw/tldraw |
| Replaces | Miro | Miro |
Good fit for
drawio (diagrams.net)
Diagrams (architecture, ER, flowcharts) where Miro is overkill and you want files in git.
Weak at:No real-time collaboration; not a freeform whiteboard.
tldraw
Product teams that want a polished whiteboard inside their own app — embed the component, not host a separate site.
Weak at:Standalone hosted-app story is thin; built more as an embeddable component than a Miro-shaped product.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli miro prints Miro's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, drawio (diagrams.net) or tldraw?
drawio (diagrams.net): 5min docker run. tldraw: 10min — clone the example sync server + frontend.
What does each cost to run?
drawio (diagrams.net): $3/mo VPS; static frontend.. tldraw: $5-10/mo VPS for the sync server.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do drawio (diagrams.net) and tldraw replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Miro.