Miro vs Lucidchart: Which is Better?
Miro and Lucidchart are two of the most popular tools for visual collaboration, brainstorming, and diagramming. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes.
- Miro is an online whiteboard best suited for brainstorming, agile workflows, and freeform collaboration.
- Lucidchart is a diagramming tool ideal for creating flowcharts, process maps, and technical diagrams.
This comparison will cover features, collaboration, ease of use, integrations, pricing, and best use cases to help you choose the right tool.
1. Overview of Miro and Lucidchart
Miro
Miro is a visual collaboration platform that provides an infinite whiteboard for teams to brainstorm, map ideas, and manage agile workflows. It is widely used in product management, UX design, and team planning.
Key Features of Miro:
- Infinite canvas for freeform brainstorming
- Sticky notes, mind maps, and flowcharts
- Real-time collaboration with commenting and video calls
- Pre-built templates for retrospectives, sprints, and wireframing
- Integrations with Slack, Jira, Notion, and Google Drive
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a diagramming tool that specializes in structured diagrams like flowcharts, network diagrams, and process maps. It is commonly used by engineers, IT professionals, and business analysts.
Key Features of Lucidchart:
- Drag-and-drop interface for structured diagrams
- Templates for flowcharts, ER diagrams, and network diagrams
- Data linking with Google Sheets and databases
- Collaboration with comments and version history
- Integrations with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Confluence
2. Key Differences: Miro vs. Lucidchart
Feature | Miro | Lucidchart |
---|---|---|
Primary Use | Brainstorming, mind mapping | Structured diagrams, flowcharts |
Canvas Type | Infinite whiteboard | Page-based diagrams |
Best for | Creative teams, agile workflows | Engineers, IT professionals, business analysts |
Collaboration | Real-time editing, video chat | Real-time collaboration, but no built-in video chat |
Templates | Mind maps, agile workflows, UX wireframes | Flowcharts, ER diagrams, network architecture |
Data Linking | No | Yes, connects to spreadsheets and databases |
Offline Mode | Limited | Yes, in desktop app |
Export Options | PDF, PNG, JPEG | PDF, PNG, SVG, Visio, CSV |
Pricing | Free plan, paid plans for teams | Free plan, paid plans for teams and enterprises |
3. Collaboration & Teamwork
Both Miro and Lucidchart offer real-time collaboration, but their approaches differ.
Miro Collaboration Features:
✅ Real-time multi-user editing
✅ Commenting, sticky notes, and voting
✅ Built-in video chat and screen sharing
✅ Ideal for brainstorming and agile teams
Lucidchart Collaboration Features:
✅ Real-time co-editing
✅ Commenting and revision history
✅ Integration with corporate tools like Microsoft Teams
✅ Best for technical documentation and structured workflows
Verdict: Miro is better for brainstorming and team discussions, while Lucidchart is better for structured team documentation.
4. Diagramming & Design Capabilities
Miro’s Diagramming Strengths:
✅ Freeform drawing and mind mapping
✅ Flowcharts and wireframes
✅ UX design and agile workflows
Lucidchart’s Diagramming Strengths:
✅ Advanced flowcharting tools
✅ Database modeling and UML diagrams
✅ Network architecture and process maps
Verdict: If you need structured diagrams, Lucidchart is better. If you want flexible visual brainstorming, Miro is the winner.
5. Ease of Use & Learning Curve
Miro
- Beginner-friendly with a simple interface
- Great for teams who prefer freeform visual collaboration
- Less structured, which may be overwhelming for some users
Lucidchart
- Drag-and-drop interface similar to Visio
- Easier for engineers and technical users
- More structured, which can be limiting for freeform brainstorming
Verdict: Miro is easier for beginners, while Lucidchart is better for technical users.
6. Pricing Plans
Miro Pricing
- Free Plan: 3 editable boards
- Starter Plan: $8 per user/month
- Business Plan: $16 per user/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Lucidchart Pricing
- Free Plan: Limited features
- Individual Plan: $7.95 per user/month
- Team Plan: $9 per user/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Verdict: Miro’s free plan is better for teams, while Lucidchart’s paid plans are cheaper for individuals.
7. Best Use Cases: When to Use Miro or Lucidchart?
When to Use Miro?
✅ Brainstorming and ideation
✅ Mind mapping and agile workflows
✅ UX wireframing and design collaboration
✅ Team retrospectives and planning
When to Use Lucidchart?
✅ Flowcharts and process diagrams
✅ IT architecture and network diagrams
✅ Database modeling (ER diagrams)
✅ Business process mapping
Verdict: Miro is best for creative teams, while Lucidchart is ideal for technical documentation.
8. Integrations with Other Tools
Miro Integrations
- Slack
- Jira
- Notion
- Zoom
Lucidchart Integrations
- Microsoft Office
- Google Drive
- Confluence
- Salesforce
Verdict: Miro integrates better with creative tools, while Lucidchart is better for corporate IT environments.
9. Offline Access
- Miro: Limited offline support (view-only mode).
- Lucidchart: Offline editing available in the desktop app.
Verdict: Lucidchart is better for offline work.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Feature | Miro | Lucidchart |
---|---|---|
Best for | Brainstorming, freeform collaboration | Structured diagrams, IT & engineering workflows |
Ease of use | Very easy | Easy for structured diagrams |
Collaboration | Built-in video calls, real-time editing | Real-time editing, great for technical teams |
Diagramming | Basic flowcharts, UX wireframes | Advanced flowcharts, UML, and ER diagrams |
Pricing | Better for teams | Cheaper for individuals |
Choose Miro if you need:
✅ A digital whiteboard for brainstorming
✅ A simple tool for agile workflows
✅ Freeform diagramming and ideation
Choose Lucidchart if you need:
✅ Professional flowcharts and network diagrams
✅ Database modeling and IT documentation
✅ Offline access and structured workflows
Conclusion
Both Miro and Lucidchart are excellent tools, but they serve different purposes.
- If you need a flexible brainstorming tool, Miro is the best choice.
- If you’re creating technical diagrams, Lucidchart is the better option.
💡 Final Tip: Many companies use both tools—Miro for brainstorming and Lucidchart for technical documentation.
Hope this helps! 🚀