draw.io vs Notion

draw.io (also known as diagrams.net) is a free diagramming application used for flowcharts, network diagrams, wireframes, and technical documentation, with a strong emphasis on privacy and self-managed data storage. It is available as a browser app at app.diagrams.net and as a desktop application, and it deliberately maintains long-term backward compatibility with older diagram files.

Notion is a single space where you can think, write, and plan. Capture thoughts, manage projects, or even run an entire company.

• Free with no mandatory account creation or paywall
• Strong data-privacy stance with self-hosted or local storage options
• Old diagram files remain compatible with the current app
• Deep integrations with common workplace tools like Confluence and Jira

• Extremely flexible - adapts to almost any workflow
• Clean, minimal interface
• Strong template ecosystem
• Good mobile apps

• Interface is more utilitarian than some modern whiteboard-style competitors
• Advanced enterprise security features are less prominent than dedicated paid diagramming suites
• Less built-in template variety than some commercial diagramming tools

• Can get slow with very large databases
• Steep learning curve for advanced features
• Offline mode is limited