tldraw vs Miro
Self-host swap-in for Miro. · Self-host Miro · tldraw on os-alt
tldraw is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Miro — license Apache-2.0, 10min — clone the example sync server + frontend to stand up, and $5-10/mo vps for the sync server. Compare against Miro's Free 3 boards; Starter $8/user/mo; Business $16/user/mo; Enterprise custom below.
| tldrawopen-source | Miropaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Online whiteboard / visual collaboration | Online whiteboard / visual collaboration |
| License / pricing | Apache-2.0 | Free 3 boards; Starter $8/user/mo; Business $16/user/mo; Enterprise custom |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $8/user/mo |
| GitHub | tldraw/tldraw | closed source |
| Setup time | 10min — clone the example sync server + frontend | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5-10/mo VPS for the sync server. | from $8/user/mo (Free 3 boards; Starter $8/user/mo; Business $16/user/mo; Enterprise custom) |
Switching from Miro to tldraw
Use the `tldraw/tldraw-sync-cloudflare` or self-hosted Node sync example from the tldraw docs. Embed the React component in your own page (`<Tldraw />`). Miro export → import images as background; recreate vector shapes natively. tldraw is the slickest of the three — pixel-perfect shape rendering, polished UI, and the upcoming AI-powered 'make real' feature.
- Good fit for
- 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.
- License note
- Watermark removal for production / commercial use needs a paid license; OSS use is unrestricted.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Miro
In a terminal? npx os-alt miro prints Miro's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is tldraw a free alternative to Miro?
Yes — tldraw is open source under Apache-2.0. Self-host cost: $5-10/mo VPS for the sync server.. Miro starts at $8/user/mo (Free 3 boards; Starter $8/user/mo; Business $16/user/mo; Enterprise custom).
How long does tldraw take to set up vs Miro?
Self-hosting tldraw: 10min — clone the example sync server + frontend. Miro is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is tldraw good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: 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..