No Magic MagicDraw vs Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect comparison

No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

No Magic MagicDraw

Ranking in Business Process Design

15th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Sparx Systems Enterprise Ar...

Ranking in Business Process Design

7th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Enterprise Architecture Management (4th)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Business Process Design category, the mindshare of No Magic MagicDraw is 2.6%, down from 3.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is 6.9%, down from 10.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Business Process Design Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect	6.9%
No Magic MagicDraw	2.6%
Other	90.5%

Business Process Design

Q&A Highlights

it_user699090

Intern at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees

Jul 14, 2017

What is the difference between NIEM plugin and Sparx?

Hi, You mentioned prices and I don't really know the difference between those two products. If you can, tell me what product has the reputation to be less expensive. I'm using MagicDraw with NIEM and I pay for the maintenance. NIEM is only usable on the LTD 18.0 version which is their long term version supposed to be more stable. NIEM plugin is in version 1.00. I also use the feature rich version 18.5 which is very stable, but with no NIEM. The next LTD version 19.0 is coming last quarter this year. I don't use the plugin very much. I use it for inspiring my own data models. In this way, I don't use it in a crucial situation. However, I like it very much. The technical support from MagicDraw is fantastic. They really care. If I have a problem on Friday afternoon, they will work late to solve it in order for me to work during the week-end, as my independent status often require. I don't have any experience with the NIEM plugin of Sparx. As far as I know, those two providers are really top notch. Thanks.

Ease of use and real-time collaboration empower effective teamwork and streamlined development

Featured Reviews

reviewer2080611

System Engineer at a consultancy with 51-200 employees

For CAMEO, it's not only the ease of use, it's versatility, its communicability, but Rhapsody is the worst tool I've ever used. It is very difficult, not user-friendly, and very expensive. It works only with its IBM counterparts. SPARX Enterprise Architecture is very easy to use, but it's limited. It gives you an idea of how your model is developing, so this feature helps maintain integrity or correctness of system models. It's really a good feature to have. You've got to have the simulation toolkit installed to be able to do that, and that works really well. The MagicDraw or CAMEO system is good on its own, but it should be integrated and should come out of the box with the simulation toolkit because there are some things you can't do without it, making it very difficult to have to look for another license to be able to do that. I would prefer that it come with the simulation toolkit.

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Milan Sterba

Senior Enterprise Architect at Deepview S.r.o.

Efficient documentation generation through organized model structure with a good price-performance ratio

Whenever I begin a new project with Sparx, I have to spend time training people on how to use it since it is not straightforward. Although it's a powerful product with plenty of features, it's not easy for even experienced users to find their way without guidance. This is not the most user-friendly solution.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"We use it to build the physical and logical domains to hold requirements, specifications, use cases, and all the way down to class definitions."

"I alone can maintain all architecture documentation for a larger project as well as for one or two selected systems."

"No Magic has the tools and capabilities to model a complete enterprise and all product lines."

"I like the traceability feature. Whoever is working with the product would be sure of the things that could be affected if they decided to affect one of the other companies. For example, let's say that an engineer starts a new project optimization problem by adjusting the thickness of metal sheets. However, the engineers only see a reduced number of affections, but when we use the requirement traceability, they can see the whole picture. That's the main aspect that we were promoting with this tool."

"The most valuable feature of No Magic MagicDraw is the simulation capabilities and interface."

"My advice to anybody who is designing complex projects, like defense projects or space projects, is that they have to use this program or one like it."

"The technical support is very good."

"It is pretty easy to use. It is pretty versatile."

More No Magic MagicDraw pros

"The most valuable features are the flexibility and adaptability of Sparx Enterprise Architect."

"Its ability to reference and link to components from any diagram."

"Customizable and tailored to the environment. Several template frameworks are provided."

"EA is a good, cheap, flexible, and capable tool."

"The UML modeling, Use Case Modeling, ability to import custom graphics and map to UML objects, document templates and generation."

"We previously used rational tools (Rose, RSA and some other rational tools as well), and this product is much cheaper and enough for our needs."

"The company has become more efficient and reduced its budget."

"It is an excellent way for a company to start or an organization to start using an enterprise architecture discipline."

More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect pros

Cons

"However, there are some technical features that you have to study and do research on to be able to understand."

"The licenses are expensive compared to similar tools. At the moment, the user is open to using MagicDraw if it's 15% more than other solutions. If it were to cost any more, they wouldn't use it."

"When I am working with my Mac and I right-click to copy and paste, it doesn't work."

"They don't really support code engineering, and that's why we have to move to Enterprise Architect. MagicDraw is stuck at C++03 standards, whereas most C++ programs today want to use the latest definition of the C++ standards. We were at C++11, and we wanted to do code engineering with C++11 or 17, but they didn't support it. That pushed us into a different tool, which is Sparx Enterprise Architect."

"I would like to see the ability to deploy live business process models and capture real-time data (without the need for another product tool) so you don't have to be dependent on other products for this functionality."

"The cost of upgrading the product should be lower."

"The UI UX of the tool is not really user-friendly and needs to be completely reformed."

More No Magic MagicDraw cons

"This solution is quite complex to use. It would be nice if the learning curve wasn't so steep."

"Weak in regards to data modelling. No logical or physical modelling or migration from conceptual to physical."

"Repository integration. SVN based repositories can be a pain to merge changes."

"It could be more user-friendly. The tools could be more simple to use. It's a very complex solution. Because I am a business analyst, I use these tools to manage requirements, and I make models in UML, BPMN, and ArchiMate, and it's complex. In the next release, I would like to see more integrations."

"Navigating from EA Models to Business Process Models becomes a nightmare if the repository is heavily loaded."

"The integration could be improved."

"It would be nice to have it supported on the Linux operating system."

"Customer service / technical support is via email only so is constrained to 24 hour turnaround."

More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"In addition to the initial cost, you have to pay annually for support in order to get the upgrades."

"The price of No Magic MagicDraw could improve. The price of the solution is too expensive for smaller-sized companies. There should be a better pricing model."

"I rate the pricing a ten out of ten. It is an expensive product compared to software for model-based system engineering."

"I would say licensing would be anywhere from $3,500 to $6,500 per person or per seat (it's a per seat style license)."

"The licensing is on a yearly basis, and it's expensive."

"I use my own license. So, I just bought the professional version, which costs $800 or something like that. In the company where I am working, we have floating licenses. They are probably more expensive. Its licensing is affordable, but we are talking about a large organization, and there could be modelers or viewers of the models. We don't know how much that would cost us."

"It’s the best deal in town, by far."

"There is a license for this solution. When comparing this solution to others it is priced well."

"The solution is quite expensive."

"The license for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is paid yearly, but I don't handle that area. It's good for its price, so I'm rating it a five out of five, but I'm not using it much. I also don't have information regarding additional costs apart from the standard licensing fees."

"It is cheap."

"Enterprise licensing is competitive. What would be helpful if they load the pricing for consultants, you know, people who are consultants for clients. So the license is fine for end-user organizations. Still, they should consider lowering the license to support this adoption, particularly for people who are consultants like myself."

"I think our license costs roughly $1,000 a year, but I could be wrong."

More Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect pricing and cost advice

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Answers from the Community

it_user699090

Intern at a tech vendor with 201-500 employees

Jul 14, 2017

What is the difference between NIEM plugin and Sparx?

2 out of 5 answers

it_user502215

Enterprise Architecture Consultant with 10,001+ employees

Jul 13, 2017

I do not know about plug-in but Sparx has six NIEM tagged values (architecture meta data)

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it_user139326

Works

Jul 13, 2017

I only worked in testing Sparx Enterprise Architect as a replacement for ERwin data modeler. I did not work with No Magic so I don’t know the differences. However, I found this pdf: http://www.uwm.edu.pl/wnt/technicalsc/tech_12/B15.pdf I searched on differences between no magic and sparx enterprise architect. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Read full answer

See all 5 answers

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

23%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Government

11%

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Financial Services Firm

14%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	14
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	7

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	39
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	58

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for No Magic MagicDraw?

Maybe the price is a little bit high for a small company to acquire this tool. However, they offer trial versions and trial licenses for members of INCOSE.

What needs improvement with No Magic MagicDraw?

What is your primary use case for No Magic MagicDraw?

I deal with DOD lifecycle acquisition sorts of things as some of the main use cases currently, and I expect to continue using it for more than 25 years.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect?

One of the reasons many public sector institutions in the Czech Republic use it is that it provides a very good price-performance ratio. While it might be cumbersome to learn, it still delivers exc...

What needs improvement with Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect?

What is your primary use case for Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect?

We are mostly using the ArchiMate language to describe enterprise or solution architecture, along with a bit of use cases. We are producing quite large models, with over 10,000 elements and relatio...

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Product Reports

No Magic MagicDraw

Download No Magic MagicDraw product report

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect

Download Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect product report

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect report

Also Known As

MagicDraw

No data available

Overview

No Magic MagicDraw is a powerful modeling tool recognized for its flexibility and integration capabilities, especially suited for enterprise modeling and systems engineering. Featuring a user-friendly interface, it supports diverse modeling architectures with tools for testing and simulation.

Renowned for its compliance with OMG standards, No Magic MagicDraw excels in offering comprehensive modeling options that support model-based systems engineering. Its rich feature set enables digital model creation aimed at testing and simulation, backed by a strong suite of integration tools. The tool facilitates program management integration with systems engineering, making it suitable for complex enterprise projects. However, suggestions for improvement include a redesign for a more intuitive interface and enhanced documentation. Licensing costs are higher compared to competitors, and integration requests include compatibility with SAP and modern C++ standards.

What are the most important features of No Magic MagicDraw?

Flexibility: Adapts to different modeling needs and architectures with ease.
User-friendly Interface: Simplifies access and usage for modeling tasks.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Doors.
Standard Compliance: Aligns with OMG standards.
Traceability: Maintains visibility across project changes.

What benefits and ROI should users expect from No Magic MagicDraw?

Comprehensive Support: Access to excellent technical support.
Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates model-driven documentation and teamwork.
Strategic Efficiency: Streamlines processes, reducing time in business transformation projects.

No Magic MagicDraw is widely deployed for tasks including business transformation, system architecture modeling, and supporting defense programs, proving invaluable in enterprise and system modeling. It aids in strategy integration, process design, and offers extensive features like simulations and lifecycle engineering.

Dassault Systèmes

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect supports modeling standards like UML, ArchiMate, and TOGAF. Its strengths include collaboration, scalability, and affordability, making it adaptable to enterprise architecture tasks.

Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect provides a robust and versatile platform for enterprises by offering comprehensive modeling capabilities and integration with diverse tools. It supports diagram creation, automatic documentation, and reverse engineering, making tasks efficient. Though user interface improvements are needed for intuitiveness, its overall framework support and affordability remain attractive. Users typically integrate it with other solutions for enhanced functionality, benefiting from its version control and adaptability in IT landscapes.

What are the most important features?

Support for Multiple Standards: Offers UML, ArchiMate, TOGAF compatibility.
Collaboration Capabilities: Encourages effective teamwork and data sharing.
Scalable Solutions: Grows with enterprise demands.
Extensive Framework Support: Provides diverse modeling options.
Automatic Documentation: Generates essential documents efficiently.
Reverse Engineering and Code Generation: Supports software development processes.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Affordability: Cost-effective compared to competitors.
User-Friendliness: Easy to navigate for experienced users.
Integration: Works well with existing systems and tools.
User Flexibility: Adapts to specific needs without significant cost.

In specific industries, Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect is often implemented for developing detailed architecture frameworks and business process models. Organizations leverage its capabilities in establishing application inventories and managing projects. Its use in data modeling and solution design is particularly valued in sectors requiring comprehensive IT landscape mapping.

Sparx Systems

Sample Customers

Northrop Grumman, Labcorp, Deposco, ClearView Training, IT Services Promotion Agency, Intelligent Chaos, Metalithic Systems Inc., Sodifrance

OmniLink

No Magic MagicDraw vs. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect