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Web Development · head to head

HTMX vs Mural

HTMX logo

HTMX

Web Development

Lightweight JavaScript library enabling AJAX, WebSockets, and server-sent events in HTML

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mural logo

Mural

Remote Work

The digital workspace for visual collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HTMX best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs; Mural the free plan allows 3 editable murals at a time, so working on a fourth means archiving one
  • They diverge on capability: HTMX covers AJAX requests, Mural covers Infinite canvas.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HTMX and Mural actually diverge.

Attributes where HTMX and Mural differ
AttributeHTMXMural
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryWeb DevelopmentRemote Work
FoundedUnknown2011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in HTMX

  • AJAX requests
  • HTTP verb support
  • DOM targeting
  • Swap strategies
  • WebSocket support
  • Server-sent events
  • Out-of-band updates

Only in Mural

  • Infinite canvas
  • Sticky notes
  • Shapes & connectors
  • Image uploads
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Templates
  • Voting & feedback
  • Slack

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

HTMX

  • Building interactive applications without JavaScript framework complexitynot Mural
  • Server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updatesnot Mural
  • Adding interactivity to existing server-side applicationsnot Mural
  • Hypermedia-driven applications using HTML-first approachesnot Mural

Mural

  • Running collaborative workshops and retrospectives on a shared whiteboardnot HTMX
  • Mapping journeys and diagrams with a distributed teamnot HTMX

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

HTMX

  • Best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs
  • Limited client-side state management capabilities compared to frameworks
  • Smaller ecosystem with fewer third-party libraries and tools
  • Learning curve for developers from JavaScript framework backgrounds

Mural

  • The free plan allows 3 editable murals at a time, so working on a fourth means archiving one
  • Mural AI and the Zoom and Webex integrations require Team+ at $9.99 per member per month billed annually
  • SSO and the Okta, Azure and GitHub integrations are Business only at $17.99 per member per month
  • Multiple workspaces, SCIM, audit logs and enforced 2FA are Enterprise only with no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

HTMX

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the HTMX review.

Mural

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 mural
    • Basic shapes
    • File uploads
  • Team$16/month
    • Unlimited murals
    • Advanced templates
    • Team collaboration

Which should you pick?

Choose HTMX if

  • You need ajax requests.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want http verb support.
HTMX review

Choose Mural if

  • You need infinite canvas.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want sticky notes.
Mural review

Questions people ask

Is HTMX or Mural better?
Neither clearly leads. HTMX starts at Free and Mural at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HTMX or Mural?
HTMX starts at Free and Mural at Free.
Does HTMX or Mural run on more platforms?
HTMX runs on Web. Mural runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use HTMX for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is HTMX best used for?
HTMX is most often used for building interactive applications without javascript framework complexity, server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updates, adding interactivity to existing server-side applications, hypermedia-driven applications using html-first approaches. Of those, building interactive applications without javascript framework complexity and server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updates are not what Mural is typically brought in for.
What can HTMX do that Mural cannot?
HTMX covers AJAX requests, HTTP verb support, DOM targeting, Swap strategies. Mural covers Infinite canvas, Sticky notes, Shapes & connectors, Image uploads.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

HTMX: How big is the HTMX JavaScript library?

HTMX is only 16 kilobytes minified and gzipped with zero external dependencies.

Source
Mural: How much does Mural cost?

Mural Team+ is $9.99 per member per month billed annually, or $12 billed monthly. Business is $17.99 per member per month billed annually. Enterprise is quoted by sales.

Source
HTMX: Can HTMX work with JSON APIs?

While HTMX is optimized for HTML responses, it can work with JSON through additional configuration and response handling.

Source
Mural: What does the free Mural plan limit?

The free plan allows unlimited murals in total but only 3 that can be edited at a time, and it is restricted to a single workspace with open rooms only.

Source
HTMX: Does HTMX support real-time features like WebSockets?

Yes, HTMX includes support for WebSockets and server-sent events for real-time bidirectional communication.

Source
Mural: Which Mural plan includes single sign-on?

SSO via SAML 2.0 starts on the Business plan at $17.99 per member per month, which also adds unlimited external guests and advanced integrations.

Source
Mural: When do I need Mural Enterprise?

Enterprise adds multiple workspaces, SCIM user and group management and data residency options. Team+ and Business are both limited to a single workspace.

Source
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