Octopus.do vs. VisualSitemaps : Which Visual Sitemap Generator is Better?

One of the biggest differentiators is how each tool crawls existing websites. Below are highlights from actual tests run across various sites—some secure or behind logins, some large-scale—for a direct comparison:

For this test we ran both crawls up to 300 pages.

• Octopus.do:
– One crawl at a time – you must wait if you manage multiple projects.
– No built-in scheduling – you must initiate new crawls manually.

• VisualSitemaps:
– Can run up to 1000 crawls in parallel, thanks to an elastic, clustered cloud of browsers.
– Scheduling – set daily, weekly, or monthly crawls to track your own site or a competitor’s evolving architecture.

Bottom Line: If you need to see what you have today and show how it could be improved tomorrow—especially for complex or secure sites—VisualSitemaps is the clear winner. Octopus.do can help generate a sitemap skeleton if you’re starting a brand-new website, but its crawling limitations become apparent once you need deeper insights or continuous tracking.

Octopus.do
• Micro-Level “Blocks”: Premade wireframe blocks for quick stacking and page connections—perfect for beginners.
• AI Draft Generation: Speeds up the initial planning phase for new sites by auto-generating a basic sitemap structure.
• Cost Estimator: A simple form that helps you gauge build costs based on the number of pages

VisualFlows (a 100% Free companion inside VSM)
• Free & Feature-Rich: Always free, with over 50 pre-made wireframe blocks and 1,500 colorable icons.
• Smart Connectors: Multiple styles and automatic logic for smoother user experience when visualizing site flow.
• Embeddable Wireframes: iFrame embedding for team documentation or stakeholder review.
• Collaboration: Seamlessly connects with VSM’s crawled data, letting you restructure and plan updated architectures.

Verdict: If you’re building a website from the ground up, Octopus.do’s AI and wireframe “Blocks” are a neat jumpstart. If you frequently audit or overhaul existing sites—or simply need a versatile, cost-free wireframing tool—VisualFlows provides deeper control and seamless integration with VSM’s crawls.

A key difference surfaced in the Apple.com test:

Octopus.do:
• Omits or abruptly stops at redirects, sometimes causing incomplete or cluttered sitemaps.

VisualSitemaps (VSM):
• Actively follows redirects, capturing the final URL in the map and flagging the redirect route.
• Keeps your site map clean by automatically filtering out non-HTML files (like .m3u8 or .pdf).

This ensures you see the actual pages in use, not just incomplete stubs. VSM’s filter controls help remove irrelevant files for a clearer sitemap—an area where Octopus.do currently struggles.

Octopus.do – Pros
1. Beginner-Friendly: Zero-start sitemaps with AI assistance.
2. Modular Wireframes: Micro-blocks easily snapped together.
3. Cost Estimator: Handy for budgeting new projects.

Octopus.do – Cons
1. Limited Crawling: Struggles with secure sites, large projects, or complex directory structures.
2. No Scheduling: Must rerun crawls manually.
3. Minimal QA/SEO Tools: Focuses more on new site planning than detailed audits.

VisualSitemaps + VisualFlows – Pros
1. Powerful Crawler: Handles secure/hard-to-reach sites and follows redirects accurately.
2. Automated QA: Finds and reports errors, broken links, and more.
3. Competitor Analysis: Schedule repeated crawls to track competitor changes.
4. Wireframing Integration: VisualFlows is 100% free with an extensive block library and embed options.
5. Parallel/Scheduled Crawls: Up to 1000 simultaneously, with flexible scheduling.

VisualSitemaps + VisualFlows – Cons
1. Advanced Features: Can feel overwhelming to new users.
2. Not Focused on Zero-Start: AI-based jumpstart for new sites isn’t their core function.
3. Learning Curve: Comprehensive crawling/monitoring features may require a bit more time to master.

Choose Octopus.do if
You’re starting a brand-new website with zero existing pages. Octopus.do’s AI-based draft, micro-block wireframes, and cost estimator make it a solid choice for quick concepting.

Choose VisualSitemaps (VSM) + VisualFlows if
You already have a website (or multiple sites) you need to audit, reorganize, or compare. Advanced crawling, competitor tracking, and automated QA give you an all-in-one solution for ongoing site improvements and in-depth analysis.

Ultimately, it comes down to your goals and project scope. If you primarily build brand-new sites and just need a fast blueprint, Octopus.do is a straightforward option. But if you’re handling complex, existing websites—or need continuous oversight and deeper insights—VisualSitemaps + VisualFlows stands out as the more scalable, feature-rich solution.

Sign up or get in touch with our team to explore how VisualSitemaps and VisualFlows can simplify your workflow, enhance your site’s structure, and give you the competitive edge.