Choose Penpot if you're an open-source advocate or part of a privacy-conscious team. Its self-hostable nature and strong designer-developer collaboration tools make it ideal for those who prioritize transparency and control over their design process. However, if you require extensive plugins or a more polished experience, Penpot might not meet your needs.
Opt for tldraw if you're a developer focused on creating custom canvas applications or part of a product team needing collaborative features on an infinite canvas. Its ability to turn sketches into working UI sets it apart, but be mindful of the commercial licensing if you plan to use it professionally. For simple sketching without the need for extensive features, tldraw may not be the best fit.