Figma vs Sketch
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026
π Quick Verdict
It's a tie! Both are great options.
Both Figma and Sketch are excellent design tools tools with different strengths. Figma excels at industry standard for ui design, while Sketch stands out for native mac performance.
π Explore More
π Visual Comparison
Overall Score Comparison
Category Breakdown
Figma Highlights
- β Real-time collaboration on designs
- β Browser-based (no installation needed)
- π° Free / /editor/month
Sketch Highlights
- β Native Mac performance
- β Great for UI design
- π° $10/editor/month
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | 3 projects | β |
| Collaboration | Real-time | Cloud required |
| Prototyping | Advanced | Limited |
| Design Systems | β | β |
| Plugins | 1000+ | 1000+ |
| Auto Layout | β | β |
| Dev Mode | β | β |
| Mobile Preview | β | β |
| Offline Support | β | β |
| Symbols | β | β |
| Vector Editing | β | β |
What is Figma?
Figma is a collaborative web-based design tool used for interface design, prototyping, and design systems. It allows multiple designers to work simultaneously on the same file, making it the industry standard for design teams.
β Pros
- β’Real-time collaboration on designs
- β’Browser-based (no installation needed)
- β’Powerful prototyping capabilities
- β’Excellent component and design system support
- β’Generous free tier
- β’Works on any operating system
βCons
- β’Requires internet connection
- β’Can be slow with very large files
- β’Limited offline functionality
- β’Learning curve for advanced features
- β’Font management can be tricky
What is Sketch?
Sketch is a vector graphics editor for macOS, primarily used for UI/UX design. It was the industry standard before Figma's rise.
β Pros
- β’Native Mac performance
- β’Great for UI design
- β’Plugin ecosystem
- β’Symbol libraries
- β’Offline capable
βCons
- β’Mac only
- β’Subscription required
- β’Less collaborative than Figma
- β’Market share declining
Pricing Comparison
πIn-Depth Analysis: Figma vs Sketch
Choosing between Figma and Sketch can be challenging, as both tools offer compelling features for modern workflows. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze every aspectβfrom features and pricing to real-world use casesβto help you make an informed decision.
Figma
Figma is a collaborative web-based design tool used for interface design, prototyping, and design systems. It allows multiple designers to work simultaneously on the same file, making it the industry standard for design teams.
Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor for macOS, primarily used for UI/UX design. It was the industry standard before Figma's rise.
π―Best Use Cases
When to Choose Figma
- βFor Teams:
Real-time collaboration on designs
- βFor Small Business:
Browser-based (no installation needed)
- βFor Enterprise:
Powerful prototyping capabilities
When to Choose Sketch
- βFor Individuals:
Native Mac performance
- βFor Small Business:
Great for UI design
- βFor Teams:
Plugin ecosystem
πFeature Deep Dive
Free Tier
Collaboration
Prototyping
Design Systems
Plugins
Auto Layout
π°Pricing Analysis
Figma
Freemium
β Free tier availableSketch
Subscription
π‘ Pro Tip
Both tools offer free trials or tiers. We recommend testing both with your actual workflow before committing to a paid plan.
πOur Recommendation
After extensive analysis and testing, here's our take: Both Figma and Sketch are excellent tools that can significantly improve your productivity. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and priorities.
Choose Figma if:
You prioritize industry standard for ui design and real-time collaboration.
Choose Sketch if:
You prioritize native mac performance and powerful symbol system.
Frequently Asked Questions
For small teams, Figma might be more cost-effective due to its free tier. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and workflow preferences.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
β¨ Choose Figma if
You prioritize industry standard for ui design and real-time collaboration.
β¨ Choose Sketch if
You prioritize native mac performance and powerful symbol system.