Sketch vs Adobe XD
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026
π Quick Verdict
It's a tie! Both are great options.
Both Sketch and Adobe XD are excellent design tools with different strengths. Sketch excels at native mac performance, while Adobe XD stands out for adobe ecosystem integration.
π Explore More
π Visual Comparison
Overall Score Comparison
Category Breakdown
Sketch Highlights
- β Native Mac performance
- β Great for UI design
- π° $10/editor/month
Adobe XD Highlights
- β Adobe ecosystem integration
- β Real-time collaboration
- π° Free / Part of CC $54.99/month
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Sketch | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Support | β | β |
| Collaboration | Cloud required | β |
| Symbols | β | β |
| Prototyping | Limited | β |
| Plugins | 1000+ | β |
| Vector Editing | β | β |
| Free Tier | β | β |
| Auto-animate | β | β |
| Voice Prototyping | β | β |
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
What is Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is a vector-based UI/UX design tool for creating wireframes, prototypes, and production-ready designs. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
β Pros
- β’Adobe ecosystem integration
- β’Real-time collaboration
- β’Voice prototyping
- β’Auto-animate features
- β’Free starter plan
βCons
- β’Less feature-rich than Figma
- β’Slower updates
- β’Limited plugin ecosystem
- β’Being phased out by Adobe
Pricing Comparison
πIn-Depth Analysis: Sketch vs Adobe XD
Choosing between Sketch and Adobe XD 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.
Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor for macOS, primarily used for UI/UX design. It was the industry standard before Figma's rise.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD is a vector-based UI/UX design tool for creating wireframes, prototypes, and production-ready designs. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
π―Best Use Cases
When to Choose Sketch
- βFor Teams:
Native Mac performance
- βFor Small Business:
Great for UI design
- βFor Enterprise:
Plugin ecosystem
When to Choose Adobe XD
- βFor Individuals:
Adobe ecosystem integration
- βFor Small Business:
Real-time collaboration
- βFor Teams:
Voice prototyping
πFeature Deep Dive
Offline Support
Collaboration
Symbols
Prototyping
Plugins
Vector Editing
π°Pricing Analysis
Sketch
Subscription
Adobe XD
Freemium
β Free tier availableπ‘ 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 Sketch and Adobe XD are excellent tools that can significantly improve your productivity. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and priorities.
Choose Sketch if:
You prioritize native mac performance and powerful symbol system.
Choose Adobe XD if:
You prioritize adobe ecosystem integration and good prototyping features.
Frequently Asked Questions
For small teams, Adobe XD might be more cost-effective due to its pricing structure. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and workflow preferences.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
β¨ Choose Sketch if
You prioritize native mac performance and powerful symbol system.
β¨ Choose Adobe XD if
You prioritize adobe ecosystem integration and good prototyping features.