Figma vs Sketch
A source-aware comparison of pricing, documented capabilities and workflow fit.
Short answer
- Price: not directly comparable — Figma is from $12/user/mo, Sketch is pricing not verified.
- How to start: Figma is from $12/user/mo, Sketch is pricing not verified.
- Where they differ: only Figma has mobile app; both offer public api and sso (saml).
These lines are generated from the pricing we track, not from a paid placement. How we score tools.
What Figma is
Figma has revolutionized the design world by moving UI/UX tools to the browser, making traditional desktop software obsolete. It enables teams to work on the same file simultaneously and in real-time. Prototyping features allow you to test your designs as a functioning app, while 'Dev Mode' provides developers with flawless design specs. Its vector-based structure, smart components, and massive community library make Figma the central heart of modern digital product development.
What Sketch is
Sketch is a macOS-only interface design tool that defined the category before browser-based rivals arrived.
Side by side
What Figma is built to do
- Auto Layout
- Create responsive components that resize automatically based on their content.
- Dev Mode
- A dedicated space for developers to inspect designs and export code snippets.
- Component Systems
- Update a master design in one place and see it reflect across the entire project.
- FigJam
- An integrated online whiteboard for team brainstorming and strategic planning.
Choose Figma if
- Product Designers, Developers, and Digital Agencies.
Choose Sketch if
- Mac-only design teams with an existing Sketch library.
Evidence and freshness
Where a claim on this page comes from a vendor page, it is linked here.
Figma: pros & cons
- Flawless Collaboration: Designers, developers, and clients can view and edit at the same time.
- Platform Independent: Works perfectly in any browser on any OS without installation.
- Version Control: Automatic saving and history tracking eliminate the fear of losing work.
- Huge Plugin Library: Enhance your workflow with thousands of community-made tools.
- High RAM Usage: Large files can be demanding on browser performance and memory.
- Internet Dependency: Since it is cloud-based, a stable connection is required for work.
- Prototyping Limits: Extremely complex animations may still require dedicated tools.
Sketch: pros & cons
- Fast native performance
- Mature plugin ecosystem
- One-time licence option still available
- macOS only, which blocks mixed teams
- Collaboration trails browser-based tools
- Loses ground to Figma in hiring
Our verdict on Figma
The undisputed world leader in modern UI/UX design and team collaboration.
Our verdict on Sketch
Still a capable tool, but the industry moved. New teams have little reason to start here.