Sketch vs Figma: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Sketch and Figma.
Mac design tool for UI/UX designers
Collaborative interface design tool
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Sketch | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10/mo ✓ Cheaper | $12/mo |
| Free plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | paid | freemium |
| G2 rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 ↑ |
| Capterra rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Founded | 2010 | 2012 |
Sketch: pros & cons
- ✓Native Mac performance
- ✓Mature plugin ecosystem
- ✓Affordable
- ✓Clean, focused UI
- ✗Mac only — no Windows or Linux
- ✗No real-time collaboration like Figma
- ✗Losing market share to Figma
Figma: pros & cons
- ✓Industry standard
- ✓Real-time collaboration
- ✓Massive plugin ecosystem
- ✓Excellent dev handoff
- ✗Expensive for large teams
- ✗Performance with large files
- ✗Adobe acquisition uncertainty
Choose Sketch if...
- →Your entire design team works on Macs and prioritises native app performance over browser-based collaboration
- →You have an established Sketch plugin workflow for design tokens, icons, or handoff that would be expensive to rebuild in another tool
- →You want a focused UI design tool at half the price of Figma without paying for features your team doesn't use
Choose Figma if...
- →Your design and engineering teams need to collaborate in real-time on the same file without version conflicts
- →You're building and maintaining a design system with shared component libraries used across multiple products
- →Your developers need accurate specs and CSS values through Dev Mode without chasing up designers
Our verdict
Figma scores higher on G2 (4.7/5 vs 4.5/5), suggesting stronger overall user satisfaction. Sketch is the more affordable option. Figma offers a free plan — a lower-risk way to test before committing. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Sketch vs Figma: frequently asked questions
Is Sketch better than Figma?
Figma has a higher G2 score (4.7/5 vs 4.5/5). The best tool depends on your specific use case and budget.
Which is cheaper, Sketch or Figma?
Sketch is cheaper, starting at $10/mo.
What is the main difference between Sketch and Figma?
Sketch focuses on vector editing, symbols & libraries, prototyping. Figma focuses on vector editing, prototyping, dev mode. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Sketch to Figma?
Most teams migrate between Sketch and Figma within a day or two. Export your data from Sketch (typically as CSV or via API), then use Figma's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.