Top 10 Figma Competitors to Elevate Your Design Projects

Creative team dynamics have been transformed by design tools that tap into the power of an internet connection, effectively substituting physical workspaces. Among these innovations is Figma, a platform distinguished by its combination of vector graphics and comprehensive prototyping with cutting-edge collaborative features. This system empowers users to synchronize their efforts in real time, integrating mind maps, flowcharts, product roadmaps, and video conferencing to connect colleagues irrespective of location.

It’s crucial to recognize that no single tool can address every unique requirement across different design collaboration scenarios. Figma stands out as a leading tool in the design collaboration category, offering a free version, competitive pricing, and an easy-to-use interface. While Figma is a powerful option within this space, exploring other solutions might reveal additional opportunities for enhancing your design projects. Different tools offer varied capabilities—each possessing distinctive advantages and possible drawbacks—that may more precisely meet the needs and preferences of your project team. Many of these tools offer a free version, which can be a great starting point for designers exploring different options without financial commitment.

This article will introduce you to 10 alternative design tools that might be the perfect fit for your projects. Each tool offers unique features and benefits to help you decide which suits you best.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Figma’s Role in Design Collaboration
2. Top 10 Figma Competitors To Consider For Your Design Tools
   • Sketch: A Mac-Exclusive Design Tool
   • UXPin: Comprehensive UX Design Platform
   • InVision: Prototyping and Collaboration Simplified
   • Moqups: Browser-Based Wireframing and Prototyping
   • Mockplus: Quick Prototyping and Online Collaboration
   • Miro: The Online Whiteboard for Teams
   • Adobe XD: Comprehensive Design and Prototyping Tool
   • Marvel: Simplified Prototyping and User Testing
   • Justinmind: All-in-One Prototyping Solution
   • Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite
3. Which Tool Works Best for Different Levels of Designers?
   • Top 10 Figma Competitors Table of Comparison
4. Summary
5. Frequently Asked Questions
   • What is the primary benefit of using Figma for design collaboration?
   • How does Sketch compare to Figma in terms of platform availability?
   • Can I use Adobe XD with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications?
   • What makes InVision a strong contender for prototyping and collaboration?
   • Are there any free plans available for these design tools?

Understanding Figma’s Role in Design Collaboration

Figma has established a strong presence in the design collaboration space through its comprehensive set of collaborative functions and advanced prototyping capabilities. Design teams utilize this platform to effectively manage design projects, craft interactive prototypes with finesse, animate interactive components seamlessly, transition from wireframes to fully developed designs, and promote team collaboration that’s integrated into the tool’s very essence.

Figma’s capacity for real-time collaboration indicates its innovative approach to streamlining the design process. It enables design teams to work together efficiently while swiftly incorporating feedback. Equipped with various design tools, users can navigate intricate design systems to ensure every detail and user interaction is thoughtfully executed according to the project’s overarching goals.

Even with all the great features Figma offers, many other tools exist to explore. These tools provide different options and benefits. Each alternative has its strengths, whether it’s special features for teamwork or unique methods that make them top choices.

Top 10 Figma Competitors To Consider For Your Design Tools

Having the right tools can make all the difference. While Figma has carved out a significant niche with its powerful features and collaborative capabilities, several other tools offer unique advantages that better suit your specific needs. Some of these tools provide a drag-and-drop interface, allowing non-coders to move elements around and easily create layouts without complex coding. Some of these tools offer custom templates, which can help streamline workflows and enhance collaboration for remote teams. Here, we dive into the top 10 Figma competitors, examining their key features, pricing, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed choice.

1. Sketch: A Mac-Exclusive Design Tool

Sketch is a vector-based design tool specifically for macOS. It is widely used for creating user interfaces and user experiences. Sketch is known for its powerful design capabilities, extensive plugin ecosystem, and focus on creating high-quality design assets.

It is not just an online tool; it’s a full-fledged environment where creativity blossoms. Its intuitive interface is crafted to keep interruptions at bay, ensuring designers can focus on bringing their visions to life without getting bogged down by complex workflows. When it comes to collaboration, Sketch doesn’t stand alone—its integration with InVision bridges the gap, providing a cohesive experience for design teams looking to create wireframes and interactive prototypes with ease.

Sketch is best for mid-level to senior designers, particularly those who work on macOS. Its advanced design tools and extensive plugin ecosystem make it suitable for professional workflows and complex design projects. Although beginners might initially find Sketch’s feature set challenging, the availability of numerous plugins and resources can help ease the learning curve.

Furthermore, Sketch supports collaboration through shared libraries, cloud documents, and real-time feedback. It integrates with various third-party tools for enhanced team collaboration. Sketch’s cloud platform allows teams to collaborate on design projects, share assets, and gather feedback, ensuring everyone stays aligned.

Pricing

Sketch offers a free trial for new users. The standard plan starts at $9 per user per month and includes access to all design and collaboration features. Sketch offers custom pricing options for larger teams with additional features like enhanced security and dedicated support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Extensive plugin ecosystem.
• Strong focus on macOS users.
• Advanced vector design capabilities.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Powerful design tools.
• Extensive plugin ecosystem.
• Seamless integration with macOS.

Weaknesses:

• Limited to macOS.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Collaboration features not as robust as Figma’s.

2. UXPin: Comprehensive UX Design Platform

UXPin is a design and prototyping tool emphasizing design systems and code-based design. It allows designers to create high-fidelity prototypes with interactive elements. UXPin stands out with its ability to integrate code components directly into the design process, making it a powerful tool for creating realistic and functional prototypes.

It is best for senior designers and teams focused on design systems and detailed prototypes. Its advanced features and integration with code make it ideal for complex projects that require a high level of detail and interactivity. Beginners might find UXPin’s feature set overwhelming, but experienced designers will appreciate its depth and flexibility.

UXPin supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate on the same project. It also offers version control and commenting features, making tracking changes and gathering feedback easy. UXPin’s design system capabilities ensure that teams maintain consistency across different projects and streamline workflows.

Pricing

UXPin’s monthly pricing starts at $24 per editor, with different plans offering varying features and collaboration tools. For larger teams and enterprises, UXPin offers custom pricing options that include additional features like advanced security and dedicated support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Strong focus on design systems and code-based design.
• Advanced prototyping features with real code integration.
• Comprehensive design system management.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Powerful design system capabilities.
• High-fidelity prototyping with code integration.
• Robust collaboration features.

Weaknesses:

• Steeper learning curve.
• Higher pricing compared to Figma.
• Can be overwhelming for beginners.

3. InVision: Prototyping and Collaboration Simplified

InVision is a comprehensive design platform emphasizing prototyping, collaboration, and design management. It allows designers to create interactive prototypes and gather feedback efficiently. InVision’s suite includes tools like InVision Studio for design, InVision Cloud for collaboration, and InVision DSM for design system management, making it a well-rounded choice for design teams to streamline their workflow.

Due to its advanced prototyping features and collaborative tools, InVision is suitable for mid-level to senior designers. Designers who need to create detailed, interactive prototypes and work closely with development teams will find it particularly useful. The platform’s robust features are designed to handle complex projects and high-fidelity prototypes, which might be overwhelming for beginners.

InVision excels in collaboration with real-time feedback, version control, and powerful commenting features. It integrates well with tools like Slack, Jira, and Trello, enhancing team workflows. The platform’s LiveShare feature allows for real-time presentations and collaborative design reviews, making it easier for teams to stay aligned and make decisions quickly.

Pricing

InVision offers a free plan with limited features, ideal for small teams or individual designers just starting out. Paid plans start at $7.95 per user per month and provide access to more advanced features and unlimited prototypes. InVision offers enterprise plans for larger teams with custom pricing and additional features like advanced security and dedicated support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Strong focus on prototyping and design management.
• Extensive integration with third-party tools.
• Features like LiveShare for real-time presentations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Excellent prototyping capabilities.
• Robust collaboration features.
• Comprehensive suite for design management.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks comprehensive design tools compared to Figma.
• Can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Higher cost for advanced features.

4. Moqups: Browser-Based Wireframing and Prototyping

Moqups is an online tool for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for quickly visualizing design ideas. Moqups is designed to help teams move from concept to prototype quickly, making it a valuable tool for brainstorming and early-stage design.

It is best for beginners and mid-level designers who must quickly create wireframes. Its simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent choice for teams looking to visualize ideas without getting bogged down by complex tools. Moqups is also suitable for non-designers who need to create basic wireframes and mockups.

Moqups supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate and provide feedback instantly. It integrates with popular productivity tools, enhancing team workflows and ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Moqups also offers features like commenting and version control, making tracking changes and gathering feedback easy.

Pricing

Moqups offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for individual designers and small teams. Paid plans start at $19 per month and provide access to more advanced features and unlimited projects. Moqups offers custom pricing options for larger teams with additional features like enhanced security and support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Focus on wireframing and mockups.
• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Quick visualization of design ideas.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Easy to learn and use.
• Great for quick wireframing.
• Integrates well with productivity tools.

Weaknesses:

• Limited design and prototyping tools compared to Figma.
• Not suitable for complex design projects.
• Fewer advanced features for professional designers.

5. Mockplus: Quick Prototyping and Online Collaboration

Mockplus is a design and prototyping tool that focuses on simplicity and speed. It offers an intuitive interface for quickly creating interactive prototypes and wireframes. Mockplus is designed to help teams move from concept to prototype rapidly, making it a valuable tool for brainstorming and early-stage design.

It is suitable for beginners and mid-level designers who must quickly create prototypes. Its simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent choice for teams looking to visualize ideas without getting bogged down by complex tools. Mockplus is also suitable for non-designers who need to create basic wireframes and mockups.

Mockplus supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate and provide feedback instantly. It integrates with popular productivity tools, enhancing team workflows and ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Mockplus also offers features like commenting and version control, making tracking changes and gathering feedback easy.

Pricing

Mockplus offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for individual designers and small teams. Paid plans start at $199 annually for individuals, providing access to more advanced features and unlimited projects. For larger teams, Mockplus offers custom pricing options with additional features like enhanced security and support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Focus on quick prototyping and wireframing.
• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Rapid visualization of design ideas.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Easy to learn and use.
• Great for quick prototyping.
• Integrates well with productivity tools.

Weaknesses:

• Limited design and prototyping tools compared to Figma.
• Not suitable for complex design projects.
• Fewer advanced features for professional designers.

6. Miro: The Online Whiteboard for Teams

Miro is an online collaborative whiteboard platform for brainstorming, planning, and visual collaboration. It provides a flexible canvas for teams to create diagrams, mind maps, and prototypes. Miro is widely used for remote collaboration, enabling distributed teams to work together in real-time regardless of their location. It provides a visual workspace for innovation, facilitating collaboration and speeding up time to market for distributed teams of any size.

It is suitable for designers of all levels and non-designers who need a collaborative space for brainstorming and visual planning. Its intuitive interface and wide range of templates make it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features cater to the needs of experienced designers and large teams.

Miro excels in collaboration with real-time editing, commenting, and version control. It integrates with popular tools like Slack, Jira, and Google Drive, enhancing team workflows. Miro’s infinite canvas allows teams to work on multiple projects simultaneously, making it a versatile tool for various types of visual collaboration.

Pricing

Miro offers a free plan with basic features perfect for individual users and small teams. Paid plans start at $8 per user per month and provide access to more advanced features and unlimited boards. Miro offers custom pricing options for larger teams and enterprises, with additional features like advanced security and dedicated support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Focus on visual collaboration and brainstorming.
• Flexible canvas for various types of projects.
• Extensive integration with third-party tools.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Excellent for brainstorming and visual planning.
• Easy to use with a wide range of templates.
• Strong collaboration features.

Weaknesses:

• Not a dedicated design tool like Figma.
• Limited design and prototyping capabilities.
• Can become cluttered with extensive use.

7. Adobe XD: Comprehensive Design and Prototyping Tool

Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool developed by Adobe Inc. It’s designed to create user experiences and interfaces with robust features for prototyping and collaboration. Adobe XD integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, making it a powerful tool for designers using Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, Adobe XD is useful for designers looking to collaborate with web development partners for current and future projects.

It is best for mid-level and senior designers, especially those familiar with Adobe’s ecosystem. The tool’s advanced features and integration with other Adobe products make it suitable for complex design projects and professional workflows. Beginners might find it challenging to navigate initially, but the extensive resources and tutorials available can help ease the learning curve.

Adobe XD supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work on the same document simultaneously. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, enabling a smooth workflow across different design stages. Adobe XD also includes features like shared libraries and cloud documents, which facilitate team collaboration and ensure consistency in design elements.

Pricing

Adobe XD offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for individual designers and small teams. The full version is available through Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription, starting at $9.99 monthly. Adobe offers custom pricing plans for teams and enterprises with additional features like enhanced collaboration tools and priority support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Tight integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Advanced prototyping and animation features.
• Extensive resources and tutorials available.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Powerful design and prototyping tools.
• Seamless integration with Adobe products.
• Extensive learning resources.

Weaknesses:

• Steeper learning curve for those not familiar with Adobe tools.
• Limited browser-based access compared to Figma.
• Higher cost for full features.

8. Marvel: Simplified Prototyping and User Testing

Marvel is a design and prototyping tool that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It offers a straightforward interface for creating interactive prototypes and gathering feedback. Marvel is designed to be accessible for all levels of designers, providing intuitive and easy learning tools, making it an excellent choice for quick prototyping and collaboration.

Marvel’s user-friendly interface and simple features make it ideal for beginners. It’s also suitable for mid-level designers who need to create prototypes quickly without getting bogged down by complex tools. Marvel’s simplicity makes it a great choice for small teams and startups looking to streamline their design process.

Marvel provides robust collaboration features, including real-time feedback, comments, and version control. It integrates with popular tools like Slack and Jira, making it easy for teams to incorporate Marvel into their existing workflows. Marvel’s Handoff feature allows designers to generate code snippets for developers, facilitating a smoother transition from design to development.

Pricing

Marvel offers a free plan with basic features, perfect for individual designers and small projects. Paid plans start at $12 per user per month and offer more advanced capabilities and unlimited projects. For larger teams, Marvel provides custom pricing options with additional features like enhanced security and support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Simplicity and ease of use.
• Quick prototyping capabilities.
• Handoff feature for developer collaboration.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Very user-friendly.
• Excellent for quick prototyping.
• Integrates well with popular tools.

Weaknesses:

• Limited design tools compared to Figma.
• Not as suitable for complex design projects.
• Fewer advanced features for professional designers.

9. Justinmind: All-in-One Prototyping Solution

Justinmind is a prototyping tool designed to create high-fidelity prototypes with interactive elements. It offers a range of features for designing detailed user interfaces and testing user interactions. Justinmind is known for its powerful prototyping capabilities and ability to create complex, interactive prototypes that closely mimic the final product.

It is best for mid-level to senior designers who need to create detailed, high-fidelity prototypes. Its advanced features make it suitable for complex projects where precise interactions and user flows need to be tested. Beginners might find Justinmind’s feature set overwhelming, but experienced designers will appreciate its depth and flexibility.

Justinmind supports team collaboration with features like real-time feedback, commenting, and version control. It integrates with popular tools such as Jira, Slack, and Azure DevOps, enhancing team workflows and ensuring everyone stays aligned. Justinmind also includes user testing capabilities, allowing teams to gather feedback from real users and make informed design decisions.

Pricing

Justinmind offers a free plan with basic features, ideal for individual designers and small projects. Paid plans start at $19 per user per month and offer more advanced capabilities and unlimited projects. For larger teams, Justinmind provides custom pricing options with additional features like enhanced security and support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Strong focus on high-fidelity prototyping.
• Advanced interaction and user flow testing.
• Integration with user testing tools.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Powerful prototyping capabilities.
• Robust collaboration features.
• User testing integration.

Weaknesses:

• Steeper learning curve.
• Higher pricing compared to Figma.
• Can be overwhelming for beginners.

10. Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite

Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite is a comprehensive platform for creating diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and other visual content. It includes tools like Lucidchart for diagramming and Lucidspark for brainstorming, making it a versatile solution for visual collaboration and planning.

It is best for teams and designers of all levels who need robust diagramming and brainstorming capabilities. Its intuitive interface and wide range of templates make it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features cater to the needs of experienced designers and large teams.

Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate on diagrams and brainstorming sessions. It integrates with various productivity tools, such as Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams, to enhance teamwork. Lucid’s shared libraries and version control features ensure that teams can maintain consistency and track changes easily.

Pricing

Lucid offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for individual users and small teams. Paid plans start at $7.95 per user per month and provide access to more advanced features and unlimited documents. Lucid offers custom pricing options for larger teams and enterprises, with additional features like advanced security and dedicated support.

Key Differentiators from Figma

• Focus on diagramming, brainstorming, and cloud visualization.
• Comprehensive suite of tools for different types of visual collaboration.
• Extensive integration with third-party productivity tools.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Excellent for creating diagrams and conducting brainstorming sessions.
• Easy to use with a wide range of templates and integrations.
• Strong collaboration features.

Weaknesses:

• Not a dedicated design tool like Figma.
• Limited design and prototyping capabilities.
• Can be less suitable for detailed UI/UX design projects.

Which Tool Works Best for Different Levels of Designers?

While Figma is a powerful tool for design and collaboration, these ten alternatives offer unique features and capabilities that better suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a tool with strong prototyping capabilities like InVision and Justinmind or something more focused on brainstorming and visual collaboration like Miro and Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite, there’s an option for you.

Top 10 Figma Competitors Table of Comparison

Summary

Navigating through the vast array of design collaboration tools underscores a clear reality: an extensive selection for every conceivable need within a design team. While Figma is a dominant player, alternatives like Adobe XD, Sketch, UXPin, InVision, Moqups, Mockplus, Miro, Marvel, Justinmind, and Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite each offer unique features and benefits.

Each tool has strengths, such as ease of use, advanced features, real-time collaboration, and economic viability. The diverse capabilities presented by these tools highlight various options for designers to refine their creative workflows and meet specific project requirements. This rich landscape offers numerous possibilities for enhancing design projects beyond their boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary benefit of using Figma for design collaboration?

Figma offers real-time collaboration features that allow design teams to work efficiently and incorporate feedback instantly. Its comprehensive set of prototyping and vector graphics tools makes it a versatile choice for managing design projects from start to finish.

2. How does Sketch compare to Figma in terms of platform availability?

Sketch is a Mac-exclusive design tool that is only available on macOS. In contrast, Figma is a web-based platform that can be accessed on any operating system, making it more versatile for teams with diverse hardware.

3. Can I use Adobe XD with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications?

Yes, Adobe XD integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator. This integration allows for a smooth workflow, enabling designers to utilize the strengths of multiple Adobe tools in their projects.

4. What makes InVision a strong contender for prototyping and collaboration?

InVision excels in providing interactive prototypes and real-time collaboration features. Its ease of use and ability to gather immediate feedback make it a preferred choice for teams looking to streamline their design processes and enhance teamwork.

5. Are there any free plans available for these design tools?

Yes, several design tools offer free plans with limited features. For instance, Figma, InVision, Moqups, and Marvel all provide free plans that allow users to explore basic functionalities before committing to a paid subscription.