Best Alternatives to Figma

January 10, 2026 Maxwell

Introduction

Choosing a design tool like Figma can lead to substantial operational friction if it doesn’t align with specific project needs. Users may encounter significant time loss, setup complexity, and cognitive overload as the tool scales, impacting productivity and collaboration. This is particularly evident when features become cumbersome or inadequate for advanced projects, leading to costly rework and inefficiencies.

This article aids in making an informed decision about the best alternatives to Figma, focusing on real-world applications, limitations, and trade-offs. Instead of generic reviews, it provides a detailed comparison to help you identify tools that fit your workflow without unnecessary complications.

Comparison Table

Tool	Best for	Setup friction	Cost level	Breaks when…	Main limitation
Sketch	Mac users, UI design	Moderate	$$	When team collaboration is needed	Only available on macOS
Adobe XD	Adobe ecosystem users	Low	$$	When complex animations are required	Limited plugins compared to Figma
InVision	Prototyping	High	$$$	When real-time collaboration is essential	Less intuitive interface
Framer	Interactive design	Moderate	$$$	When scaling projects quickly	Steep learning curve for new users
Affinity Designer	Vector graphics	Low	$$	When team collaboration is needed	Limited cloud features
Canva	Quick mockups	Low	$	When intricate designs are required	Not suitable for professional design needs

Tools

Sketch

Sketch is a leading tool for UI design, particularly favored by macOS users. It offers a clean interface and a wealth of plugins that enhance productivity. However, collaboration can become cumbersome, as it lacks real-time editing capabilities, which limits its effectiveness for team environments.

Over time, users may face issues related to version control, especially if multiple designers are working on the same project. This degradation can lead to confusion and misalignment among team members, resulting in wasted effort and rework. The limitation of being a macOS-exclusive application also restricts its user base significantly.

Best for: Mac users, UI design
Not ideal for: Cross-platform teams
Login required: Yes
Free plan: testing-only — limited functionality

Adobe XD

Adobe XD integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, making it a solid choice for those already embedded in Adobe’s ecosystem. It provides a low-friction setup and a user-friendly interface. However, users may find that its capabilities in creating complex animations fall short compared to other tools.

As projects grow in complexity, the limitations in plugin availability can hinder workflows. Users often find themselves constrained by the tool’s features, leading to frustration and potential project delays. Those seeking extensive design capabilities may find themselves needing to switch tools as their projects evolve.

Best for: Adobe ecosystem users
Not ideal for: Complex animation needs
Login required: Yes
Free plan: testing-only — limited export options

InVision

InVision excels in prototyping, allowing designers to create interactive mockups with ease. While it offers a robust set of features for design handoff and feedback, the setup can be high, especially for teams looking to collaborate in real-time.

As team sizes increase, the platform can struggle under the weight of simultaneous users, leading to performance issues. The interface can also feel less intuitive, which may slow down onboarding for new team members. These factors can make it less ideal for larger design teams or fast-paced environments.

Best for: Prototyping
Not ideal for: Real-time collaboration
Login required: Yes
Free plan: volume-capped — limited projects available

Framer

Framer is known for its ability to create highly interactive designs, making it suitable for web projects. It has moderate setup friction with a focus on code-based design which appeals to developers. However, the learning curve can be steep for designers unfamiliar with coding.

As users try to scale their projects, the complexity of Framer can lead to frustration. Users may find themselves spending more time troubleshooting than designing. This technical limitation can deter those who prefer a more straightforward design process.

Best for: Interactive design
Not ideal for: Non-coders
Login required: Yes
Free plan: testing-only — limited features

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer offers a strong alternative for vector graphics and is known for its low-cost one-time payment model. It provides a low-friction setup, making it accessible for freelancers. However, its collaboration features are limited compared to Figma, which can hinder teamwork.

Over time, users might find the lack of cloud features and real-time collaboration a significant drawback, especially as project demands increase. This limitation can lead to inefficiencies when working with teams or sharing files, causing delays and potential miscommunication.

Best for: Vector graphics
Not ideal for: Team collaboration
Login required: No
Free plan: free-in-name-only — limited trial

Canva

Canva is a straightforward tool for creating quick mockups and designs, making it a popular choice for non-designers. Its low setup friction allows anyone to start designing immediately. However, it lacks the depth required for professional-grade design work, which can degrade the quality of output over time.

As users attempt to create more intricate designs, they may find Canva’s limitations increasingly problematic. The tool is not designed for detailed or complex projects, which can lead to frustration and a need for a more robust solution down the road.

Best for: Quick mockups
Not ideal for: Professional design needs
Login required: Yes
Free plan: volume-capped — limited features available

Hidden costs most reviews ignore

Many reviews overlook the hidden costs associated with switching from Figma to alternatives. For instance, tools like InVision and Framer may seem appealing initially but can become costly over time due to their high setup friction and maintenance needs. Users often underestimate the time spent troubleshooting performance issues, particularly with larger team collaborations.

Additionally, the cognitive load increases as users juggle multiple tools and workflows. This can lead to decision fatigue and reduced productivity, especially when teams are required to adapt to different platforms, which may not integrate well with existing systems.

When this tool stops being a good fit

Tools like Sketch and Framer can become less effective as team sizes grow. For instance, Sketch’s lack of real-time collaboration can hinder larger projects, making it challenging for teams to stay aligned. Users might find that they need to invest in additional tools or processes to manage their workflows effectively, which can create unnecessary overhead.

Similarly, Framer’s complexity might deter non-technical team members, leading to a situation where the tool is underutilized. As projects evolve, teams could outgrow these tools, necessitating a transition to more scalable solutions.

Who this is for / Who this is not for

This article is geared towards experienced freelancers and solopreneurs who are familiar with design tools and seek alternatives to Figma that align better with their specific workflows. Ideal readers are those looking to assess the practical implications of switching tools based on their unique project needs.

Conversely, this content may not suit users who are new to design or those who require a highly collaborative environment with minimal friction. Individuals who prioritize ease of use over functionality might find the alternatives discussed here lacking in user-friendliness or accessibility.

FAQ

Is Sketch worth the investment?

Sketch can be a valuable investment for macOS users focused on UI design, but its value diminishes in collaborative environments. If you frequently work with teams, consider the limitations of its lack of real-time collaboration.

How does Adobe XD compare to Figma?

Adobe XD is a strong competitor with seamless integration into the Adobe ecosystem. However, it may fall short for users who require extensive plugin support or complex animation capabilities.

What are the main drawbacks of InVision?

InVision is excellent for prototyping, but its high setup friction can be a barrier for teams needing quick iterations. It may also struggle under heavy collaborative loads, leading to performance issues.

Can Framer be used by non-designers?

Framer is designed for interactive projects, but its code-based approach can be challenging for non-designers. If your team lacks technical expertise, consider simpler alternatives.

What makes Affinity Designer different?

Affinity Designer is a one-time purchase tool that excels in vector graphics but lacks strong collaboration features. It may not suit teams needing cloud-based functionalities for seamless file sharing.

Final Recommendation

Choosing the right design tool depends heavily on your specific needs and the nature of your projects. Sketch and Adobe XD are common starting points for Mac users and those embedded in Adobe’s ecosystem, respectively. However, these tools may become less effective as project complexity increases.

As workflows grow in scale or complexity, transitioning to tools with better collaboration and integration features becomes rational. Consider your team size, project demands, and how well a tool integrates with your existing systems to ensure long-term viability.

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