Figma vs Sketch 2025: Design Tool Showdown
BrandCompare Research Team
Expert SaaS Analysis
Our Verdict
Figma has won the design tool wars. Real-time collaboration and browser-based access make it the default choice. Sketch remains solid for Mac-only teams who prefer native performance.
Figma Best For:
- Cross-platform teams
- Remote collaboration
- Design systems
- Prototyping
Sketch Best For:
- Mac-only teams
- Native performance
- Offline work
- Solo designers
Quick Comparison
| Category | Figma | Sketch | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
Pricing & Value | $12/editor/mo | $10/editor/mo | Figma |
Features | 95 | 85 | Figma |
Ease of Use | 90 | 88 | Figma |
Integrations | 92 | 80 | Figma |
Customer Support | 85 | 80 | Figma |
The Design Tool Wars Are Over
Let's be honest: Figma has won. But that doesn't mean Sketch is dead—it still has valid use cases.
Here's the full picture.
What Happened?
Sketch pioneered modern UI design tools. For years, it was THE tool for interface design. Then Figma came along with one killer feature: real-time collaboration in the browser.
That single innovation changed everything. Design teams could work together like never before. No more "who has the latest file?" No more version control nightmares.
The Key Differences
Collaboration
Figma: Multiple people can work on the same file simultaneously. It's like Google Docs for design. Comments, cursors, and changes happen in real-time.
Sketch: One person at a time. You can use Sketch Cloud for sharing and commenting, but it's not truly collaborative.
Winner: Figma 🏆 — and it's not close.
Platform Access
Figma: Works in any browser. Mac, Windows, Linux, even iPad. Your files are always accessible.
Sketch: Mac only. This alone eliminates it for many teams.
Winner: Figma 🏆
Performance
Sketch: Native Mac app with excellent performance. Complex files feel smoother.
Figma: Browser-based means occasional lag on very complex files. Getting better but still not as snappy as native.
Winner: Sketch 🏆
Offline Work
Sketch: Works fully offline.
Figma: Requires internet (offline mode exists but is limited).
Winner: Sketch 🏆
Pricing
| Plan | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ✅ 3 projects | ❌ None |
| Individual | $12/mo | $10/mo |
| Team | $12/editor/mo | $10/editor/mo |
| Enterprise | $45/editor/mo | Custom |
Figma's free tier makes it easy to try. Sketch requires payment from day one.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Figma If:
- Your team is cross-platform (Mac + Windows)
- You work remotely or asynchronously
- Real-time collaboration matters
- You're building design systems
- You want the largest plugin ecosystem
Choose Sketch If:
- Your team is 100% Mac
- You work offline frequently
- You prefer native app performance
- You're a solo designer
- You have existing Sketch workflows
The Honest Verdict
Figma is the default choice in 2025. Unless you have a specific reason to use Sketch (Mac-only, offline needs, existing workflows), start with Figma.
The design industry has standardized on Figma. Job listings expect Figma experience. Clients send Figma files. Design systems are built in Figma.
Sketch is still a good tool—but it's no longer the leader.
About the BrandCompare Research Team
Our research team consists of industry experts who spend weeks testing, analyzing, and comparing SaaS products. We evaluate real-world performance, not just marketing claims, to help you make informed decisions. Every comparison is based on hands-on testing and honest analysis.
Ready to compare these tools yourself?
Use our interactive comparison tool for a detailed side-by-side analysis.
Compare Figma vs Sketch