Figma and Sketch are the two leading UI/UX design tools, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Figma is browser-based with real-time collaboration at its core, while Sketch is a native Mac app with a mature plugin ecosystem. Here's how they stack up in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Figma wins for most teams thanks to its browser-based accessibility, real-time collaboration, and cross-platform support. Sketch is still a solid choice for solo Mac users who prefer a native app and want to avoid subscription fatigue, but Figma's momentum is undeniable.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | ✅ Browser (any OS) | ❌ Mac only |
| Real-Time Collaboration | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Limited |
| Vector Editing | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Prototyping | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in |
| Plugin Ecosystem | ✅ Large & growing | ✅ Mature |
| Version History | ✅ 30-day (free), unlimited (paid) | ✅ Built-in |
| Developer Handoff | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Via plugins / Inspect |
| Offline Mode | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full |
| Free Tier | ✅ Generous (3 projects) | ❌ No (trial only) |
Figma — Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works in the browser — no installation needed, works on any OS
- Best-in-class real-time collaboration (like Google Docs for design)
- Built-in commenting and developer handoff
- Automatic version history and branching
- Large community with free templates and components
Cons
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Can feel sluggish on large, complex files
- Less powerful vector editing than Sketch
- Subscription-only model (no one-time purchase)
- Fewer plugins than Sketch (though catching up fast)
Sketch — Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast, native Mac app with smooth performance
- Superior vector editing capabilities
- Mature plugin ecosystem with thousands of options
- Works fully offline
- One-time license available (no ongoing subscription)
Cons
- Mac-only — no Windows or Linux support
- Limited real-time collaboration (requires Sketch for Teams)
- Developer handoff requires additional tools
- Smaller community than Figma
- No free tier beyond trial
Pricing
Figma: Free tier includes 3 projects and 30-day version history. Figma Professional is $15/month per editor. Figma Organization is $45/month. Figma Enterprise is $75/month.
Sketch: Standard license starts at $99/year (or $10/month). Sketch for Teams is $14/month per editor. No free tier, but a 30-day free trial is available.
Conclusion
Figma is the better choice for most teams thanks to its cross-platform accessibility and collaboration features. Sketch remains a strong option for solo designers on Mac who prefer native performance and vector editing. For design teams of any size, Figma is the industry standard for a reason.