Adobe XD vs Sketch: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe XD and Sketch comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe XD
Design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and screen designs
Best for you if:
- • Vector-based UI/UX design tool for wireframes, prototypes, and screen designs
- • Entered maintenance mode in 2023, receives only security updates, no new features
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Best for you if:
- • Mac-native design tool that defined modern UI design
- • Symbol-based design system with shared libraries
| At a Glance |  Adobe XD |  Sketch |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $12/moStandard |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Adobe XD or Sketch?
Choose Adobe XD if
Design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and screen designs
- Clean, focused interface purpose-built for UI/UX design
- Auto-Animate creates smooth transitions without code
- Included in Creative Cloud All Apps subscription
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- Native Mac performance
- Great ecosystem
- Design tokens
| Feature | Adobe XD | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 1,585 reviews | ★4.5/5 2,029 reviews |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
In-Depth Analysis
Adobe XD
Design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and screen designs
Strengths
- +Clean, focused interface purpose-built for UI/UX design
- +Auto-Animate creates smooth transitions without code
- +Included in Creative Cloud All Apps subscription
- +Strong integration with other Adobe products
- +Low learning curve for designers already in the Adobe ecosystem
Weaknesses
- -In maintenance mode since mid-2023, no new features in development
- -No longer available for new standalone purchases
- -Real-time collaboration was limited compared to Figma
- -Plugin ecosystem stagnated after maintenance mode announcement
- -Adobe recommends migrating to Figma or other alternatives
Key features
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Strengths
- +Native Mac performance
- +Great ecosystem
- +Design tokens
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -No real-time collab
Key features
Pricing: Adobe XD vs Sketch
| Plan | Adobe XD | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $12/editor Standard |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $24/editor Business |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $44/editor Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $120 one-time Mac-only License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Adobe XD pricing and Sketch pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Sketch
Want the highest-rated option?
Adobe XD: 4.4/5 (1,585 reviews). Sketch: 4.5/5 (2,029 reviews).
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Adobe XD: 1,585 reviews (4.4/5). Sketch: 2,029 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Sketch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Sketch is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (2,029 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Adobe XD
- Choose if you want design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and screen designs
The Bottom Line
Sketch is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe XD or Sketch better?
Sketch is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Adobe XD and Sketch used for?
Adobe XD: Design wireframes, interactive prototypes, and screen designs. Sketch: Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration.
What does Adobe XD cost vs Sketch?
Adobe XD is a paid tool. Sketch is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.