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, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Best for you if:
- • UI/UX design and prototyping tool included free with any Creative Cloud subscription
- • Create interactive prototypes with auto-animate, voice prototyping, and responsive resize 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 |  Sketch | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $22.99/monthSingle App | $12/editor/moStandard |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Adobe XD or Sketch?
Choose Adobe XD if
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
- Adobe integration
- Good prototyping
- Voice prototyping
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, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Strengths
- +Adobe integration
- +Good prototyping
- +Voice prototyping
Weaknesses
- -Adobe subscription
- -Being deprecated
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 | Free Free | $12/editor Standard |
| Tier 2 | $22.99 month Single App | $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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Adobe XD
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
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, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps. 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.