Affinity Designer vs Gravit Designer: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Designer and Gravit Designer 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Designer is our overall pick for graphic design workflows. Pick Gravit Designer if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Designer
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
Best for you if:
- • Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator
- • It offers precise drawing tools, non-destructive effects, and both vector and raster workspaces
Gravit Designer
Free vector design application
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Gravit Designer is a free vector design application for web and desktop
- • It provides illustration tools, auto-layouts, and cross-platform compatibility
| At a Glance |  Affinity Designer |  Gravit Designer |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $69.99/onceDesktop | $49/moPro |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Affinity Designer or Gravit Designer?
Choose Affinity Designer if
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
- One-time purchase
- Fast performance
- Cross-platform
Choose Gravit Designer if
Free vector design application
- Free vector design
- Cross-platform
- Good for beginners
- Budget matters ($49/mo vs $69.99/once)
| Feature | Affinity Designer | Gravit Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 690 reviews | ★4.2/5 43 reviews |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Affinity Designer
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Fast performance
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Fewer tutorials
Key features
Gravit Designer
Free vector design application
Strengths
- +Free vector design
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for beginners
- +Cloud storage
- +SVG export
Weaknesses
- -Limited vs Illustrator
- -Performance issues
- -Pro features paid
- -Less community
- -UI learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Affinity Designer vs Gravit Designer
| Plan | Affinity Designer | Gravit Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $69.99 once Desktop | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $169.99 once Universal License | $49 Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Affinity Designer pricing and Gravit Designer pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Gravit Designer has a free tier. Affinity Designer is paid only.
Go with: Gravit Designer
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Designer
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Designer
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Affinity Designer is paid. Gravit Designer is freemium. Gravit Designer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Designer
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (690 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Gravit Designer
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Affinity Designer is our pick. Gravit Designer has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Designer or Gravit Designer better?
Affinity Designer is rated in our evaluation. Affinity Designer is paid and Gravit Designer is freemium.
What are Affinity Designer and Gravit Designer used for?
Affinity Designer: Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration. Gravit Designer: Free vector design application.
What does Affinity Designer cost vs Gravit Designer?
Affinity Designer is a paid tool. Gravit Designer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.