Affinity Designer vs Vectornator: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Designer and Vectornator 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:
Affinity Designer
Professional vector graphics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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
Vectornator
Free vector design app for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Vectornator is a free vector design app now called Linearity Curve
- • It provides professional illustration tools on Mac, iPad, and iPhone
| At a Glance |  Affinity Designer | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 86/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Affinity Designer | Vectornator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Affinity Designer and Vectornator solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Affinity Designer positions itself as "professional vector graphics" while Vectornatorfocuses on "free vector design app for apple". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Vectornator
Vectornator is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Vectornator won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Vectornator
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Affinity Designer handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Affinity Designer is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Vectornator won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Affinity Designer higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Vectornator more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Affinity Designer Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Vectornator If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Affinity Designer (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Affinity Designer scores higher in our analysis, but Vectornator might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Designer or Vectornator better?
Based on our analysis, Affinity Designer scores higher with 86/100. Affinity Designer ispaid while Vectornator is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Affinity Designer to Vectornator easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Affinity Designer and Vectornator offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Affinity Designer is paid with potential trial.Vectornator is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.