Designs.ai vs Refersion: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Designs.ai and Refersion 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:
Designs.ai
AI-powered creative suite for branding and marketing
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need design features specifically
- • All-in-one AI creative suite
- • Logo, video, and banner creation
Refersion
Affiliate marketing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need marketing features specifically
- • Affiliate marketing platform trusted by over 60,000 e-commerce brands including ColourPop and Amika
- • Track sales via referral links, coupon codes, and email with first-party data compliant with GDPR and CCPA
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Design | Marketing |
Rating | 74/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Designs.ai | Refersion |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 74 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DesignMarketing | Marketing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Designs.ai and Refersion solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Designs.ai positions itself as "ai-powered creative suite for branding and marketing" while Refersionfocuses on "affiliate marketing platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Designs.ai
Designs.ai makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Refersion
Refersion is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 90/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Designs.ai lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Designs.ai
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Refersion is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Refersion
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Refersion takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Refersion
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Designs.ai, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Refersion higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Refersion more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Refersion Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Designs.ai If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Refersion (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Refersion scores higher in our analysis, but Designs.ai 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 Designs.ai or Refersion better?
Based on our analysis, Refersion scores higher with 90/100. Designs.ai isfreemium while Refersion is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Designs.ai to Refersion 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 Designs.ai and Refersion offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Designs.ai is freemium with a free tier.Refersion is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.