Framer vs Sketch: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Framer 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.
Bottom line: Framer wins this matchup. Canva is our overall UI/UX Design pick. Canva is our free UI/UX Design pick. Pick Sketch if you need UI/UX design.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Framer
Design, publish, and launch production websites with AI
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want beautiful interactions
- • You want designer-friendly
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Best for you if:
- • You want native Mac performance
- • You want great ecosystem
| At a Glance | Framer | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $12/moStandard |
Best For | Website Builders | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Framer or Sketch?
Choose Framer if
Design, publish, and launch production websites with AI
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want beautiful interactions
- You want designer-friendly
- Your work is website builders-shaped, not UI/UX design-shaped
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- You want native Mac performance
- You want great ecosystem
- Your work is UI/UX design-shaped, not website builders-shaped
| Feature | Framer | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 177 reviews | ★4.3/5 2,044 reviews |
| Categories | Website BuildersUI/UX Design | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
In-Depth Analysis
Framer
Design, publish, and launch production websites with AI
Framer's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust Free tier and the accessible Basic tier at $10/month for custom domains.
Strengths
- +Beautiful interactions
- +Designer-friendly
- +Good performance
- +Built-in CMS
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Can get expensive
- -Limited for complex sites
Key features
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Sketch's pricing is fair for collaborative teams, with the Standard tier at $12/editor/month offering good value for core features.
Watch out
Business/Enterprise tiers require minimum editors
Strengths
- +Native Mac performance
- +Great ecosystem
- +Design tokens
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -No real-time collab
Key features
Pricing: Framer vs Sketch
| Plan | Framer | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $12/editor Standard |
| Tier 2 | $10 Basic | $24/editor Business |
| Tier 3 | $30 Pro | $44/editor Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | $100 Scale | $120 one-time Mac-only License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Framer pricing and Sketch pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Framer has a free tier. Sketch is paid only.
Go with: Framer
Want the highest-rated option?
Framer: 4.4/5 (177 reviews). Sketch: 4.3/5 (2,044 reviews).
Go with: Framer
Value user reviews?
Framer: 177 reviews (4.4/5). Sketch: 2,044 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Sketch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Framer is freemium. Sketch is paid. Framer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Framer is a website builders tool. Sketch is in UI/UX design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Framer is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Framer
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Sketch
- Larger review base (2,044 reviews)
- Better fit for UI/UX design
The Bottom Line
Framer wins this matchup. Canva is our overall UI/UX Design pick. Canva is our free UI/UX Design pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Framer or Sketch better?
Framer is rated in our evaluation. Framer is freemium and Sketch is paid.
What are Framer and Sketch used for?
Framer: Design, publish, and launch production websites with AI. Sketch: Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration.
What does Framer cost vs Sketch?
Framer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sketch is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.