Lucide vs Spline: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lucide and Spline 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:
Lucide
Beautiful and consistent open-source icons
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
Spline
3D design tool for the web
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Design | Design |
Rating | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Lucide | Spline |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Design | Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Lucide and Spline solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Lucide positions itself as "beautiful and consistent open-source icons" while Splinefocuses on "3d design tool for the web". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Lucide
Lucide makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Spline
Spline is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Lucide lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Lucide
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Lucide handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Lucide
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Lucide
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Lucide is completely free.
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 Lucide higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Spline more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Lucide Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Spline 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 Lucide (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Lucide scores higher in our analysis, but Spline 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 Lucide or Spline better?
Based on our analysis, Lucide scores higher with 88/100. Lucide isfree while Spline is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Lucide to Spline 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 Lucide and Spline offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Lucide is completely free.Spline is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.