Penpot vs Figma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Penpot and Figma 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Penpot
Open source design platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform
- • It provides vector editing and collaboration as a Figma alternative
Figma
The collaborative design platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.5/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Collaborative UI/UX design tool
- • Real-time collaboration
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 80/100 | 95/100 |
| Feature | Penpot | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 95 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignGraphic Design |
How Penpot and Figma Compare
Penpot
Open source design platform
Free · 80/100 score
Figma
The collaborative design platform
Free tier available · 95/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Penpot is free. Figma is freemium.
Go with: Penpot
Want the highest-rated option?
Penpot: 80/100. Figma: 95/100.
Go with: Figma
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Figma
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Penpot is free. Figma is freemium. Go with Penpot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Figma scores higher: 95/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Figma
- Higher score: 95/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Penpot
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Figma (95/100) is our pick. That said, Penpot is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penpot or Figma better?
Figma scores 95/100 in our evaluation. Penpot is free and Figma is freemium.
What are Penpot and Figma used for?
Penpot: Open source design platform. Figma: The collaborative design platform.
What does Penpot cost vs Figma?
Penpot is completely free. Figma is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.
