Penpot vs Spline: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Penpot 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:
Penpot
Open-source design and prototyping platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
Spline
3D design tool for the web
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Design | Design |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Penpot | Spline |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Design | Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Penpot and Spline solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Penpot positions itself as "open-source design and prototyping platform" while Splinefocuses on "3d design tool for the web". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Penpot
Penpot makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Spline
Spline is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Penpot lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Penpot
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Spline is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Spline
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: Spline
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Penpot 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 Spline higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Spline more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Spline Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Penpot 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 Spline (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Spline scores higher in our analysis, but Penpot 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 Penpot or Spline better?
Based on our analysis, Spline scores higher with 84/100. Penpot 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 Penpot 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 Penpot and Spline offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Penpot is completely free.Spline is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.