Principle vs InVision: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Principle and InVision 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:
Principle
Animated interface design
Best for you if:
- • You need animation features specifically
- • You need animated interface design
- • You need professional-grade features
InVision
Digital product design platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (6.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • InVision was a digital product design platform for prototyping and collaboration
- • It provided design handoff, prototyping, and team collaboration for design teams
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Animation | UI/UX Design |
Rating | —/100 | 68/100 |
| Feature | Principle | InVision |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 68 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 61 | 0 |
| Categories | AnimationUI/UX Design | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
Understanding the Differences
Both Principle and InVision solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Principle positions itself as "animated interface design" while InVisionfocuses on "digital product design platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Principle
Principle makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose InVision
InVision is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 68/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
InVision won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: InVision
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. InVision is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: InVision
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Principle is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Principle
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? InVision has a free tier to get you started.
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 InVision higher (68/100). But the community has upvoted Principle more (61 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What InVision Does Better
- Higher overall score (68/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Principle If
- 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 InVision (68/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. InVision scores higher in our analysis, but Principle 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 Principle or InVision better?
Based on our analysis, InVision scores higher with 68/100. Principle ispaid while InVision 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 Principle to InVision 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 Principle and InVision offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Principle is paid with potential trial.InVision is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.