Principle vs Framer: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Principle and Framer 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:
Principle
Design tool for creating animated and interactive UI prototypes on Mac
Best for you if:
- • You need animation features specifically
- • Principle is a Mac app for designing animated and interactive user interfaces
- • It creates prototypes with timeline-based animations and interactions
Framer
Design and publish websites
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • No-code website builder
- • Advanced interactions
| At a Glance |  Principle |  Framer |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Animation | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 80/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Principle | Framer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AnimationUI/UX Design | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
How Principle and Framer Compare
Principle
Design tool for creating animated and interactive UI prototypes on Mac
Paid · 80/100 score
Framer
Design and publish websites
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Principle is a animation tool. Framer is in ui/ux design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Framer has a free tier. Principle is paid only.
Go with: Framer
Want the highest-rated option?
Principle: 80/100. Framer: 87/100.
Go with: Framer
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Framer
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Principle is paid. Framer is freemium. Framer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Principle is a animation tool. Framer is in ui/ux design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Framer scores higher: 87/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Framer
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Principle
- Better fit for animation
The Bottom Line
Framer (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Principle or Framer better?
Framer scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Principle is paid and Framer is freemium.
What are Principle and Framer used for?
Principle: Design tool for creating animated and interactive UI prototypes on Mac. Framer: Design and publish websites.
What does Principle cost vs Framer?
Principle is a paid tool. Framer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.