Principle vs UXPin: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Principle and UXPin 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
UXPin
Code-backed design tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Design tool with coded components
- • Production-ready interactive prototypes
| At a Glance |  Principle |  UXPin |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Animation | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 80/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Principle | UXPin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 33 |
| Categories | AnimationUI/UX Design | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
How Principle and UXPin Compare
Principle
Design tool for creating animated and interactive UI prototypes on Mac
Paid · 80/100 score
UXPin
Code-backed design tool
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Principle is a animation tool. UXPin is in ui/ux design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
UXPin has a free tier. Principle is paid only.
Go with: UXPin
Want the highest-rated option?
Principle: 80/100. UXPin: 84/100.
Go with: UXPin
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: UXPin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Principle is paid. UXPin is freemium. UXPin lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Principle is a animation tool. UXPin is in ui/ux design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
UXPin scores higher: 84/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
UXPin
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 80
- More community upvotes (33)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Principle
- Better fit for animation
The Bottom Line
UXPin (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Principle or UXPin better?
UXPin scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Principle is paid and UXPin is freemium.
What are Principle and UXPin used for?
Principle: Design tool for creating animated and interactive UI prototypes on Mac. UXPin: Code-backed design tool.
What does Principle cost vs UXPin?
Principle is a paid tool. UXPin is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.