Sketch vs Adobe XD: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Sketch and Adobe XD 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:
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Best for you if:
- • Mac-native design tool that defined modern UI design
- • Symbol-based design system with shared libraries
Adobe XD
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Best for you if:
- • UI/UX design and prototyping tool included free with any Creative Cloud subscription
- • Create interactive prototypes with auto-animate, voice prototyping, and responsive resize features
| At a Glance |  Sketch | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moStandard | $22.99/monthSingle App |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Sketch or Adobe XD?
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- Native Mac performance
- Great ecosystem
- Design tokens
Choose Adobe XD if
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
- Adobe integration
- Good prototyping
- Voice prototyping
| Feature | Sketch | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,029 reviews | ★4.4/5 1,585 reviews |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
In-Depth Analysis
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
Strengths
- +Native Mac performance
- +Great ecosystem
- +Design tokens
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -No real-time collab
Key features
Value 75/100. Sketch's pricing is fair for collaborative teams, with the Standard tier at $12/editor/month offering good value for core features.
Watch out: Business/Enterprise tiers require minimum editors
Adobe XD
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Strengths
- +Adobe integration
- +Good prototyping
- +Voice prototyping
Weaknesses
- -Adobe subscription
- -Being deprecated
Key features
Value 70/100. Adobe XD's pricing is fair for its target audience, especially considering its integration within the Creative Cloud ecosystem.
Watch out: Annual commitment for listed price
Pricing: Sketch vs Adobe XD
| Plan | Sketch | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12/editor Standard | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $24/editor Business | $22.99 month Single App |
| Tier 3 | $44/editor Enterprise | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $120 one-time Mac-only License | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Sketch pricing and Adobe XD pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Sketch
Want the highest-rated option?
Sketch: 4.5/5 (2,029 reviews). Adobe XD: 4.4/5 (1,585 reviews).
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Sketch: 2,029 reviews (4.5/5). Adobe XD: 1,585 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Sketch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Sketch is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (2,029 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Adobe XD
- Choose if you want design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
The Bottom Line
Sketch is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sketch or Adobe XD better?
Sketch is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Sketch and Adobe XD used for?
Sketch: Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration. Adobe XD: Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps.
What does Sketch cost vs Adobe XD?
Sketch is a paid tool. Adobe XD is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.