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.
Bottom line: Sketch wins this matchup. Canva is our overall UI/UX Design pick. Canva is our free UI/UX Design pick. Pick Adobe XD if you need its specific feature set.
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:
- • You want native Mac performance
- • You want great ecosystem
Adobe XD
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Best for you if:
- • You want adobe integration
- • You want good prototyping
| At a Glance | Sketch | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moStandard | $22.99/monthSingle App |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Sketch or Adobe XD?
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- You want native Mac performance
- You want great ecosystem
Choose Adobe XD if
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
- You want adobe integration
- You want good prototyping
| Feature | Sketch | Adobe XD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 2,044 reviews | ★4.3/5 516 reviews |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
In-Depth Analysis
Sketch
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
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
Strengths
- +Native Mac performance
- +Great ecosystem
- +Design tokens
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -No real-time collab
Key features
Adobe XD
Design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
Adobe XD's pricing is fair for its target audience, especially considering its integration within the Creative Cloud ecosystem.
Strengths
- +Adobe integration
- +Good prototyping
- +Voice prototyping
Weaknesses
- -Adobe subscription
- -Being deprecated
Key features
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: 4.3/5 (2,044 reviews). Adobe XD: 4.3/5 (516 reviews).
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Sketch: 2,044 reviews (4.3/5). Adobe XD: 516 reviews (4.3/5).
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?
Both are rated 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- Larger review base (2,044 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Adobe XD
- Choose if you want design, prototype, and share websites and mobile apps
The Bottom Line
Sketch wins this matchup. Canva is our overall UI/UX Design pick. Canva is our free UI/UX Design 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.