Sketch vs Affinity Designer: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sketch and Affinity Designer 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:
Sketch
Design toolkit for macOS
Best for you if:
- • Mac-native design tool that defined modern UI design
- • Symbol-based design system with shared libraries
Affinity Designer
Professional vector graphics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator
- • It offers precise drawing tools, non-destructive effects, and both vector and raster workspaces
| At a Glance |  Sketch |  Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Sketch | Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignGraphic Design |
How Sketch and Affinity Designer Compare
Sketch
Design toolkit for macOS
Paid · 84/100 score
Affinity Designer
Professional vector graphics
Paid · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Affinity Designer
Want the highest-rated option?
Sketch: 84/100. Affinity Designer: 86/100.
Go with: Affinity Designer
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Designer
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?
Affinity Designer scores higher: 86/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Designer
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Sketch
The Bottom Line
Affinity Designer (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sketch or Affinity Designer better?
Affinity Designer scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Sketch and Affinity Designer used for?
Sketch: Design toolkit for macOS. Affinity Designer: Professional vector graphics.
What does Sketch cost vs Affinity Designer?
Sketch is a paid tool. Affinity Designer is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.