Sketch vs Figma: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
This comparison has a clear winner, and the industry has spoken: Figma won. Sketch pioneered modern UI design but failed to adapt to collaborative, browser-based workflows. As someone who used Sketch for years before switching, I can explain what happened—and why some designers still prefer Sketch despite the odds.
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
Figma
The collaborative design platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Collaborative UI/UX design tool
- • Real-time collaboration
| At a Glance |  Sketch |  Figma |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 84/100 | 95/100 |
| Feature | Sketch | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 95 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Sketch
Strengths
- +Native Mac performance
- +Mature plugin ecosystem (longer history)
- +Offline-first workflow
- +Some designers prefer the feel
- +One-time license option (vs. subscription)
Weaknesses
- -Mac-only (dealbreaker for many teams)
- -Limited real-time collaboration
- -Falling behind in features
- -Smaller community going forward
Best For
Solo designers on Mac who prefer native app feel and work offline frequently. Increasingly niche.
Sketch built the modern design tool category but lost the market to Figma. It's still a capable tool, and some designers genuinely prefer it. But recommending Sketch to new designers or teams is hard when Figma does more and runs anywhere.
Figma
Strengths
- +Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- +Works in browser (any OS)
- +Generous free tier
- +Better for design systems at scale
- +Faster iteration with Dev Mode
- +Plugin ecosystem has matured
Weaknesses
- -Requires internet connection
- -Can feel slower than native apps on complex files
- -Some designers prefer Sketch's native feel
- -Recent pricing increases for organizations
Best For
Any team doing product design. Period. The collaboration features are too valuable to ignore.
Figma changed how design teams work. Real-time collaboration means designers, PMs, and developers can work together instead of passing files around. The browser-based approach initially seemed like a weakness but became the winning feature.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Collaboration
Figma winsNot close. Figma's real-time multiplayer changed design workflows. Multiple designers working simultaneously, instant feedback, no file syncing. Sketch added collaboration features but they feel bolted on.
Platform Support
Figma winsFigma runs in any browser on any OS. Sketch is Mac-only. If you have one Windows user on your team, Sketch doesn't work. This alone decided the market.
Performance
Sketch winsSketch as a native app can feel snappier, especially on complex files. Figma's browser engine is impressive but has limits. For extremely large design systems, Sketch's native performance has an edge.
Developer Handoff
Figma winsFigma's Dev Mode is excellent—developers can inspect designs, grab CSS, export assets without designer involvement. Sketch requires additional tools or plugins for similar workflows.
Pricing
TieFigma's free tier is generous; paid starts at $15/editor/month. Sketch is $10/month subscription or $120 one-time. For teams, Figma often costs more. For individuals, Sketch's perpetual license appeals to some.
Migration Considerations
Sketch to Figma migration is well-supported—Figma imports Sketch files directly with good fidelity. Most teams report 2-4 weeks for full transition including relearning shortcuts and rebuilding workflows. The opposite direction (Figma to Sketch) is rarely done and poorly supported.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Figma has a free tier. Sketch is paid only.
Go with: Figma
Want the highest-rated option?
Sketch: 84/100. Figma: 95/100.
Go with: Figma
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Figma
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sketch is paid. Figma is freemium. Figma lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Figma scores higher: 95/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Figma
- Higher score: 95/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Sketch
The Bottom Line
Learn Figma. Even if you personally prefer Sketch, the job market has moved to Figma. Companies hiring designers expect Figma skills. Collaboration requirements favor Figma. If you're maintaining existing Sketch files, that's fine—but new projects should default to Figma. The industry decided this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sketch dead?
Not dead, but declining. Sketch still has users and continues development. However, market share has shifted dramatically to Figma. New design teams rarely choose Sketch. It's becoming a legacy tool maintained for existing users rather than a growth product.
Why did Figma win?
Three reasons: 1) Browser-based meant any OS, no installation, instant sharing. 2) Real-time collaboration changed workflows. 3) Free tier for individuals while Sketch required payment. Sketch had years to respond and didn't move fast enough.
Should I learn Sketch if I know Figma?
Only if you're joining a team that uses Sketch or maintaining legacy files. The skills transfer well since both tools do similar things. But investing time in Sketch expertise has limited career value compared to deepening Figma skills.
What about Adobe XD?
Adobe XD lost even harder than Sketch. Adobe tried to acquire Figma (blocked by regulators), effectively admitting XD couldn't compete. XD still exists but Adobe's focus has shifted. It's not a serious option for new projects.