Sketch vs Penpot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sketch and Penpot 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 May 1, 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:
- 0
- • Mac-native design tool that defined modern UI design
- • Symbol-based design system with shared libraries
Penpot
Open source design platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform
- • It provides vector editing and collaboration as a Figma alternative
| At a Glance |  Sketch |  Penpot |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Sketch | Penpot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | UI/UX DesignPrototyping |
How Sketch and Penpot Compare
Sketch
Design toolkit for macOS
Paid
Penpot
Open source design platform
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Penpot is free. Sketch is paid.
Go with: Penpot
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Sketch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sketch is paid. Penpot is free. Go with Penpot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ui/ux design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- 0
- Our pick for this comparison
Penpot
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Sketch is our pick. That said, Penpot is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sketch or Penpot better?
Sketch is rated high in our evaluation. Sketch is paid and Penpot is free.
What are Sketch and Penpot used for?
Sketch: Design toolkit for macOS. Penpot: Open source design platform.
What does Sketch cost vs Penpot?
Sketch is a paid tool. Penpot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.