Sketch vs Penpot: Which is Better 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.
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
Penpot
Open-source design and prototyping, collaboratively in the browser
Best for you if:
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | UI/UX Design | UI/UX Design |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Sketch or Penpot?
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- Native Mac performance
- Great ecosystem
- Design tokens
Choose Penpot if
Open-source design and prototyping, collaboratively in the browser
- Free and open source
- Self-hostable
- SVG native
- You want a fully free tool (Sketch requires payment)
| Feature | Sketch | Penpot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,029 reviews | ★4.5/5 12 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
Penpot
Open-source design and prototyping, collaboratively in the browser
Strengths
- +Free and open source
- +Self-hostable
- +SVG native
Weaknesses
- -Fewer features
- -Smaller community
Key features
Pricing: Sketch vs Penpot
| Plan | Sketch | Penpot |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12/editor Standard | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $24/editor Business | N/A |
| 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 Penpot pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Penpot is free. Sketch is paid.
Go with: Penpot
Want the highest-rated option?
Sketch: 4.5/5 (2,029 reviews). Penpot: 4.5/5 (12 reviews).
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Sketch: 2,029 reviews (4.5/5). Penpot: 12 reviews (4.5/5).
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?
Both are rated 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- Larger review base (2,029 reviews)
- 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 in our evaluation. Sketch is paid and Penpot is free.
What are Sketch and Penpot used for?
Sketch: Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration. Penpot: Open-source design and prototyping, collaboratively in the browser.
What does Sketch cost vs Penpot?
Sketch is a paid tool. Penpot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.