Sketch vs Vectornator: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Sketch and Vectornator 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 is our overall pick for UI/UX design workflows. Pick Vectornator if you need graphic design.
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 need UI/UX design features specifically
- • Mac-native design tool that defined modern UI design
- • Symbol-based design system with shared libraries
Vectornator
Free vector design app for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Vectornator is a free vector design app now called Linearity Curve
- • It provides professional illustration tools on Mac, iPad, and iPhone
| At a Glance |  Sketch |  Vectornator |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $12/moStandard | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | UI/UX Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Sketch or Vectornator?
Choose Sketch if
Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration
- Native Mac performance
- Great ecosystem
- Design tokens
- Your work is UI/UX design-shaped, not graphic design-shaped
Choose Vectornator if
Free vector design app for Apple
- Vector design app
- Free to use
- Apple platforms
- You want a fully free tool (Sketch requires payment)
- Your work is graphic design-shaped, not UI/UX design-shaped
| Feature | Sketch | Vectornator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 2,029 reviews | ★4.4/5 15 reviews |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignPrototyping | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
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
Vectornator
Free vector design app for Apple
Strengths
- +Vector design app
- +Free to use
- +Apple platforms
- +Good features
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Now Linearity Curve
- -Limited features
- -Feature gaps
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Sketch vs Vectornator
| Plan | Sketch | Vectornator |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $12/editor Standard | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $24/editor Business | $11.99 Pro |
| 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 Vectornator pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Vectornator is free. Sketch is paid.
Go with: Vectornator
Want the highest-rated option?
Sketch: 4.5/5 (2,029 reviews). Vectornator: 4.4/5 (15 reviews).
Go with: Sketch
Value user reviews?
Sketch: 2,029 reviews (4.5/5). Vectornator: 15 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Sketch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sketch is paid. Vectornator is free. Go with Vectornator if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Sketch is a UI/UX design tool. Vectornator is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Sketch is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Sketch
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (2,029 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Vectornator
- Completely free
- Better fit for graphic design
The Bottom Line
Sketch is our pick. That said, Vectornator is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sketch or Vectornator better?
Sketch is rated in our evaluation. Sketch is paid and Vectornator is free.
What are Sketch and Vectornator used for?
Sketch: Mac UI/UX design with real-time collaboration. Vectornator: Free vector design app for Apple.
What does Sketch cost vs Vectornator?
Sketch is a paid tool. Vectornator is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.