Vectornator vs Affinity Designer: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Vectornator 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Designer is our overall pick for graphic design workflows. Pick Vectornator if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Vectornator
Free vector design app for Apple
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Vectornator is a free vector design app now called Linearity Curve
- • It provides professional illustration tools on Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Affinity Designer
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Vectornator |  Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $11.99/moPro | $69.99/onceDesktop |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Vectornator or Affinity Designer?
Choose Vectornator if
Free vector design app for Apple
- Vector design app
- Free to use
- Apple platforms
- You want a fully free tool (Affinity Designer requires payment)
Choose Affinity Designer if
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
- One-time purchase
- Fast performance
- Cross-platform
| Feature | Vectornator | Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 15 reviews | ★4.7/5 690 reviews |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Affinity Designer
Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Fast performance
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Fewer tutorials
Key features
Pricing: Vectornator vs Affinity Designer
| Plan | Vectornator | Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $69.99 once Desktop |
| Tier 2 | $11.99 Pro | $169.99 once Universal License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Vectornator pricing and Affinity Designer pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Vectornator is free. Affinity Designer is paid.
Go with: Vectornator
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Vectornator
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Designer
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Vectornator is free. Affinity Designer is paid. Go with Vectornator if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Designer
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (690 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Vectornator
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Affinity Designer is our pick. That said, Vectornator is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vectornator or Affinity Designer better?
Affinity Designer is rated in our evaluation. Vectornator is free and Affinity Designer is paid.
What are Vectornator and Affinity Designer used for?
Vectornator: Free vector design app for Apple. Affinity Designer: Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration.
What does Vectornator cost vs Affinity Designer?
Vectornator is completely free. Affinity Designer is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.