Zeplin vs Rive: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zeplin and Rive 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:
Zeplin
Design handoff for developers
Best for you if:
Rive
Interactive animations for apps and games
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.0/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Design | Design |
Rating | 80/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Zeplin | Rive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Design | Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Zeplin and Rive solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Zeplin positions itself as "design handoff for developers" while Rivefocuses on "interactive animations for apps and games". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Zeplin
Zeplin makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Rive
Rive is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 85/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Zeplin lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Zeplin
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Rive is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Rive
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Rive
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Zeplin, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Rive higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Rive more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Rive Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Zeplin If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Rive (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Rive scores higher in our analysis, but Zeplin might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zeplin or Rive better?
Based on our analysis, Rive scores higher with 85/100. Zeplin isfreemium while Rive is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Zeplin to Rive easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Zeplin and Rive offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Zeplin is freemium with a free tier.Rive is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.