Penpot
Open SourceOpen-source design and prototyping platform for teams.
Pros
- +OSS design + prototype
- +Self-hostable
- +Browser-based collab
Cons
- −Fewer plugins than Figma
- −Performance on huge files
- −Learning curve from Figma
Best for: Teams wanting Figma-like collab without Adobe/Figma lock-in.
Pricing notes: OSS free; Penpot Cloud freemium/paid.
Self-host tip: spin up containers on Railway or DigitalOcean (our referral links).
Visit website →Sketch
PaidMac-native UI design tool with strong plugin ecosystem.
Pros
- +Mac-native & fast
- +Mature symbols/plugins
- +Designer-loved
Cons
- −Mac only
- −Collab weaker than Figma
- −Subscription pricing
Best for: Mac-centric design teams okay without browser-first multiplayer.
Pricing notes: Paid subscription (individual/team). No free forever.
Visit website →Framer
FreemiumDesign and ship production websites in one tool.
Pros
- +Design → production sites
- +Strong marketing-site fit
- +Modern interactions
Cons
- −Not a full UI-system design tool
- −Hosting/plan limits
- −Code escape hatches vary
Best for: Designers shipping marketing sites without a separate handoff.
Pricing notes: Freemium; paid for custom domains, CMS, team features.
Visit website →Lunacy
FreemiumFree design tool with offline support and built-in assets.
Pros
- +Free core use
- +Offline capable
- +Built-in graphics assets
Cons
- −Smaller community than Figma
- −Collab not Figma-level
- −Windows-strong heritage
Best for: Individuals needing a free design tool with asset packs.
Pricing notes: Free tier generous; cloud/team features may be paid.
Visit website →Pencil
Open SourceOpen-source prototyping tool focused on speed.
Pros
- +Open source
- +Lightweight prototyping
- +Cross-platform desktop
Cons
- −Not real-time multiplayer Figma
- −Older UI metaphors
- −Limited modern design-system tooling
Best for: Solo designers prototyping wireframes offline.
Pricing notes: Free OSS desktop app.
Self-host tip: spin up containers on Railway or DigitalOcean (our referral links).
Visit website →Adobe XD
PaidAdobe's UI/UX design and prototyping app.
Pros
- +Adobe ecosystem ties
- +Prototype + design
- +Familiar to Adobe users
Cons
- −Adobe sidelined XD investment
- −Collab lost to Figma
- −CC subscription baggage
Best for: Teams already deep in Creative Cloud who must stay there.
Pricing notes: Via Adobe CC plans — often bundled, not best standalone value.
Visit website →