AAltSwitch

Directory/Figma

Best Figma alternatives

Figma redefined design collaboration. After pricing changes, many designers explore open-source and cheaper design tools.

6 alternatives

Penpot

Open Source

Open-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

Paid

Mac-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

Freemium

Design 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

Freemium

Free 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 Source

Open-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

Paid

Adobe'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 →

Get weekly switch picks

Curated SaaS & open-source alternatives. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

More in Design