Introduction

Figma has become one of the most popular design tools for UI/UX designers, but it’s not for everyone. Some designers prefer offline tools, while others seek affordable or open-source alternatives. Additionally, recent pricing and policy changes have led many users to look for the best Figma alternatives that provide similar or even better functionality.

Whether you’re a solo designer, a freelancer, or part of a large team, choosing the right tool is essential for workflow efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best design tools that can serve as alternatives to Figma, covering free and paid options, along with their features, pros, and cons.

What to Look for in a Figma Alternative

Before making the switch, consider the following key factors when choosing a Figma alternative:

  • Pricing: Free, one-time purchase, or subscription-based.
  • Platform Support: Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile.
  • Collaboration Features: Real-time editing, version control, team collaboration.
  • Features & Functionality: Vector editing, prototyping, animations, plugins.
  • Offline Access: Some tools offer offline functionality, unlike Figma.

Best Free Figma Alternatives

1 Penpot

Best for: Open-source UI/UX design.

  • Pros: Completely free, open-source, supports team collaboration.
  • Cons: Fewer integrations than Figma.
  • Platforms: Web-based (Linux, Windows, macOS).
  • Why Choose It? If you prefer an open-source, privacy-friendly tool with a self-hosting option, Penpot is an excellent Figma alternative.

2 Lunacy

Best for: Windows users needing an offline Figma alternative.

  • Pros: Works offline, AI-powered design features, supports Sketch files.
  • Cons: Mac and Linux versions have limited functionality.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Why Choose It? If you’re a Windows user looking for a lightweight, free design tool with AI capabilities, Lunacy is a great choice.

3 Inkscape

Best for: Vector graphic design.

  • Pros: Free and open-source, powerful SVG editing, good for illustration.
  • Cons: Not optimized for UI/UX design workflows.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • Why Choose It? Inkscape is great for those who primarily work with vector graphics and illustrations rather than UI/UX design.

Best Paid Figma Alternatives

4 Sketch

Best for: Mac users needing a native design tool.

  • Pros: One-time purchase available, great for UI/UX design, large plugin ecosystem.
  • Cons: macOS-only, limited collaboration features compared to Figma.
  • Platforms: macOS.
  • Why Choose It? If you are a Mac user and prefer a native, one-time purchase option over a subscription-based model, Sketch is a solid choice.

5 Adobe XD

Best for: Designers integrated into the Adobe ecosystem.

  • Pros: Seamless integration with Photoshop and Illustrator, excellent prototyping features.
  • Cons: Requires a subscription, no Linux support.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Why Choose It? If you already use Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe XD provides a familiar and powerful UI/UX design experience.

6 Axure RP

Best for: Advanced prototyping and interactive wireframing.

  • Pros: Powerful prototyping capabilities, supports conditional logic, dynamic content.
  • Cons: Expensive, steep learning curve.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Why Choose It? If you need complex interactions and advanced wireframing tools, Axure RP is the best choice.

Best Cloud-Based Figma Alternatives

7 UXPin

Best for: Designers needing design-to-code functionality.

  • Pros: Live collaboration, interactive components, accessible from any device.
  • Cons: Subscription-based pricing, fewer plugins than Figma.
  • Platforms: Web-based.
  • Why Choose It? UXPin is ideal if you’re looking for a cloud-based alternative with real-time collaboration and interactive prototyping.

8 Framer

Best for: Motion design and interactive prototyping.

  • Pros: Advanced animation features, integrates with React, cloud-based.
  • Cons: Learning curve, expensive.
  • Platforms: Web-based.
  • Why Choose It? If you create highly interactive, animated prototypes, Framer is one of the best Figma alternatives.

Best Open-Source & Collaborative Tools

9 Akira

Best for: Linux users.

  • Pros: Lightweight, optimized for Linux, free.
  • Cons: Limited features compared to Figma.
  • Platforms: Linux.
  • Why Choose It? If you’re a Linux user looking for an open-source UI design tool, Akira is a promising option.

10 Gravit Designer

Best for: Multi-platform vector design.

  • Pros: Free version available, intuitive UI, works on all major operating systems.
  • Cons: Advanced features require a Pro subscription.
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
  • Why Choose It? If you want a cross-platform, lightweight vector design tool with a free plan, Gravit Designer is worth trying.

FAQs

Q: What is the best free alternative to Figma?

A: Penpot is the best free open-source alternative, while Lunacy is great for Windows users needing offline functionality.

Q: Which Figma alternative is best for Mac users?

A: Sketch is the best choice for Mac users who prefer a native app.

Q: Can I collaborate on designs like Figma with these alternatives?

A: Yes! Tools like UXPin, Framer, and Penpot offer real-time collaboration features similar to Figma.

Conclusion

While Figma remains a top-tier design tool, there are many great alternatives that cater to different needs, whether you prioritize offline functionality, pricing, open-source options, or advanced prototyping features.

  • If you need a free Figma alternative, Penpot or Lunacy are great choices.
  • For Mac users, Sketch is an excellent option.
  • If you prefer cloud-based design with team collaboration, UXPin and Framer are strong contenders.
  • Advanced users who need prototyping tools should check out Axure RP.

🚀 Which Figma alternative are you planning to try? Share your thoughts in the comments!