Adobe XD vs Sketch - Detailed Comparison 2026
Sketch is rated slightly higher on SAASAF.AI (4.3/5 vs 4.1/5). Adobe XD starts at $9.99/month with no free tier. Sketch starts at $10/month with no free tier.
Which Is Better, Adobe XD or Sketch?
Sketch holds a slight edge in user satisfaction with a rating of 4.3/5 compared to Adobe XD's 4.1/5. When it comes to features, Adobe XD offers 6 capabilities while Sketch provides 6, with both sharing core functionality like Prototyping. Adobe XD differentiates with Vector Design and Auto Animate, while Sketch stands out with Vector Editing and Symbols. On pricing, Adobe XD is the more budget-friendly option at $9.99/month compared to Sketch at $10/month.
At a Glance
Full Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Adobe XD | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $[object Object] | $[object Object] |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| AI-Powered | No | No |
| Platforms | mac, windows | mac, web |
| Founded | 2016 | 2010 |
| Company Size | 1000+ | 51-200 |
| Integrations | 5+ | 3+ |
| Affiliate Program | Yes | No |
| Auto Animate | ✓ | ✗ |
| Coediting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Collaboration | ✗ | ✓ |
| Components | ✓ | ✗ |
| Design Tokens | ✗ | ✓ |
| Plugins | ✗ | ✓ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Repeat Grid | ✓ | ✗ |
| Symbols | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vector Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vector Editing | ✗ | ✓ |
How Much Do Adobe XD and Sketch Cost?
Adobe XD Pricing
Subscription
$[object Object]
Billed monthly
Adobe XD uses a subscription pricing model starting at $9.99/month. No free tier is offered.
Sketch Pricing
Subscription
$[object Object]
Billed monthly
Sketch uses a subscription pricing model starting at $10/month. No free tier is offered.
Pros and Cons
Adobe XD Pros
- Tight integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps
- Auto-Animate provides smooth timeline prototyping
- Voice Prototyping is uniquely capable for voice UI
- Repeat Grid speeds up list and gallery design
- Familiar to designers already in the Adobe ecosystem
Adobe XD Cons
- Adobe has effectively discontinued standalone sales
- Lost market share decisively to Figma
- Update cadence has slowed dramatically
- Collaboration features lag Figma significantly
Sketch Pros
- Native macOS performance is faster than browser tools
- Flexible pricing - one-time or subscription options
- Strong Symbol-based design system support
- Designer-first culture and clean UI
- Massive plugin library extends functionality
Sketch Cons
- Mac-only excludes Windows and Linux teammates
- Real-time collaboration trails Figma significantly
- Lost most enterprise market share to Figma
- Smaller community and learning resources today
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Adobe XD if...
Best for: Adobe XD is best for individual designers already deep in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem who don't need real-time team collaboration. New teams should generally choose Figma instead.
- You need Design Prototyping
Ideal for: individual, smb, enterprise
Industries: design, technology, agencies
Choose Sketch if...
Best for: Sketch is best for solo designers and small Mac-based teams who value native performance and one-time licensing. Teams with mixed-OS stakeholders should choose Figma instead.
- You need Design Prototyping
- You need Graphic Creation
- You need Design Systems
Ideal for: individual, smb
Industries: design, technology
Platform Availability
Adobe XD
Available on Mac and Windows.
Sketch
Available on Mac and Web. Desktop apps are offered but no dedicated mobile apps are currently available.
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Adobe XD vs Sketch: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe XD or Sketch better?
Sketch is rated slightly higher on SAASAF.AI, at 4.3/5 versus 4.1/5 for Adobe XD, but the better pick depends on your use case. Adobe XD is best for individual designers already deep in the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem who don't need real-time team collaboration. Sketch is best for solo designers and small Mac-based teams who value native performance and one-time licensing.
How does Adobe XD pricing compare to Sketch?
Adobe XD is cheaper to start, at $9.99/month versus $10/month for Sketch. Both use a subscription pricing model. Neither lists a free tier. Listed figures are starting prices; seats, usage and add-ons can change the final bill. Check each vendor's pricing page for current plan limits before you buy.
What is the difference between Adobe XD and Sketch?
Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool for UI/UX design and prototyping. Sketch is a vector design tool for macOS focused on interface design. Adobe XD lists features such as Vector Design, Auto Animate and Components. Sketch lists Vector Editing, Symbols and Collaboration. Both cover Prototyping.
What are alternatives to both Adobe XD and Sketch?
Adobe XD and Sketch share the same top alternatives on SAASAF.AI: Figma (4.7/5) and Framer (4.5/5). Figma starts at $12/month and has a free tier. Framer starts at $5/month and has a free tier. Figma has a free tier.
What platforms do Adobe XD and Sketch support?
Adobe XD is available on Mac and Windows. Sketch is available on Mac and Web. Adobe XD integrations listed on SAASAF.AI include Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects. Sketch integrations include Zeplin, Abstract and Invision. Adobe XD lists 5 integrations and Sketch lists 3 in the SAASAF.AI directory.