Choosing the right design tool is important for designers, teams, and companies. In 2025, three tools lead the UI/UX design space — Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. Each tool offers unique features, pricing, and workflows.
In this blog, we will compare these tools to help you decide which one fits your needs best in 2025.
What Is Figma?
Figma is a cloud-based design tool. It works inside a web browser, which means you can use it on any device with internet access. Figma supports real-time collaboration, so teams can work together on the same file at the same time.
Key features:
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux (via browser)
- Live collaboration and commenting
- Auto layout, components, and design systems
What Is Sketch?
Sketch is a vector design tool made for macOS. It is known for its clean interface and strong plugin system. Many designers have used Sketch for years because of its focus on UI design.
Key features:
- Native macOS app
- Wide range of plugins
- Strong offline performance
What Is Adobe XD?
Adobe XD is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud. It supports both UI design and prototyping. It works well with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, which is helpful for those already using Adobe products.
Key features:
- Cross-platform support (Mac and Windows)
- Fast prototyping features
- Integration with Creative Cloud
📌 Did You Know?
Figma lets multiple users edit the same design at the same time — just like Google Docs! This means designers, developers, and clients can all view and edit a file together. You don’t need to send files back and forth. It reduces errors and speeds up the feedback process. This is perfect for remote and hybrid teams.
Key Features Comparison
Interface and Usability
- Figma has a modern and clean interface. It’s easy for beginners and supports advanced features for professionals.
- Sketch feels native on macOS. It is smooth and fast but only works on Mac.
- Adobe XD has a familiar layout if you’ve used other Adobe tools.
Collaboration and Sharing
- Figma leads here. It supports live editing and commenting, perfect for teams.
- Sketch needs external tools like Sketch Cloud for sharing.
- Adobe XD allows sharing links and comments but is not real-time.
Prototyping and Animation
- Figma and Adobe XD both support interactive prototyping.
- Adobe XD offers advanced animation tools (Auto-Animate).
- Sketch offers basic prototyping and relies on plugins for more features.
Plugins and Integrations
- Sketch has a strong plugin system, but many are built by third-party developers.
- Figma has a growing plugin library with native support.
- Adobe XD includes plugins and integrates well with other Adobe tools.
Performance and Speed
- Sketch performs well offline but only on macOS.
- Figma depends on internet speed but is stable and fast.
- Adobe XD runs well on both platforms and handles large files with ease.
📌 Did You Know?
Adobe XD integrates with voice commands. You can add voice triggers and speech playback in your prototypes. This helps you design apps for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. It makes Adobe XD a smart choice for voice UI design.
Platform Support
| Tool | Web | macOS | Windows | Linux |
| Figma | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sketch | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Adobe XD | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Figma wins with full cross-platform access.
Pricing and Licensing
- Figma offers a free plan with limits. Paid plans start at $12/month per editor.
- Sketch costs $120/year per device.
- Adobe XD is available through the Creative Cloud. Pricing starts at $9.99/month but often requires a full subscription.
Figma provides the most value for teams on a budget.
📌Did You Know?
Sketch has over 1,000 plugins — all built by a strong designer community. You can extend Sketch’s features with plugins for animation, accessibility, content generation, and more. The plugin library grows constantly thanks to its active user base. This makes Sketch highly customizable for different workflows.
Pros and Cons
Figma
Pros:
- Works on all platforms
- Best for collaboration
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Needs internet connection for full features
Sketch
Pros:
- Smooth macOS experience
- Strong plugin support
Cons:
- Mac-only
- No real-time collaboration
Adobe XD
Pros:
- Strong prototyping tools
- Integrates with other Adobe apps
Cons:
- Limited plugin options
- Best features locked behind paywall
📌 Did You Know?
You don’t need to download anything to use Figma. Figma runs directly in your browser, so you can start designing with just a link. It works on any operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Chromebooks. This makes it highly flexible and easy to access.
Best Tool for Different Use Cases
- For individual designers: Sketch is fast and simple if you’re on a Mac.
- For remote teams: Figma is the top choice. Live collaboration makes it easy to share and edit.
- For design + prototyping: Adobe XD works well if you need advanced transitions and animations.
- For enterprise teams: Figma scales well for big teams with its design system support.
What’s New in 2025
Figma
- Better performance for large files
- AI-assisted design tools
- Improved developer handoff
Sketch
- Smart layout updates
- Better cross-team file sharing
- Plugin store improvements
Adobe XD
- AI design suggestions
- More animation options
- New integration tools for Creative Cloud users
These updates aim to improve speed, workflow, and design accuracy.
Final Verdict: Which Tool Should You Use in 2025?
- Choose Figma if you work in a team, need real-time collaboration, and want cross-platform support.
- Pick Sketch if you use a Mac, prefer offline tools, and love plugins.
- Use Adobe XD if you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem and focus on interactive prototypes.
Winner for 2025: Figma It offers the best mix of features, access, speed, and pricing. Its cloud-first setup and live collaboration make it the top choice this year.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main difference between Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD?
A: Figma is cloud-based and supports real-time collaboration. Sketch is a Mac-only app with strong plugins. Adobe XD is part of Creative Cloud and focuses on design and prototyping.
Q2: Which design tool is best for team collaboration?
A: Figma is the best for team collaboration. It allows multiple users to edit the same file at the same time and includes commenting features.
Q3: Is Sketch available for Windows?
A: No, Sketch works only on macOS. It is not supported on Windows or Linux.
Q4: Can I use Figma offline?
A: Figma requires an internet connection for most features. It has limited offline support in the desktop app.
Q5: Which tool has the best prototyping features?
A: Adobe XD offers strong prototyping tools, including Auto-Animate and voice triggers. Figma also supports prototyping but with fewer animation options.
Q6: Which tool is free to use?
A: Figma has a free plan with core features. Adobe XD also offers a limited free version. Sketch does not have a free plan.
Q7: What is the best design tool for beginners in 2025?
A: Figma is best for beginners. It has a simple interface, online access, and many tutorials.
Q8: Which tool is better for creating design systems?
A: Figma is strong for design systems. It supports components, styles, and team libraries.
Q9: Can I use plugins in Figma and Adobe XD?
A: Yes. Both tools support plugins. Sketch has the largest plugin ecosystem, but Figma and Adobe XD are catching up.
Q10: Which tool should I choose in 2025?
A: Choose Figma if you want a fast, flexible, and collaborative tool. Choose Sketch if you use a Mac and prefer offline tools. Choose Adobe XD if you already use Adobe Creative Cloud.
Conclusion
Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD are all great tools. The best choice depends on your needs, your device, and your workflow. For most users in 2025, Figma is the best all-around design tool.
Test each tool if you can. Find the one that fits your work best. Tools help you create — the right one helps you create faster and better.
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