In the realm of UI/UX design, Figma has become one of the most dominant tools used by professionals and teams around the world. With its cloud-based collaboration features and intuitive interface, it has helped reshape how we approach interface design. However, Figma isn't the only option available—and for many designers, it may not even be the best one. Whether you're looking for better pricing, advanced prototyping, offline capabilities, or unique collaboration features, exploring Figma alternatives is a smart move in 2025.

This article delves into the top Figma alternatives you should consider this year, what makes each one stand out, and how to choose the right one for your design workflow. We’ll also guide you to one of the best resources available—DigitalExpert—to help you make an informed decision.

Want the full breakdown now? Visit this comprehensive guide on Figma alternatives on DigitalExpert.

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Why Designers Are Looking for Figma Alternatives

While Figma remains a strong choice for many, there are legitimate reasons why designers are on the hunt for viable alternatives:

• Cost Increases: Figma’s transition from free or low-cost plans to enterprise-focused pricing models has made it less accessible for freelancers and small teams.

• Internet Dependency: Being a cloud-first tool, Figma depends on a strong internet connection, which is not always ideal.

• Limited Prototyping Flexibility: Although decent for simple flows, its prototyping tools don’t always meet the needs of high-fidelity app and game designers.

• Privacy & Data Storage Concerns: Some organizations prefer tools that offer self-hosting or localized data management.

• Adobe Acquisition Concerns: After Figma was acquired by Adobe, some users fear tighter integrations into Adobe’s ecosystem and future pricing shifts.

Given these concerns, there’s a growing interest in Figma alternatives that provide similar functionality while better aligning with the unique needs of different design teams.

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Key Features to Look for in a Figma Alternative

Before diving into the best options, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good Figma alternative:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Works on macOS, Windows, Linux, and ideally in the browser.

• Real-time collaboration: Essential for teams working remotely or across time zones.

• Prototyping tools: Advanced interactions, transitions, and animations.

• Developer handoff: Code inspection, exportable assets, and integration with platforms like GitHub or Jira.

• Offline functionality: Especially valuable for teams with limited or spotty internet access.

• Pricing flexibility: Scalable plans suitable for freelancers, startups, and enterprises.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore the most popular and feature-rich Figma alternatives available today.

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1. Sketch – The Mac Favorite

Sketch was once the de facto UI design tool before Figma took center stage. Despite losing some market share, it’s still beloved for its simplicity, native macOS performance, and wide plugin ecosystem.

Pros:

• Excellent for vector design and pixel-perfect UIs

• Plugin support for added flexibility

• Great developer handoff via integrations like Zeplin

Cons:

• macOS only

• Weaker real-time collaboration than Figma

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2. Adobe XD – The Enterprise Twin

A sleek, polished alternative from Adobe, XD is geared toward designers already embedded in the Adobe ecosystem. It offers a strong range of prototyping tools and integrates tightly with Photoshop and Illustrator.

Pros:

• Smooth workflows with Adobe Creative Cloud

• Good performance and offline use

• Advanced animation capabilities

Cons:

• Collaboration features trail behind Figma

• Unclear future due to the Adobe-Figma merger

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3. Penpot – Open-Source and Team-Oriented

Penpot is a standout among Figma alternatives because it's open-source and completely web-based. It emphasizes team collaboration and privacy, making it a great option for companies concerned with data sovereignty.

Pros:

• 100% free and open-source

• Browser-based with real-time collaboration

• Self-hosting available for enterprise users

Cons:

• Still maturing in features

• Smaller community compared to Figma

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4. UXPin – Designed for Developers

UXPin stands apart with its emphasis on designing with real code. It’s built for more advanced projects where logic, interactions, and data modeling are important. If your team bridges design and development, UXPin is worth exploring.

Pros:

• Prototype with real components and logic

• Accessibility tools built-in

• Good developer handoff

Cons:

• Higher learning curve

• Premium pricing

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5. Lunacy – Lightweight and Free

Lunacy by Icons8 is a surprisingly robust design tool that works offline, supports Sketch files, and offers team collaboration. It’s completely free, making it ideal for indie designers and students.

Pros:

• Full-featured and free

• Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

• AI tools built-in for content generation

Cons:

• UI may feel less refined than competitors

• Smaller plugin ecosystem

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6. Framer – Interactive Prototyping Powerhouse

Framer has grown from a code-heavy prototyping tool to a full-blown design solution. Its focus is on creating interactive, high-fidelity prototypes that feel like real apps.

Pros:

• Code-based flexibility for advanced users

• Fast and fluid interface

• Great for animations and micro-interactions

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners

• May be overkill for simple design tasks

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7. InVision Studio – UI Design + Motion Magic

InVision Studio brings animation and design together, allowing designers to create visually rich interfaces. While InVision’s cloud tools have lost traction, Studio still serves as a competent design platform.

Pros:

• Strong motion design features

• Integrates with InVision ecosystem

• Vector and bitmap tools included

Cons:

• Slower development updates

• Declining user base

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How to Choose the Right Figma Alternative

Selecting the best Figma alternative boils down to your priorities:

• Are you working solo or with a team? Tools like Lunacy or Penpot cater to different team sizes and structures.

• Is offline access essential? Sketch and Lunacy shine here.

• Do you need complex interactions or dev-ready prototypes? UXPin or Framer may be your best bet.

• On a budget? Lunacy and Penpot are free with robust features.

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Where to Compare All Figma Alternatives in One Place

If you want a clear, side-by-side breakdown of all these tools—including features, pricing, and use cases—the best resource available is this article from DigitalExpert. It compiles everything in one easy-to-digest format, helping you skip the endless research and pick the right tool for your needs.

This article is hosted by DigitalExpert, a trusted platform for comparing software tools, discovering top-rated digital solutions, and making smart choices whether you're a business, freelancer, or marketer.

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Final Thoughts: Design Smarter with the Right Tool

While Figma has become a household name, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. With growing concerns about pricing, control, and flexibility, designers in 2025 are wise to explore Figma alternatives that align better with their goals and work styles.

Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of open-source tools like Penpot, the developer-friendly structure of UXPin, or the sleek UI of Adobe XD, the options are more diverse and capable than ever.

Ready to explore the best Figma alternatives? Check out the full guide on DigitalExpert and equip yourself with the right design tool for this year and beyond.

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