Figma vs Sketch: Which Design Tool Should You Use in 2025?
Figma and Sketch both dominated UI design for years. Figma's browser-based approach won on collaboration; Sketch remains the native macOS app preferred by some designers for its performance and plugin ecosystem.
Figma
Collaborative design tool
Pros
- ✓ Real-time collaboration built-in
- ✓ Works on any OS in the browser
- ✓ Dev Mode for developer handoff
- ✓ Prototyping and auto-layout
- ✓ Strong free tier
Cons
- ✕ Requires internet connection
- ✕ Can be slower on complex files
- ✕ Recent pricing increases
Best for
Any team doing collaborative UI/UX design
Sketch
Mac design tool for UI
Pros
- ✓ Native macOS performance
- ✓ Mature plugin ecosystem
- ✓ Offline-first
- ✓ Libraries and symbols system
- ✓ One-time pricing option available
Cons
- ✕ Mac only — no Windows or Linux
- ✕ No real-time collaboration without additional tools
- ✕ Shrinking market share and community
Best for
Solo designers on Mac who prefer native apps and offline work
Figma vs Sketch: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium | Paid |
| Category | design | design |
| Real-time collaboration built-in | ✓ | – |
| Works on any | ✓ | – |
| Dev Mode for | ✓ | – |
| Native macOS performance | – | ✓ |
| Mature plugin ecosystem | – | ✓ |
| Offline-first | – | ✓ |
Our Verdict
Figma wins for almost every team in 2025. The collaboration advantage is decisive. Sketch is still a valid choice for solo Mac designers who prefer native performance and offline access.
Figma vs Sketch — FAQs
Is Figma killing Sketch?
Figma has taken significant market share from Sketch. Sketch still has a loyal user base but most new teams default to Figma.
Can I import Sketch files into Figma?
Yes — Figma supports importing .sketch files directly. Most assets migrate cleanly, though some complex plugins may not translate.
Is Sketch still worth learning in 2025?
If you're starting fresh, learn Figma. If you're joining a team that uses Sketch, it's still a professional tool worth knowing.
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