Figma won the design tool wars before Sketch knew it was in one. The browser-based, real-time collaboration model Figma pioneered became the industry default by 2021. Sketch fought back with its own collaboration features and community, but it's defending market share now, not gaining it.
Figma
Figma wins for most teams — real-time collaboration, cross-platform support, and the depth of its plugin ecosystem are decisive advantages.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser, Mac, Windows | Mac only |
| Real-time collaboration | Excellent (native) | Good (via Teams plan) |
| Paid plan price | $12/editor/mo (Professional) | $9/editor/mo |
| Free plan | Yes (3 files) | 30-day trial only |
| Plugin ecosystem | Largest in design tools | Good (Mac-focused) |
Collaboration
Figma's multiplayer editing — watching a colleague's cursor move in real time as they work on the same frame — changed how design teams work. Comments, version history, shared component libraries, and developer handoff all live in the browser. Sharing a Figma file requires sending a link; no app install needed for viewers.
Sketch added real-time collaboration via Sketch for Teams in 2021. It works, but it doesn't feel as fluid as Figma's, and it requires macOS on both ends. Figma is platform-agnostic.
Platform Support
Sketch is macOS only. If your team has Windows or Linux users, Figma. Full stop. Figma's desktop app works on Windows and Mac; the browser version works everywhere.
For Mac-only design teams, this distinction matters less. But it's a significant practical barrier for agencies working with clients on Windows or for teams with mixed hardware.
Pricing
Figma's Starter (free) plan allows 3 Figma files and 3 FigJam boards. Professional is $12/editor/mo (annual). Organization is $45/editor/mo. Sketch is $9/editor/mo (annual) with unlimited documents on macOS.
Sketch is cheaper at the per-seat level, but Figma's free plan is more useful for small teams and client work.
Figma Strengths
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Browser-based — no install required for viewers
- Works on Windows, Mac, and browser
- Largest plugin and template ecosystem
Sketch Strengths
- Slightly cheaper at $9/editor/mo
- Native Mac performance (faster for large files)
- Strong plugin ecosystem for Mac-centric teams
- Offline-capable desktop app
Figma Weaknesses
- Can lag on very large files in browser
- Higher per-seat pricing for organizations
- Free plan limits to 3 files
Sketch Weaknesses
- macOS only — no Windows support
- Real-time collaboration less polished than Figma
- Smaller community and fewer templates than Figma
Best For
- a: Any team with cross-platform users, remote designers, or client collaboration needs — which is most teams
- b: Mac-only design studios that prefer native performance and slightly lower pricing
FAQ
Did Adobe's acquisition of Figma fall through?
Yes — Adobe's proposed $20B acquisition of Figma was abandoned in December 2023 after EU antitrust regulators indicated they would block it. Figma remains independent.
Can I import Sketch files into Figma?
Yes — Figma can import .sketch files. The conversion preserves most layers and components, though some advanced Sketch features (like smart layout) may not translate perfectly.