Adobe XD
Figma
| Feature | Adobe XD | Figma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $54.99/mo | Free / from $15/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Best For | adobe-users, ui-designers, teams-already-in-creative-cloud, rapid-prototyping | designers, design-teams, product-teams, developers |
| Founded | 2016 | 2012 |
| Vector Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Animate | ✓ | ✗ |
| Repeat Grid | ✓ | ✗ |
| Components | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design Specs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vector Editing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Dev Mode | ✗ | ✓ |
| Plugins | ✗ | ✓ |
| Auto Layout | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Adobe XD Pros
- Tight integration with Adobe Creative Cloud suite
- Smooth prototyping with auto-animate transitions
- Repeat grid for efficient design patterns
- Included in Creative Cloud subscription
✗ Adobe XD Cons
- In maintenance mode (Adobe investing in Figma instead)
- No longer receiving major feature updates
- Community and plugin ecosystem declining
✓ Figma Pros
- Real-time collaboration
- Free for students
- Huge plugin ecosystem
- Dev handoff
✗ Figma Cons
- Needs internet
- Can be slow with large files
- Learning curve
The Verdict
Adobe XD is built for adobe users and ui designers, with a focus on vector-design and prototyping. Figma targets designers and design teams and leads with vector-editing and prototyping.
On pricing, Figma is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $15/mo compared to $54.99/mo for Adobe XD. That $39.99/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Figma has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Adobe XD requires a paid subscription from day one.
Figma edges out on user ratings (4.7 vs 4). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Feature-wise, Adobe XD offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Figma takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Figma has a slight overall edge — but if tight integration with adobe creative cloud suite matters most to you, Adobe XD may still be the right call.
