Adobe XD
Procreate
| Feature | Adobe XD | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $54.99/mo | From $12.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | adobe-users, ui-designers, teams-already-in-creative-cloud, rapid-prototyping | digital-artists, illustrators, concept-artists, hobbyists |
| Founded | 2016 | 2011 |
| Vector Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Auto Animate | ✓ | ✗ |
| Repeat Grid | ✓ | ✗ |
| Components | ✓ | ✗ |
| Design Specs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Digital Painting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Brushes | ✗ | ✓ |
| Layers | ✗ | ✓ |
| Animation Assist | ✗ | ✓ |
| Time Lapse | ✗ | ✓ |
| Color Tools | ✗ | ✓ |
| Apple Pencil Support | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ Procreate Pros
- One-time purchase price (no subscription)
- Incredibly responsive and natural brush engine
- Massive brush library with custom brush creation
- Animation assist for frame-by-frame animation
✗ Procreate Cons
- iPad-only (no desktop or Android version)
- No vector support (raster only)
- Limited text and layout tools
The Verdict
Adobe XD is built for adobe users and ui designers, with a focus on vector-design and prototyping. Procreate targets digital artists and illustrators and leads with digital-painting and brushes.
On pricing, Procreate is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $12.99/mo compared to $54.99/mo for Adobe XD. That $42/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Neither tool offers a free plan, so factor the subscription cost into your decision from the start.
Procreate edges out on user ratings (4.8 vs 4). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Bottom line: Procreate 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.