Adobe XD
Zeplin
| Feature | Adobe XD | Zeplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $54.99/mo | Free / from $12/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Best For | adobe-users, ui-designers, teams-already-in-creative-cloud, rapid-prototyping | design-teams, developers, agencies, product-teams |
| Founded | 2016 | 2014 |
| Vector Design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Auto Animate | ✓ | ✗ |
| Repeat Grid | ✓ | ✗ |
| Components | ✓ | ✓ |
| Design Specs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Design Handoff | ✗ | ✓ |
| Style Guide | ✗ | ✓ |
| Code Snippets | ✗ | ✓ |
| Measurements | ✗ | ✓ |
| Version History | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ Zeplin Pros
- Great handoff tool
- Developer-friendly
- Design system support
- Multi-platform
✗ Zeplin Cons
- Figma reducing need
- Limited design editing
- Fewer updates
The Verdict
Adobe XD is built for adobe users and ui designers, with a focus on vector-design and prototyping. Zeplin targets design teams and developers and leads with design-handoff and style-guide.
On pricing, Zeplin is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $12/mo compared to $54.99/mo for Adobe XD. That $42.99/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Zeplin 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.
Feature-wise, Adobe XD offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Zeplin takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.