Sketch
Zeplin
| Feature | Sketch | Zeplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From $12/mo | Free / from $12/mo |
| Free Plan | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Best For | ui-designers, mac-users, design-agencies, icon-designers | design-teams, developers, agencies, product-teams |
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Vector Editing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Symbols | ✓ | ✗ |
| Prototyping | ✓ | ✗ |
| Shared Libraries | ✓ | ✗ |
| Developer Handoff | ✓ | ✗ |
| Plugins | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cloud Workspace | ✓ | ✗ |
| Design Handoff | ✗ | ✓ |
| Style Guide | ✗ | ✓ |
| Components | ✗ | ✓ |
| Code Snippets | ✗ | ✓ |
| Measurements | ✗ | ✓ |
| Version History | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Sketch Pros
- Lightweight and fast native macOS performance
- Mature plugin ecosystem with thousands of extensions
- Excellent symbol and library system
- One-time license option for Mac app
✗ Sketch Cons
- Mac-only (no Windows or Linux support)
- Collaboration features lag behind Figma
- Market share declining as teams move to Figma
✓ Zeplin Pros
- Great handoff tool
- Developer-friendly
- Design system support
- Multi-platform
✗ Zeplin Cons
- Figma reducing need
- Limited design editing
- Fewer updates
The Verdict
Sketch is built for ui designers and mac users, with a focus on vector-editing and symbols. Zeplin targets design teams and developers and leads with design-handoff and style-guide.
Both tools come in at similar price points ($12/mo for Sketch, $12/mo for Zeplin), so pricing won't make the decision for you.
Zeplin has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Sketch requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Sketch 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.
