Figma vs. Sketch vs. Penpot
The Ultimate UI/UX Platform Showdown in 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Design Platform Wars
In 2025, the UI/UX design landscape is more competitive than ever. Three platforms dominate the conversation: Figma, the cloud-based collaboration powerhouse; Sketch, the macOS native champion; and Penpot, the rising open-source challenger. Each brings unique strengths to the table, but which one deserves your team's investment?
This comprehensive comparison goes beyond surface-level features to examine real-world performance, collaboration workflows, ecosystem integration, and total cost of ownership. We've tested all three platforms extensively, interviewed design teams, and analyzed usage data to bring you the definitive showdown.
Key Insight: The "best" platform depends entirely on your team's workflow, platform preferences, and collaboration needs.
Platform Overview
Figma
Cloud-based collaborative design platform that revolutionized remote design workflows.
Sketch
Native macOS design application that pioneered the modern UI design tool landscape.
Penpot
Open-source design and prototyping platform focused on privacy and self-hosting.
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Figma | Sketch | Penpot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time Collaboration | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Good |
| Offline Access | ❌ None | ✅ Full | ⚠️ Limited |
| Vector Editing | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Good |
| Prototyping | ✅ Advanced | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Good |
| Components System | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
| Version History | ✅ Unlimited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Good |
| Developer Handoff | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Basic |
| Plugin Ecosystem | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Large | ⚠️ Growing |
| File Format | Proprietary | Proprietary | ✅ Open |
| Self-hosting | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Figma Strengths
- • Best-in-class collaboration
- • Cross-platform accessibility
- • Advanced prototyping tools
- • Extensive plugin ecosystem
Sketch Strengths
- • Native performance
- • Mature plugin ecosystem
- • Offline capabilities
- • macOS integration
Penpot Strengths
- • Open source freedom
- • Self-hosting options
- • Privacy-focused
- • No vendor lock-in
Performance & Speed
Benchmark Results
Figma Performance
Sketch Performance
Penpot Performance
Performance Analysis
Sketch Wins on Raw Performance
Native macOS optimization gives Sketch superior speed for complex files and smooth interactions, especially on older hardware.
Figma Balances Speed and Features
While not the fastest, Figma's web-based performance is impressive considering the feature set and collaboration capabilities.
Penpot Improving Rapidly
Performance improvements in 2024-2025 have significantly narrowed the gap, though still trails behind commercial options.
Collaboration Capabilities
Real-time Collaboration Features
Figma: Collaboration King
- • Real-time cursors for all users
- • Live commenting and annotations
- • Simultaneous editing without conflicts
- • Voice chat integration
- • Shareable prototypes with live updates
- • Team libraries and design systems
- • Advanced permission controls
Sketch: Limited Collaboration
- • Requires Sketch for Teams subscription
- • Basic real-time editing
- • Cloud sync for file sharing
- • Version history and comments
- • No live cursors or voice chat
- • Limited to web-based collaboration
- • macOS-only native app
Penpot: Open Source Collaboration
- • Real-time collaboration with cursors
- • Comment system and annotations
- • Team workspaces and permissions
- • Self-hosted collaboration options
- • No data collection or tracking
- • Open API for custom integrations
- • Community-driven features
Collaboration Winner: Figma
Figma's collaboration features are unmatched, making it the clear choice for distributed teams and organizations prioritizing real-time collaboration.
Pricing & Value
Pricing Comparison (Monthly per user)
| Plan | Figma | Sketch | Penpot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | ✅ 3 files, 2 editors | ❌ 30-day trial | ✅ Unlimited |
| Professional | $15/editor | $9/editor | ✅ Self-hosted |
| Organization | $45/editor | $20/editor | Cloud: $8/user |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom |
Figma Value
Higher cost but justified by collaboration features and cross-platform support. Free tier generous for individuals.
Sketch Value
Most affordable for professional features. Best value for macOS-only teams.
Penpot Value
Excellent value with free self-hosting option. Cloud version competitively priced.
Ecosystem & Integrations
Plugin and Integration Count
Figma Ecosystem
- • Largest and most active plugin community
- • Official integrations with major tools (Slack, Jira, etc.)
- • thriving third-party marketplace
- • Open API for custom plugins
- • Strong developer community
Sketch Ecosystem
- • Mature plugin ecosystem with many classic tools
- • Strong integrations with Apple ecosystem
- • Many developer-focused plugins
- • Stable API with long-term support
- • Third-party plugin marketplace
Penpot Ecosystem
- • Rapidly growing plugin ecosystem
- • Open source community contributions
- • Self-hosting integration options
- • REST API for custom integrations
- • Community-driven development
Best Use Cases
Choose Figma If...
- • Your team is distributed/remote
- • Real-time collaboration is critical
- • You need cross-platform support
- • Prototyping is a major requirement
- • You want the largest plugin ecosystem
- • Client collaboration and sharing is important
- • Budget allows for premium collaboration features
Choose Sketch If...
- • Your team uses only macOS devices
- • Offline work is essential
- • Performance with large files is priority
- • You prefer native app experience
- • Budget is a major consideration
- • You have established Sketch workflows
- • Integration with Apple tools matters
Choose Penpot If...
- • Open source is a requirement
- • Data privacy and control are critical
- • You need self-hosting options
- • Budget constraints are significant
- • You want to avoid vendor lock-in
- • Custom integration needs are high
- • Community-driven development appeals to you
2025 Roadmap & Future
Figma's 2025 Roadmap
- • Enhanced AI-powered design suggestions
- • Advanced motion design capabilities
- • Improved developer handoff features
- • Expanded enterprise security features
- • Deeper integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Sketch's 2025 Roadmap
- • Improved web-based collaboration features
- • Enhanced plugin development tools
- • Better integration with modern development workflows
- • Performance optimizations for Apple Silicon
- • Expanded design system capabilities
Penpot's 2025 Roadmap
- • Performance improvements and optimizations
- • Expanded plugin ecosystem
- • Enhanced collaboration features
- • Mobile app development
- • Enterprise hosting options
Final Recommendation
Our Verdict
Overall Winner: Figma
Figma emerges as the overall winner due to its superior collaboration features, cross-platform accessibility, and comprehensive feature set. While it comes at a premium price, the value delivered through real-time collaboration and extensive ecosystem justifies the cost for most teams.
Best for: Distributed teams, agencies, organizations prioritizing collaboration, and those needing advanced prototyping.
Best Value: Sketch
Sketch offers the best value for macOS-only teams, delivering professional-grade features at a lower cost point. Its native performance and mature ecosystem make it an excellent choice for traditional design workflows.
Best for: macOS-only teams, budget-conscious organizations, and those preferring native applications.
Most Flexible: Penpot
Penpot's open-source nature and self-hosting options make it the most flexible choice for organizations prioritizing data control and customization. While still maturing, it's rapidly becoming a viable alternative for many use cases.
Best for: Open-source advocates, privacy-focused organizations, and teams needing custom hosting solutions.
Decision Framework
Consider these factors when making your choice:
- 1. Team distribution and collaboration needs
- 2. Platform requirements (macOS vs cross-platform)
- 3. Budget constraints and total cost of ownership
- 4. Privacy and data control requirements
- 5. Existing workflows and team expertise
- 6. Long-term scalability and integration needs