Figma vs Adobe XD (2025) – Which UI/UX Design Tool Should You Choose?

Figma vs Adobe XD is one of the hottest debates in the design world, and in 2025 it matters more than ever. With digital products, websites, and apps dominating every industry, UI/UX design tools have become mission-critical for businesses, freelancers, and creative teams. Choosing the right platform doesn’t just impact how fast you work — it can decide the quality of user experience your product delivers.

Figma and Adobe XD are both powerful, professional-grade tools, but they approach design differently. Figma has risen rapidly as a cloud-first, collaboration-driven platform, while Adobe XD is backed by Adobe’s Creative Cloud ecosystem, making it ideal for designers already using Photoshop or Illustrator.

In this article, we’ll break down features, pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases for both tools. By the end, you’ll know exactly which design software fits your workflow, team setup, and budget.

Quick Comparison Table (At a Glance)

Here’s a snapshot comparison of the two tools for easy scanning:

What is Figma?

Launched in 2016, Figma has quickly become one of the most widely used UI/UX design tools in the world. Unlike most desktop-first design software, Figma was built as a browser-based application, making real-time collaboration its core strength.

Who Uses Figma?

• Product designers and developers
• Remote teams and startups
• Freelancers working with multiple clients

Strengths of Figma

• ✅ Cloud collaboration – edit, comment, and share in real time.
• ✅ Cross-platform access – works on browser, Windows, Mac, Linux.
• ✅ Rich plugin & widget ecosystem – extend functionality easily.

Weaknesses of Figma

• ❌ Requires internet – offline mode is limited.
• ❌ Performance issues – very large design files may slow down.

Figma is especially loved by teams that value seamless collaboration, faster feedback, and flexibility across devices.

What is Adobe XD?

Adobe XD is Adobe’s answer to modern UI/UX design, launched to give designers a prototyping and wireframing tool tightly connected to the Creative Cloud ecosystem.

Who Uses Adobe XD?

• Professional UI/UX designers
• Creative agencies
• Designers already working in Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects

Strengths of Adobe XD

• ✅ Smooth prototyping – great for transitions and animations.
• ✅ Deep integration – works flawlessly with Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator.
• ✅ Offline usage – ideal for freelancers or agencies with unreliable internet.

Weaknesses of Adobe XD

• ❌ Slower innovation – compared to Figma’s rapid updates.
• ❌ Paid subscription – only free trial available before moving to a plan.

Adobe XD remains strong for professional workflows, especially when tied to Adobe’s creative tools.

Figma vs Adobe XD: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

When comparing Figma vs Adobe XD, the real difference lies in their approach to teamwork, accessibility, integrations, and pricing. Let’s break it down feature by feature:

Collaboration & Teamwork

Figma:

• Designed for real-time multi-user editing, similar to Google Docs.
• Multiple team members can work on the same file simultaneously.
• Built-in commenting and feedback system streamlines collaboration.
• Ideal for remote teams, agencies, and startups.

Adobe XD:

• Offers coediting, but it’s less seamless compared to Figma.
• Collaboration tools feel secondary, since XD is more desktop-driven.
• Works better for smaller teams or solo designers already using Adobe tools.

👉 Verdict: Figma is the clear winner for teamwork and real-time collaboration.

Cross-Platform & Accessibility

Figma:

• 100% browser-based, with desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and even Linux.
• No heavy installation needed — just log in and start designing.
• Works smoothly on any device, making it accessible anywhere.

Adobe XD:

• Limited to Windows and macOS only.
• Does not run natively in browsers or on Linux.
• Best suited for designers already working in Adobe’s environment.

👉 Verdict: Figma wins on accessibility, while Adobe XD is tied to desktop ecosystems.

Plugins & Integrations

Figma:

• Offers a huge, community-driven plugin library.
• Plugins range from stock photo libraries to wireframe kits.
• Widgets add interactivity for advanced prototyping.
• Integrates with Slack, Notion, Jira, and more.

Adobe XD:

• Includes useful plugins but with a smaller selection.
• Stronger integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Better suited for those who live inside the Adobe ecosystem.

👉 Verdict: Figma dominates in plugins, but XD is better if you’re already locked into Adobe’s suite.

Pricing & Plans

Here’s a breakdown of costs in 2025 for Figma vs Adobe XD:

👉 Verdict: Figma is more flexible (thanks to its free plan), while Adobe XD is slightly cheaper for individuals already using Adobe Creative Cloud.

Ease of Use & Learning Curve

Figma:

• Known for being simple and intuitive, even for beginners.
• Minimal onboarding needed — start designing in minutes.
• Smooth learning curve makes it popular with students and freelancers.

Adobe XD:

• Easy to pick up if you already use Adobe tools.
• UI feels familiar to Photoshop and Illustrator users.
• New users without Adobe experience may face a steeper curve.

👉 Verdict: Figma is easier for beginners, while XD feels natural for experienced Adobe users.

Best Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?

When it comes to Figma vs Adobe XD, the “better” choice depends on your workflow:

Figma is best for:

• Startups and SaaS companies needing fast design iteration.
• Remote teams working across different devices and platforms.
• Freelancers and students who want a free or affordable tool.
• Collaborative workflows where feedback happens in real time.

Adobe XD is best for:

• Designers already using Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Agencies handling large, professional projects with complex assets.
• Offline projects where internet is not always available.
• Professionals who prefer the Adobe ecosystem.

Alternatives to Figma and Adobe XD (2025)

While these two dominate the UI/UX space, other tools can be better in specific cases:

• Sketch → Great for Mac users, lightweight, strong plugin ecosystem.
• InVision → Focused on prototyping and client feedback.
• Canva Whiteboards → Easy brainstorming and collaboration tool for non-designers.
• Framer → Perfect for interactive prototypes with advanced animations.

👉 If you’re a solo designer, Sketch or Framer might fit better. If you want simple collaboration, Canva Whiteboards is a good alternative.

Figma vs Adobe XD: Pros & Cons Summary

5 Reasons Designers Prefer Figma (2025)

If you’re wondering why many professionals are shifting toward Figma in 2025, here are the top five reasons:

• Real-time collaboration – Work seamlessly with teammates on the same file without delays.
• Cross-platform access – Available on browser, Windows, Mac, and even Linux for ultimate flexibility.
• Generous free plan – Perfect for freelancers and startups who want professional tools at no cost.
• Massive plugin library – Boost productivity with thousands of community-driven plugins and widgets.
• Easier learning curve – Figma’s interface is intuitive, making it beginner-friendly compared to other tools.

FAQs

Conclusion

In the Figma vs Adobe XD debate, there’s no universal winner—it depends on your needs.

• Figma is ideal for collaboration, remote teams, and those who value cross-platform accessibility.
• Adobe XD is better suited for offline work and professionals deeply invested in Adobe Creative Cloud.

Choose the tool that aligns with your workflow, team setup, and budget.

READ MORE ARTICLES

Huion vs XP-Pen: The Best Budget Drawing Tablet for Beginners (2025)

Notion vs Evernote (2025): Which Productivity Tool Wins?

Krita vs Photoshop (2025): Best Digital Art Tool Revealed

Canva vs Photoshop (2025) – Which Design Tool is Best for You?