Affinity Publisher vs Hightail
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Professional desktop publishing, one-time purchase.
The verdict
Both Affinity Publisher and Hightail are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Affinity Publisher if you want a longer free trial (14 days) and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Professional desktop publishing, one-time purchase.
Choose Hightail if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $12/mo) and a free plan to start on. Creative file sharing and review.
Affinity Publisher vs Hightail: side by side
| Dimension | Affinity Publisher | Hightail |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $69.99 once | Free – $12/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 14 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | One-time | Freemium |
| Best for | Publishers, Budget Conscious | Creative Teams, Marketing Teams |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
Affinity Publisher key facts
- Vendor
- Canva
- Pricing
- One-time — From $69.99 once
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Publishers, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Nottingham, UK
Hightail key facts
- Vendor
- OpenText
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $12/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Creative Teams, Marketing Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2004
- Headquarters
- Campbell, California
Frequently asked questions
Is Affinity Publisher better than Hightail?
Neither is universally better — Affinity Publisher edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Affinity Publisher or Hightail cheaper?
Hightail is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $12/mo. Affinity Publisher starts at from $69.99 once; Hightail starts at free – $12/mo.
Can Affinity Publisher replace Hightail?
Yes for most teams — both are graphic design tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.