LottieFiles vs Principle
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Lightweight animations for apps and web.
The verdict
Both LottieFiles and Principle are credible ui ux design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose LottieFiles if you want a lower starting price (free – $19.99/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Lightweight animations for apps and web.
Choose Principle if you'd rather have a longer free trial (14 days). Animated and interactive UI design for Mac.
LottieFiles vs Principle: side by side
| Dimension | LottieFiles | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $19.99/moWinner | From $129 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 14 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | One-time |
| Best for | Designers, Developers | Motion Designers, Ux Pros |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Mac |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
LottieFiles key facts
- Vendor
- LottieFiles
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $19.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Designers, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Singapore
Principle key facts
- Vendor
- Principle
- Pricing
- One-time — From $129 once
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Mac
- Best for
- Motion Designers, Ux Pros
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- USA
Frequently asked questions
Is LottieFiles better than Principle?
Neither is universally better — LottieFiles 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 LottieFiles or Principle cheaper?
LottieFiles is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $19.99/mo. LottieFiles starts at free – $19.99/mo; Principle starts at from $129 once.
Can LottieFiles replace Principle?
Yes for most teams — both are ui ux design tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.