Penpot vs Sketch
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Penpot and Sketch are credible ui ux design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Penpot if you want a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. The open-source design tool.
Choose Sketch if you'd rather have a longer free trial (30 days). Digital design for Mac.
Penpot vs Sketch: side by side
| Dimension | Penpot | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $10/editor/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 30 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Open source | Subscription |
| Best for | Designers, Developers | Designers, Apple Users |
| Platforms | Web, Self Hosted | Mac |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Penpot key facts
- Vendor
- Penpot
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Designers, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Barcelona, Spain
Sketch key facts
- Vendor
- Sketch
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $10/editor/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Mac
- Best for
- Designers, Apple Users
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- The Hague, Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is Penpot better than Sketch?
Neither is universally better — Penpot 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 Penpot or Sketch cheaper?
Penpot is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Penpot starts at free; Sketch starts at from $10/editor/mo.
Can Penpot replace Sketch?
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.