The Quick Takeaway

Figma has won the design tool war for most teams. Its browser-based, real-time collaboration is unmatched, and Dev Mode finally solved the developer handoff problem. Sketch is still a capable native app for macOS designers, but it’s playing catch-up on collaboration.

Collaboration

Figma was built for collaboration from day one. Multiple designers edit the same file in real time, see each other’s cursors, and leave contextual comments. Sketch added collaboration features later, but they require a separate Sketch Cloud subscription and still don’t match Figma’s fluidity.

Platform Support

Figma runs in any modern browser on any OS. Sketch is macOS-only, with a limited web viewer for feedback. For cross-platform teams, Figma is the only option.

Developer Handoff

Figma’s Dev Mode gives developers a dedicated workspace with CSS/Swift/Kotlin code snippets, component properties, and asset export — all without risking design changes. Sketch offers inspect mode but lacks a dedicated developer view.

Pricing

Figma’s free tier is more generous (3 full design files vs. Sketch’s 30-day trial). Sketch is cheaper per-editor at $10/month, but Figma includes viewers for free, making it cheaper for teams with developers and PMs.

The Verdict

Choose Figma if you need collaboration, cross-platform support, or developer handoff. Choose Sketch if you’re a macOS-only team that prioritizes native app performance and doesn’t need real-time collaboration.