What is the difference between Sketch and InVision?

Sketch is best for Mac users who prefer native app performance over browser-based tools, while InVision is best for Teams needing design feedback workflows. Sketch starts at $10/editor/mo and InVision starts at $7.95/mo.

Is Sketch or InVision cheaper?

Sketch starts at $10/editor/mo. InVision starts at $7.95/mo with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Sketch?

Yes, InVision offers a free tier (Free for 1 prototype).

Sketch vs InVision

Sketch is mac-native design tool for UI/UX with a focus on simplicity and performance, while InVision is digital product design platform for prototyping, collaboration, and design system management. InVision comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Sketch is built for mac users who prefer native app performance over browser-based tools, whereas InVision targets teams needing design feedback workflows.

At a glance

	Sketch	InVision
Best for	Mac users who prefer native app performance over browser-based tools	Teams needing design feedback workflows
Starting price	$10/editor/mo	$7.95/mo
Free tier	—	✓
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	—	✓
Open source	—	—
Design Systems	—	✓
Freehand	—	✓
Inspect	—	✓
Libraries	✓	—
Mac Native	✓	—
Plugins	✓	—
Prototyping	✓	✓
Symbols	✓	—

Sketch

Strengths

Native Mac performance — fast and responsive
Clean, focused interface
Large plugin ecosystem
One-time purchase option still available

Weaknesses

Mac only — no Windows or Linux support
Collaboration features lag behind Figma
Declining market share and community momentum
Web viewer is limited

Try Sketch → Full review

InVision

Strengths

Interactive prototyping with transitions so stakeholders can click through realistic mockups
Includes Design Systems as a core feature, purpose-built for design workflows
Free for 1 prototype — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Established product with 15+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Output quality depends on your design skills — templates only go so far
Mobile experience lags behind the desktop version in features and polish

Try InVision → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Sketch starts at $10/editor/mo. InVision starts at $7.95/mo. InVision is the more affordable option.

Feature gaps: Sketch offers Libraries, Mac Native and Plugins that InVision lacks. InVision brings Design Systems, Freehand and Inspect that Sketch does not have. Both share Prototyping.

Team fit: Sketch is geared toward small teams teams, while InVision is aimed at mid-size teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: Sketch's biggest strengths are: native mac performance — fast and responsive. clean, focused interface. InVision's biggest strengths are: interactive prototyping with transitions so stakeholders can click through realistic mockups. includes design systems as a core feature, purpose-built for design workflows.

Watch out for: With Sketch, users commonly note that mac only — no windows or linux support. With InVision, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Sketch if...

You need a tool built for mac users who prefer native app performance over browser-based tools
You specifically need Libraries and Mac Native
You care about clean, focused interface
Your team size fits the small teams profile Sketch is designed for

Choose InVision if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams needing design feedback workflows
You want to save on per-user costs — InVision is $2.05/user/mo cheaper
You specifically need Design Systems and Freehand
You care about includes design systems as a core feature, purpose-built for design workflows
Your team size fits the mid-size teams profile InVision is designed for