Affinity Designer vs SketchUp
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Pro vector design, one-time purchase.
The verdict
Both Affinity Designer and SketchUp are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Affinity Designer if you want a longer free trial (14 days) and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Pro vector design, one-time purchase.
Choose SketchUp if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $119/yr) and a free plan to start on. 3D modeling for architecture and design.
Affinity Designer vs SketchUp: side by side
| Dimension | Affinity Designer | SketchUp |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $69.99 once | Free – $119/yrWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 14 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | One-time | Subscription |
| Best for | Designers, Budget Conscious | Architects, Designers |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios | Web, Windows, Mac |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Affinity Designer key facts
- Vendor
- Canva
- Pricing
- One-time — From $69.99 once
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Designers, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- Nottingham, UK
SketchUp key facts
- Vendor
- Trimble
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free – $119/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac
- Best for
- Architects, Designers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2000
- Headquarters
- Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Affinity Designer better than SketchUp?
Neither is universally better — Affinity Designer 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 Designer or SketchUp cheaper?
SketchUp is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $119/yr. Affinity Designer starts at from $69.99 once; SketchUp starts at free – $119/yr.
Can Affinity Designer replace SketchUp?
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.