Figma vs Principle
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Figma and Principle are credible ui ux design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Figma if you want a lower starting price (free – $15/editor/mo), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Collaborative interface design in the browser.
Choose Principle if you'd rather have a longer free trial (14 days). Animated and interactive UI design for Mac.
Figma vs Principle: side by side
| Dimension | Figma | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $15/editor/moWinner | From $129 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 14 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | One-time |
| Best for | Designers, Product Teams, Agencies | Motion Designers, Ux Pros |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, WindowsWinner | Mac |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
Figma key facts
- Vendor
- Figma, Inc.
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $15/editor/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows
- Best for
- Designers, Product Teams, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
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 Figma better than Principle?
Neither is universally better — Figma 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 Figma or Principle cheaper?
Figma is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $15/editor/mo. Figma starts at free – $15/editor/mo; Principle starts at from $129 once.
Can Figma 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.