Principle vs Spline
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Principle and Spline are credible ui ux design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Principle if you want a longer free trial (14 days). Animated and interactive UI design for Mac.
Choose Spline if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $9/mo), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). 3D design in the browser.
Principle vs Spline: side by side
| Dimension | Principle | Spline |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $129 once | Free – $9/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 14 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | One-time | Freemium |
| Best for | Motion Designers, Ux Pros | Designers |
| Platforms | Mac | Web, Mac, WindowsWinner |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5Winner |
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
Spline key facts
- Vendor
- Spline
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $9/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows
- Best for
- Designers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Remote
Frequently asked questions
Is Principle better than Spline?
Neither is universally better — Spline 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 Principle or Spline cheaper?
Spline is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $9/mo. Principle starts at from $129 once; Spline starts at free – $9/mo.
Can Principle replace Spline?
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.