Picture this: You’re at the start of a new design journey, ready to create something amazing. But before you dive in, you hit a wall, a tough choice. Which tool should you trust with your creative vision? It’s not just about buttons and features; it’s about finding the perfect partner for your workflow.

In 2024, two names are stealing the spotlight. Figma—the polished, powerhouse favorite. And Penpot—the bold, open-source contender. They’re both amazing in their own ways, but they’re worlds apart in their approach to design.

The Designer’s Dilemma

Every designer wants it all: a tool that’s functional, fosters collaboration, and fits the budget. It’s no wonder Figma has long been the king of the design world. With its refined interface and seamless teamwork capabilities, it’s a dream for product teams. The downside? It’s locked behind a subscription model, which might feel restrictive for some.

On the flip side, Penpot marches to a different beat. Free, open-source, and endlessly adaptable, it’s like a rebel with a cause. It invites users to take control and make it their own. But this freedom comes with trade-offs—namely, a rougher edge and fewer built-in luxuries compared to its well-oiled rival.

Let’s explore what sets them apart and see which one might be your ultimate tool.

User Interface & Experience

Designing should feel intuitive, like painting on a canvas or sketching on paper. And that’s exactly the experience Figma delivers. Its sleek, modern interface is easy to navigate, even if it’s your first foray into UI/UX design.

Features are accessible without being overwhelming, and its smooth user experience has set the bar for the entire industry. 

Penpot, on the other hand, wears its open-source identity with pride. Its interface is clean and functional but lacks the polished elegance of Figma. What Penpot lacks in finish, it makes up for in flexibility. Its customizable nature allows developers and tech-savvy teams to tailor the experience to their preferences, something Figma doesn’t offer. 

Collaboration: Where the Magic Happens

If teamwork makes the dream work, then Figma is the tool that makes that dream come true. It’s a game-changer for real-time collaboration. Imagine your entire team working on the same canvas simultaneously commenting, editing, and refining ideas in perfect harmony. Features like built-in developer handoff tools make transitioning from design to code seamless. 

Penpot doesn’t lag too far behind this department, offering its own real-time collaboration tools. However, its performance can sometimes feel slower or less fluid compared to Figma. That said, Penpot has one ace up its sleeve: self-hosting. For industries with strict data privacy needs, Penpot’s ability to keep everything in-house is a huge advantage. 

Design Capabilities: The Heart of Creativity

Figma is a powerhouse when it comes to features. With its auto-layout capabilities, reusable components, and an ever-growing plugin marketplace, it has everything a designer could wish for. Need a plugin for accessibility checks? Animation? It’s all just a click away. Figma's ecosystem feels like a treasure chest of tools and resources that empower creativity. 

Penpot, while still catching up, has carved out its niche with developer-friendly workflows. By using SVG as its native format, it bridges the gap between design and web development effortlessly. It may lack some of the advanced features Figma offers, like intricate component systems, but Penpot’s SVG-first approach is a dream for web developers looking for seamless integration. 

Performance: Smooth Sailing vs. Occasional Choppy Waters

Speed and performance can make or break a design session, especially when you’re working under a deadline. Figma’s cutting-edge rendering stack, powered by WebAssembly, ensures it remains lightning-fast, even with intricate designs. It’s built to handle complexity without slowing you down. 

Penpot’s performance, while solid for smaller projects, can struggle when scaling up to more complex designs. Built on standard web technologies like SVG and DOM elements, its focus is more on compatibility than raw speed. But for those working within a CSS-centric or web development environment, Penpot’s approach is a welcome strength.

Pricing: The Budget Dilemma

Figma operates on a freemium model. If you’re working solo or on smaller projects, the free version might be all you need. However, teams that require advanced features or collaborative libraries will need to invest in one of Figma’s paid plans—a small but necessary trade-off for its wealth of features. 

Penpot, true to its open-source roots, is entirely free. No hidden fees, no subscription plans. For startups, freelancers, or organizations on a tight budget, this cost-free approach can be a breath of fresh air. 

Philosophy: Open-Source Freedom vs. Proprietary Comfort

Figma’s proprietary model feels like a well-oiled machine. With frequent updates and a robust ecosystem, it offers a hassle-free experience that just works. But with that convenience comes a catch—you’re locked into its ecosystem, with less room for customization. 

Penpot thrives on its open-source philosophy. It puts control back in the hands of its users, allowing them to adapt and shape the tool to fit their needs. Of course, this freedom requires effort and expertise to fully utilize, but for teams that value independence and data ownership, it’s a trade worth making.

Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours

So, which path will you take? Figma and Penpot both offer incredible possibilities, but your decision ultimately boils down to what you value most.  

Choose Figma if you’re after a polished, user-friendly experience with advanced collaboration features and powerful design tools straight out of the box. It’s perfect for teams that prioritize speed, ease, and don’t mind investing in premium functionality. 

Pick Penpot if you’re drawn to freedom and flexibility—if you want to own your tools, shape your workflows, and embrace the open-source ethos. It’s an especially strong choice for developers or organizations with strict data privacy needs.