A CLOSER LOOK
Figma vs Penpot
Both target collaborative interface design and prototyping. Penpot additionally offers verified self-hosting.
Unknown fields are not negative results. Prices reflect the documented plan and billing terms.
| Compare | Figma | Penpot |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Verified platforms | Unknown | web |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Unknown | Unknown |
| Open source | Unknown | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Unknown | Yes |
| Offline | Unknown | Unknown |
| API | Unknown | Yes |
| AI features | Yes | Unknown |
| Cloud | Unknown | Yes |
| Commercial use | Unknown | Unknown |
| Beginner friendly | Unknown | Unknown |
| Professional | Unknown | Unknown |
| License | Unknown | Unknown |
| Verified features | prototyping, team collaboration, vector graphics | prototyping, team collaboration |
| Use cases | Designing website and app interfaces, Maintaining shared design systems, Prototyping user journeys | Collaborative UI design, Design systems using web layout concepts, Design teams requiring self-hosting |
Figma: the trade-offs
A collaborative product design workspace with interface design, prototyping and AI tools.
What it offers
- Shared files and comments support collaborative design reviews.
- Reusable components and libraries help maintain a design system.
- Prototyping and developer handoff connect design with implementation.
What to check
- Seat types have different capabilities and prices.
- Starter provides limited access; larger team workflows may need a paid plan.
- AI credits have plan-specific allowances.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.
Penpot: the trade-offs
An open-source interface design platform with collaboration, prototyping and self-hosting.
What it offers
- Open-source platform with a self-hosting option.
- Layout and inspection use web standards such as CSS and SVG.
- Core design tools are included in the free hosted plan.
What to check
- Hosted plans differ in storage, history and administrative controls.
- Self-hosting requires maintenance, backups and server resources.
- Test file migration and required integrations with a real project.
Editorial guidance, not a hands-on review or a guarantee of compatibility.