A UI design tool needs to be easy to use and packed with features. While there’s no shortage of options out there, not every tool hits this sweet spot. So we rolled up our sleeves and did the hard work for you!
Let me introduce you to 7 best UI design tools that balance usability with powerful capabilities.
7 Best UI Design Tools in the Market
Which is the best UI design tool?
1. Figma
First on our list is a tool that’s widely loved even by our own design team. Figma is a fully cloud-based platform that allows real-time collaboration, whether you are creating wireframes, prototypes, or high-fidelity designs.
There are also different products under this one tool, such as FigJam, a digital whiteboard, and DevMode, which lets you convert your designs into code. You can explore each one and customize your workflow based on what your project needs.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration
- Multiple design solutions under one roof
- Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Ready-to-use templates
- Extensive plugin support
Price: Free for personal projects; professional-level plans start from $5/month
2. Penpot
Penpot is a web-based open-source design tool. It’s created to bridge the gap between designers and developers. You get a flex and grid layout to help you create responsive designs that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes.
It also supports real-time editing by multiple people, so you can easily collaborate with your team members.
Key Features:
- Clean, intuitive dashboard
- Team workspaces to manage files, assets, and design systems
- Allows interactive prototyping with presentation mode
- Extensive plugin support
Price: Free
3. Balsamiq
Balsamiq is a wireframing tool that helps you sketch out user interfaces quickly and clearly. You can show your team the rough layouts and user flows you wish to create for your product. It’s perfect for early-stage brainstorming and iterations.
Key Features:
- Ideal for quick wireframing
- Low-fidelity, hand-drawn style layout
- Pre-built UI components for saving time
- Easy team collaboration
Price: Starts from $12/month for up to 2 projects
4. Proto.io
After wireframing, we move on to prototyping with Proto.io. It’s a powerful tool that lets you turn static designs into fully interactive, high-fidelity prototypes. It comes with hundreds of UI components, templates, and digital assets that can be easily customized with a drag-and-drop interface.
You can even add micro-animations to bring your prototype to life. It will not only help you visualize how your product looks, but also exactly how it works.
Key Features:
- Drag and drop web-based editor
- Built-in UI components, templates, icons, sound effects, and video assets
- A wide range of animations and transitions
- Easy online and offline preview
- Integration with popular design tools (like Sketch, Figma, and Photoshop)
Price: Starts from $29/month
5. Sketch
Sketch is another UI design tool that lets you create high-fidelity interfaces and prototypes with ease. It’s great for beginners and non-designers who want to quickly mock up ideas and experiment with layouts without a steep learning curve.
Key Features:
- Vector-based design tools
- Intuitive interface with infinite canvas
- Advanced editing controls without complex setup
- Easy collaboration options
Price: $10/month per editor
6. Framer
Framer is a Figma-like tool, but instead of just a rough layout, it lets you create fully functional websites. It gives you access to everything from layout templates and vector sets to no-code animations.
Also, similar to other UI design tools, it allows real-time collaboration on a single canvas. This means you, along with designers and marketers, can collaborate and edit simultaneously.
Key Features:
- Visual website builder with no-code tools
- Pre-designed layouts and components
- Pre-designed CMS and SEO optimization
- Smooth Figma import
Price: Free for non-commercial use
7. Marvel App
Marvel is an all-in-one design platform that lets you wireframe, prototype, and test ideas. It also offers extensive collaboration and handoff features, especially with Sketch. You can import artboards, sync updates automatically, and create interactive prototypes without writing any code.
Key Features:
- All-in-one design, prototyping, and testing platform
- Pre-made assets, images, and icons
- Seamless Sketch integration
- Easy developer handoff with code specs
Price: Free for 1 user and 1 project
Which is the best UI design tool?
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to UI design tools. But every single option will come with a small learning curve. It will demand your time, energy, and a bit of trial and error.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, then you need Digifloat. We’re not a tool, we’re a full-blown creative subscription. This means we won’t give you templates and demand endless hours. Instead, you’ll get custom UI/UX designs made by real designers and developers.
This also comes with a dedicated account manager, transparent timelines, unlimited revisions, and full ownership of every design. So just sign up for our unlimited graphic design services and let’s get started.
Summing Up: Best UI Design Tool
The 7 tools we discussed in this article are hands down some of the most powerful and popular options out there. But the right one for you depends on your time, skill level, and how hands-on you want to be with the design process.
And of course, the best option, especially if you prioritize high-quality, is Digifloat. We offer custom UI/UX design and development services that require zero effort on your end. Sign up and let’s get you results that go beyond templates.
