Best Design Tools (2026)

Create stunning visuals with the best graphic design, UI/UX, and creative tools.

5 tools tested | Updated monthly | Independent reviews

Buyer's Guide

The design tool landscape has split into two tiers: professional creative suites (Adobe, Figma) and accessible platforms (Canva). Non-designers should start with Canva — it handles 80% of business design needs at a fraction of the cost. Professional designers still need Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma for complex work. Key considerations: template quality, collaboration features, export formats, brand kit support, and learning curve.

All Design Tools Reviewed

Canva

Rating: 4.7/5 | Editor's Choice | Pricing: Free – $15/user/mo

The easiest online design platform for creating graphics, presentations, and videos.

  • Incredibly easy to use with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Massive and diverse template library for various design needs
  • Powerful AI design features significantly accelerate content creation

Figma

Rating: 4.8/5 | Pricing: Free / From $15/mo

Collaborative design platform for UI/UX, prototyping, and design systems.

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Browser-based
  • Generous free tier

Adobe Creative Cloud

Rating: 4.6/5 | Pricing: From $22.99/mo

The industry-standard creative suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.

  • Industry-standard tools with unparalleled depth and breadth
  • Unmatched capabilities for professional-grade creative work
  • AI-powered features via Firefly for enhanced creativity and efficiency

Sketch

Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: $12/mo

Mac-native design tool for UI/UX with a loyal following and mature ecosystem.

  • Native Mac performance
  • Mature ecosystem
  • Focused feature set

Penpot

Rating: 4.1/5 | Pricing: Free (open-source)

Open-source design platform with web-based collaboration and SVG-native approach.

  • Completely free
  • Open-source
  • SVG-native output

Popular Comparisons

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluate design tools by creating identical projects across platforms — social media graphics, presentations, print materials, and UI mockups. We measure time-to-completion, output quality, collaboration features, and ease of learning for non-designers vs. professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best design tools in 2026?

Based on our testing, Canva is our top pick with a rating of 4.7/5.

How do we evaluate design tools?

We evaluate design tools by creating identical projects across platforms — social media graphics, presentations, print materials, and UI mockups. We measure time-to-completion, output quality, collaboration features, and ease of learning for non-designers vs. professionals.

Are your design tools reviews independent?

Yes. While we may earn affiliate commissions, our editorial team tests every product independently. Ratings are never influenced by commercial relationships.

How often are reviews updated?

We re-test and update our design tools reviews at least quarterly to ensure accuracy.

How does Canva compare to Figma?

Canva (4.7/5) and Figma (4.8/5) are both top-rated. Read our detailed comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.