Best UX design tools: study and comparison

With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where we come in!

Whether you’re prototyping, wireframing, or creating detailed flowcharts, having the right UX design tools can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best tools for different design tasks to help you streamline your design process and make your projects shine. Let’s check out the top UX design tools to kickstart your next project.

Choosing the right UX design tools for prototyping and interaction design is really important. Let’s break down some of the best tools out there in detail with their pros and cons.

Justinmind is a powerful and flexible UX design tool perfect for creating interactive prototypes.

Strengths

Justinmind is a versatile prototyping tool that offers a wide range of features for creating highly interactive and dynamic prototypes. It integrates well with other popular tools like Sketch and Adobe XD, improving its versatility. It also has built-in usability testing facilities, which allow for full testing on the same platform.

Weaknesses

Justinmind can be too advanced for beginners because it has so many features, which might be overwhelming at first. Also, it can slow down when working on very large projects.

Pros

• Free version available with basic features.
• Extensive library of UI elements.
• Collaborative features for team projects.

Cons

• Higher cost for advanced features.
• Can be resource-intensive on less powerful computers.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $19/month.

Axure RP is known for its advanced prototyping capabilities and detailed interaction design features.

Strengths

Axure RP is great for advanced prototyping, perfect for creating complex and detailed prototypes. It supports detailed design documentation, which helps keep projects clear and organized. Axure also allows for highly interactive content with conditions and variables, making user experience simulations more realistic.

Weaknesses

Axure RP has a steep learning curve, making it challenging for beginners. It’s also more expensive compared to other tools, which can be tough for small teams.

Pros

• Extensive interaction options.
• Supports team collaboration and version control.
• Excellent for both wireframing and prototyping.

Cons

• High cost can be a barrier for small teams.
• Takes time to master.

Pricing

• Free trial available.
• Standard edition starts at $29/month.

Adobe XD is one of the popular UX design tools among UX designers, offering strong prototyping and design capabilities.

Strengths

Adobe XD is easy to use with an intuitive interface that’s simple to learn. It integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, making it a natural choice if you’re already using Adobe tools. It also offers real-time collaboration features, which are perfect for team projects.

Weaknesses

Adobe XD isn’t as powerful for very complex interactions compared to some other tools. It may also lag when handling very large projects.

Pros

• Free version with essential features.
• Strong design and prototyping tools.
• Regular updates and improvements.

Cons

• Some advanced features require a paid plan.
• Limited customizability for complex prototypes.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $9.99/month.

Principle is a great tool for making interactive and animated user interfaces.

Strengths

Principle is perfect for adding cool animations and transitions to your designs, making them very interactive. The interface is easy to use, letting designers create detailed animations smoothly. It works well with Sketch, so you can easily import your designs.

Sketch is another popular tool for UX design, known for its ease of use and powerful features for creating high-fidelity designs.

Strengths

Sketch is super easy to use with an interface that designers love. It’s great for making detailed and beautiful designs with its powerful vector editing tools and symbol management, which keep everything consistent. Plus, it works well with lots of plugins and other design tools, making it even more versatile.

Weaknesses

Sketch only works on macOS, so if you’re on Windows, you’re out of luck. It also doesn’t have built-in prototyping features like some other tools, so you might need extra plugins or integrations.

Pros

• Easy and intuitive to use.
• Excellent vector editing and symbol management.
• Huge range of plugins to extend functionality.

Cons

• Only available on macOS.
• Needs extra plugins for full prototyping capabilities.

Pricing

• Free trial available.
• Paid plans start at $10/month for individual users.

Proto.io is also a great tool for prototyping, offering an easy way to create interactive and realistic prototypes without any coding.

Strengths

Proto.io is user-friendly and allows you to build fully interactive prototypes that look and feel like the real thing. It supports a wide range of gestures and animations, making your prototypes highly dynamic. Proto.io also integrates well with other tools and offers collaboration features, so team members can work together seamlessly.

Weaknesses

Some users find it a bit tricky to learn at first. It can also be slow and use a lot of resources, especially with very detailed prototypes.

Pros

• Easy to create interactive prototypes. 
• Supports gestures and animations.
• Good for team collaboration.

Cons

• Can be hard for beginners
• Uses a lot of computer resources for detailed prototypes.

Pricing

• Free trial available.
• Paid plans start at $24/month.

Marvel is a simple and intuitive UX design tool for creating prototypes, wireframes, and design specs quickly and easily.

Strengths

Marvel is very user-friendly, perfect for quickly turning your ideas into interactive prototypes. You can design directly in the app or import designs from other tools. It also supports user testing and feedback, which helps you improve your designs based on real user insights.

Weaknesses

Marvel’s simplicity can be a downside for more complex projects because it might not have all the advanced features you need. Some users find it works best when used with other design tools.

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Supports user testing and feedback.
• Good for quick prototyping and design specs.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• Best used with other design tools for complex projects.

Pricing

• Free plan available
• Paid plans start at $9/month.

Framer is another powerful tool for creating interactive prototypes with advanced animations and interactions.

Strengths

Framer is great for adding detailed animations and interactions to your prototypes, making them feel very real. It’s perfect for designers who want to create high-fidelity prototypes. Framer also allows you to use code for even more customization, giving you a lot of control over your designs.

Weaknesses

Framer can be a bit overwhelming for beginners due to its advanced features and the option to use code. It might take some time to learn how to use all of its capabilities effectively.

Pros

• Excellent for high -fidelity prototypes.
• Supports advanced animations and interactions.
• Allows for coding for more customization.

Cons

• Can be difficult for beginners.
• Takes time to learn.

Pricing

• Free plan available
• Paid plans start at $15/month.

This tool from Facebook, Origami Studio, is another excellent choice for creating interactive prototypes.

Strengths

It’s fantastic for creating detailed animations and interactions, making your prototypes feel very real. It gives you a lot of control over your designs and integrates well with Sketch, so you can easily import your designs.

Weaknesses

Origami Studio can be quite hard for beginners because of its many advanced features. It might take some time to learn how to use everything.

Pros

• Great for detailed animations and interactions.
• Lots of control over designs.
• Works well with Sketch.

Cons

• Can be hard for beginners.
• Takes time to learn.

Pricing

• Free to use.

Figma is another known tool for its collaborative design features and cloud-based approach.

Strengths

Figma is known for its real-time collaboration features, making it great for remote teams. Its cloud-based nature allows access from any device with internet access. Also, Figma integrates well with various tools like Slack and Jira, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Weaknesses

Figma’s performance depends on internet speed due to being cloud-based. Some advanced prototyping features are still under development, which might limit its functionality for certain projects.

Pros

• Free version with basic features.
• Strong focus on team collaboration.
• Continuous updates and improvements.

Cons

• Advanced features require a subscription.
• Performance can vary based on internet connection.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $15/month.

When it comes to low-fidelity wireframe, having the right wireframe tool can make a big difference in quickly sketching out ideas and structures. Let’s look at some top tools for low-fidelity wireframing and information architecture, starting with Justinmind.

Strengths

Justinmind isn’t just for high-fidelity prototyping; it’s also great for low-fidelity wireframing. You can quickly sketch out ideas and structure your designs before diving into more detailed work. Its integration with other tools like Sketch and Adobe XD makes it versatile for both quick sketches and detailed prototypes.

Weaknesses

While Justinmind offers many features, its extensive capabilities can be overwhelming for simple wireframing tasks, especially for beginners.

Pros

• Free version available with basic features.
• Versatile for both low-fidelity and high-fidelity designs.
• Good integration with other design tools.

Cons

• Overwhelming for simple tasks.
• Learning curve for beginners.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $19/month.

Balsamiq is a popular UX design tool specifically designed for low-fidelity wireframing.

Strengths

Balsamiq is pretty simple to make it ideal for quickly sketching out wireframes. The interface is easy to use, and it offers a range of basic UI components that help visualize ideas fast.

Weaknesses

Its simplicity can be a drawback if you need more advanced features. It’s strictly for wireframing so you don’t need other tools for more detailed designed work.

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Perfect for quick sketches.
• Affordable pricing.

Cons

• Limited to wireframing.
• Lacks advanced prototyping features.

Pricing

• Free 30-day trial.
• Plans start at $9/month.

FlowMapp is a fantastic UX design tool for designing information architecture and user flows.

Strengths

FlowMapp is really good at creating sitemaps, user flows, and other aspects of information architecture. It helps you plan and structure your website or app effectively. 

Weaknesses

FlowMapp is not a traditional tool so you might need to use it alongside other tools for a complete design process.

Pros

• Great for planning sitemaps and user flows.
• Easy to use with a clear interface.
• Focused on information architecture.

Cons

• Not suitable for detailed wireframes or prototypes.
• Requires additional tools for full design work.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $15/month.

Moqups is another versatile UX design tool for wireframing and mockups.

Strengths

Moqups offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features for wireframing, mockups, and diagrams. It’s web-based, so you can access it from anywhere. 

Weaknesses

While versatile, it may not have as many advanced features as some other tools.

Pros

• Easy to use and accessible online.
• Versatile for wireframing and mockups.
• Real-time collaboration features.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• May require other tools for detailed design work.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $12/month.

Wireframe.cc is a simple and intuitive UX design tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes.

Strengths

Wireframe.cc is known for its minimalist interface, making it easy to quickly sketch out ideas without distractions. It provides a clean and straightforward canvas, allowing you to focus on the basics of your design.

Weaknesses

Because it’s so simple, it lacks advanced features and might not be suitable for more complex projects.

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Clean, minimalist interface.
• Great for quick, low-fidelity wireframes.

Cons

• Limited features.
• Not ideal for detailed designs or high-fidelity prototypes.

Pricing

• Paid plans start at $9/month.

Whimsical is an easy-to-use UX design tool that’s great for creating low-fidelity wireframes and diagrams.

Strengths

This tool is perfect for quickly sketching out wireframes with its intuitive interface. It includes features for flowcharts, mind maps, and sticky notes, making it versatile for various types of diagrams. Its real-time collaboration features are excellents for team projects.

Weaknesses

Whimiscal’s simplicity might not meet the needs of more complex projects that require advanced features.

Pros

• Very easy to use.
• Versatile for different types of diagrams.
• Great real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• May not be suitable for complex projects.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $10/month.

MockFlow is a handy UX design tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes and planning your projects.

Strengths

MockFlow is simple and straightforward, making it easy to quickly create wireframes. It offers a variety of templates and components to help you visualize your ideas. The tool also supports collaboration, so you can work with your team in real-time.

Weaknesses

MockFlow may lack some advanced features that are available in other wireframing tools, making it less suitable for complex projects.

Pros

• Easy to use.
• Good selection of templates and components.
• Supports real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• May not be ideal for complex projects.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $14/month.

Pencil Project is a free and open-source UX design tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes and mockups.

Strengths

Pencil Project is easy to use and offers a range of built-in shapes and elements to help you quickly create wireframes. It’s a great option for those who want a simple, cost-effective tool for basic wireframing tasks.

Weaknesses

Because it’s free and open-source, Pencil Project lacks some of the advanced features and support that paid tools offer. It may not be suitable for more complex projects that require detailed design work.

Pros

• Free to use.
• Easy to use with built-in shapes and elements.
• Great for basic wireframing tasks.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• No professional support.

Pricing

• Free to use.

NinjaMock is a user-friendly UX design tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes quickly and efficiently.

Strengths

NinjaMock is designed to make wireframing fast and easy. It offers a drag-and-drop interface with a variety of built-in elements, allowing you to sketch out ideas quickly. It also supports collaboration, so your team can work together in real-time.

Weaknesses

NinjaMock is easy to use but might not have all the features for complex projects. It’s great for basic layouts, but you might need something else for detailed designs.

Pros

• Easy to use with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Quick wireframing with built-in elements.
• Supports real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• May need additional tools for complex projects.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $8/month.

Our last tool on the list is Fluid UI, a great UX design tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes and prototypes.

Strengths

Fluid UI is super easy to use with its drag and drop to quickly build wireframes and prototypes. It has lots of ready-made parts to help you visualize your ideas. Plus, everyone can work on it together at the same time.

Weaknesses

The simplicity of Fluid UI may not be enough for more complex projects that need advanced features and customization.

Pros

• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
• Wide range of pre-built components and templates.
• Supports real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• May not be suitable for complex projects.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $15/month.

Flowcharts are essential for planning and visualizing the flow of your design. Let’s check out some of the best UX design tools for creating flowcharts, starting with Justinmind.

Justinmind is also an amazing UX tool for making flowcharts. It’s packed with features that help you map out user journeys clearly and effectively.

Strengths

Justinmind is excellent for creating detailed flowcharts. It has lots of features that let you map out the user journey clearly. Plus, it integrates well with other design tools, so you can easily import and export elements. This makes it versatile for both simple and complex flowchart needs.

Weaknesses

Justinmind can be a bit too much for simple flowcharts, making it harder for beginners. But once you get used to it, it can really improve your design process.

Pros

• Great for detailed flowcharts.
• Works well with other design tools.
• Lots of support and resources.
• Good for both simple and complex projects.

Cons

• Too advanced for basic flowcharts.
• Can be hard to learn at first.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $19/month.

Lucidchart is a top choice for creating flowcharts and diagrams.

Strengths

Lucidchart is very user-friendly, making it easy to create and share flowcharts. It’s web-based, so you can collaborate with team members in real-time from any device.

Weaknesses

Some of the best features are only available if you pay for the more expensive plans. This might not be good for users who just start using the product or small teams.

Pros

• Easy to use with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Real-time collaboration.
• Accessible from any device with internet.

Cons

• Advanced features require a paid plan.
• Can be pricey for small teams.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $9/month.

Cacoo is a collaborative UX design tool that makes creating flowcharts, wireframes, and diagrams easy.

Strengths

• Real-time collaboration.
• Wide range of templates and shapes.
• Integrates with tools like Google Drive and Confluence.

Weaknesses

• Some features require a subscription.

Pros

• User-friendly interface.
• Versatile for various design tasks.
• Accessible from any device with internet.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $6/month per user.

Draw.io is a free tool that’s great for creating all kinds of diagrams, including flowcharts.

Strengths

Draw.io offers a wide range of diagramming tools and is completely free. It integrates with Google Drive, making it easy to save and share your work.

Weaknesses

Unlike paid tools, the free one doesn’t have all the advanced features or customer support.

Pros

• Completely free to use.
• Wide range of diagramming tools.
• Integrates with Google Drive.

Cons

• Limited advanced features.
• No professional support.

Pricing

• Free plan available up to 10 users, after that $1.70 per user average.

Miro is a user-friendly UX design tool for creating flowcharts and wireframes. It’s web-based, so you can collaborate with your team in real-time from any device. Miro offers many templates and integrates well with tools like Slack and Jira, making it great for brainstorming and design tasks.

Strengths

• Easy real-time collaboration.
• Lots of templates.
• Integrates with popular tools.

Weaknesses

• Some advanced features need a subscription.

Pros

• Simple to use.
• Versatile for different tasks.
• Accessible from anywhere with internet.

Cons

• Can be expensive for small teams.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $8/month per user.

Gliffy is another great tool for creating flowcharts and diagrams.

Strengths

Gliffy is very intuitive and easy to use. It offers a variety of templates and shapes, making it easy to create professional-looking flowcharts. Gliffy is web-based, so you can work from any device and collaborate with your team or individuals.

Weaknesses

Not all features are free. If you’re a small team or working alone, you might find the paid plan too expensive.

Pros

• User-friendly interface.
• Wide range of templates and shapes.
• Real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Advanced features required a paid plan.
• Can be pricey for small teams.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $8/month per user.

Next on our list is Visio, a well-known tool for creating flowcharts and diagrams.

Strengths

Visio is very powerful and offers a wide range of templates and shapes, making it perfect for complex flowcharts. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office tools, which is great if you’re already using that ecosystem.

Weaknesses

Visio can be a bit tricky to learn, especially for new users. It’s also on the expensive side, wich can be tough for small teams or individuals.

Pros

• Very powerful and flexible.
• Wide range of templates and shapes.
• Integrates well with Microsoft Office tools.

Cons

• Can be hard to learn.
• Expensive for small teams.

Pricing

• Free trial available.
• Paid plans start at $5/month for the online version and $15/month for the desktop version.

Creately is another great tool for making flowcharts and diagrams.

Strengths

Createky is easy to use and offers a wide variety of templates and shapes. It supports real-time collaboration, letting your team work together. Creately is web-based, so you can access your work from anywhere. 

Weaknesses

Some advanced features are locked behind higher-priced plans, which can be tricky for smaller teams or individuals.

Pros

• User-friendly and easy to use.
• Wide range of templates and shapes.
• Supports real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Some advanced features require a paid plan.
• Can be expensive for small teams.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at $5/month per user.

OmniGraffle is a powerful UX design tool for creating detailed flowcharts and diagrams.

Strengths

OmniGraffle offers a variety of tools for creating complex diagrams, with lots of templates and stencils to help you get started quickly. It’s great for users in the Apple ecosystem, supporting macOS and iOS, including features for the Apple Pencil and Touch Bar. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to drag and drop elements into your designs.

Weaknesses

OmniGraffle can be a bit complex for new users, and it doesn’t support real-time collaboration, which might be a downside for teams needing to work together live. It’s also relatively expensive, especially for small teams.

Pros

• Powerful diagramming tools.
• Lots of templates and stencils.
• Great for Apple users with macOS and iOS support.

Cons

• Can be hard to learn at first.
• Doesn’t support real-time collaboration.
• Expensive for small teams.

Pricing

• Free trial available.
• Paid plans start at $12.49/month.

Lastly, we have MindMeister, a great tool for creating flowcharts and mind maps.

Strengths

MindMeister is very easy to use and perfect for brainstorming and organizing ideas. It supports real-time collaboration, so your team can work together from anywhere. MindMeister is web-based, which means you can access it from any device with an internet connection.

Weaknesses

MindMeister is more focused on mind mapping and may not have all the advanced features needed for very detailed flowcharts.

Pros

• Easy to use.
• Great for brainstorming and organizing ideas.
• Real-time collaboration.

Cons

• Limited advanced features for detailed flowcharts.
• Some features require a paid plan.

Pricing

• Free plan available.
• Paid plans start at €6.50/month per user.

We’ve talked about the best UX design tools for prototyping, wireframing, and flowchart creation. Now, let’s discuss the differences between UI and UX design tools. Knowing the difference will help you pick the right tool for your project.

UX design tools focus on how users interact with a product. They help create wireframes, prototypes, and user flows. These tools make sure the product is easy to use and meets user needs. 

UI design tools are about the look and feel of a product. They help design layouts, choose color schemes, and create visual elements. These tools make the product visually appealing. 

• Focus: UX tools enhance user experience, while UI tools enhance visual design.
• Functions: UX tools handle usability and interaction; UI tools handle aesthetics and layout.
• Integration: tools like Justinmind work for both UI and UX, providing a bridge between visual and functional design aspects.

As we mentioned above, choosing the right UX and UI design tools depends on what you need. UX tools focus on making sure the product is user-friendly, while UI tools focus on making the product look good. Justinmind is a versatile choice because it covers both UI and UX. 

For more info, check out our guides and comparisons on the best UI design tools.