Adobe XD vs GIMP: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
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Adobe XD
Design Tools
86
SoftScout Score
VS
🖌️
GIMP
Design Tools
86
SoftScout Score

Quick Comparison

Adobe XD
GIMP
Starting Price
$9.99/mo
Free
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
3M+
10M+
Founded
2016
1996
Rating
4.3/5
4.3/5
Best For
Adobe Creative Cloud users designing UI and protot...
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Adobe XDGIMP
85Ease of Use88
90Features90
84Value for Money90
81Customer Support81
83Integrations83
84Mobile App84
AI Verdict

Adobe XD leads with a SoftScout Score of 86 vs 86 for GIMP. Adobe XD is best suited for Adobe Creative Cloud users designing UI and prototypes, while GIMP excels for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.

CHOOSE ADOBE XD IF:

Adobe Creative Cloud users designing UI and prototypes.

CHOOSE GIMP IF:

Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adobe XD better than GIMP?
Adobe XD scores 86/100 on SoftScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe XD is best for Adobe Creative Cloud users designing UI and prototypes. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Does Adobe XD have a free plan?
No, Adobe XD does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $9.99/mo.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Can I migrate from Adobe XD to GIMP?
Migration between Adobe XD and GIMP depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Design Tools category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.