Adobe Illustrator vs Affinity Designer: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Adobe Illustrator
Affinity Designer
Starting Price
$20.99/mo
$169.99 one-time
Free Plan
No
No
Users
25M+
3M+
Founded
1987
2014
Rating
4.7/5
4.7/5
Best For
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector...
Freelance designers wanting professional tools wit...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Adobe IllustratorAffinity Designer
93Ease of Use93
98Features98
92Value for Money92
89Customer Support89
91Integrations91
92Mobile App92
AI Verdict
Adobe Illustrator leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 94 for Affinity Designer. Adobe Illustrator is best suited for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos, while Affinity Designer excels for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.
CHOOSE ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR IF:
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos.
CHOOSE AFFINITY DESIGNER IF:
Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Illustrator better than Affinity Designer?
Adobe Illustrator scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to Affinity Designer's 94/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe Illustrator is best for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos. Affinity Designer is best for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs.
Does Adobe Illustrator have a free plan?
No, Adobe Illustrator does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Does Affinity Designer have a free plan?
No, Affinity Designer does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $169.99 one-time.
Can I migrate from Adobe Illustrator to Affinity Designer?
Migration between Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer 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.