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Comparison · Vector graphics editors

Adobe Illustrator vs Affinity: which is better in 2026?

Adobe IllustratorvsAffinity

Affinity ranks higher in our list of vector graphics editors (#1 against #2, score 92.0 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

Choose Adobe Illustrator if you want

Professional logo, icon and illustration work.

The industry-standard vector editor, with the deepest drawing, type and artboard tools and files that printers and agencies expect. It is subscription-only, unlike Affinity (free) and Inkscape (open source).

Choose Affinity if you want

Free vector and photo work in one app.

Free vector drawing with pixel editing and page layout in one app, and it imports AI, PSD and SVG files. It runs only on Windows and Mac for now, and the iPad version is still in development.

The main differences

  • Affinity can be used for free; Adobe Illustrator requires payment.

Side by side

Adobe IllustratorAffinity
Score90.092.0
Rank in list#2 of 7#1 of 7
PriceSubscriptionCreative Cloud subscription; a free trial is offeredFreeFree with a Canva account; Canva AI tools need a premium plan
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSiPadOSWindows, macOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSWindows, macOS
Made byAdobeCanva
Best forProfessional logo, icon and illustration workFree vector and photo work in one app
Strengths
  • Industry-standard vector toolset
  • Files accepted by printers and agencies
  • Integrates with Photoshop and other Adobe apps
  • Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
  • Core tools are free with a Canva account
Limits
  • Subscription only
  • Steeper learning curve than simpler vector tools
  • Needs a Canva account to download
  • No iPad version yet
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Adobe Illustrator vs Affinity

Is Affinity better than Adobe Illustrator?
Affinity ranks higher in our list of vector graphics editors (#1 against #2, score 92.0 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Adobe Illustrator is best for: professional logo, icon and illustration work. Affinity is best for: free vector and photo work in one app.
Which is cheaper, Adobe Illustrator or Affinity?
Adobe Illustrator: Creative Cloud subscription; a free trial is offered. Affinity: Free with a Canva account; Canva AI tools need a premium plan.
Do Adobe Illustrator and Affinity run on the same platforms?
Adobe Illustrator supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS. Affinity supports Windows, macOS.