Comparison · UI design tools

Lunacy vs Sketch: which is better in 2026?

Sketch ranks higher in our list of UI design tools (#3 against #6, score 86.0 against 80.5).

How we rank Share

  • 80.5
    Editorial score
    86.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    4
  • Yes
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Lunacy if you want

Free desktop UI design with offline use.

A free UI design app with native builds for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus auto layout, prototyping and offline use. The site names a free and a paid license without explaining the difference, so check the terms before commercial use.

Choose Sketch if you want

Native Mac interface design.

A native Mac app for interface design, with a web app and iPhone and iPad apps. It is subscription-based and has no native Windows app, though its web app runs in any browser.

The main differences

  • Only Lunacy runs on Linux.
  • Only Lunacy runs on Windows.
  • Only Sketch runs on iOS.
  • Lunacy can be used for free; Sketch requires payment.

Side by side

LunacySketch
Score80.586.0
Rank in list#6 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree download; a paid license is also listedSubscriptionSubscription plans for individuals and teams; Mac-only license option
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSLinuxWebWindows, macOS, Linux, WebmacOSWebiPadOS, iOSmacOS, Web, iPadOS, iOS
Made byIcons8Sketch B.V.
Best forFree desktop UI design with offline useNative Mac interface design
Strengths
  • Free desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Works offline as well as in the browser
  • Built-in icons, illustrations and UI kits
  • Native Mac app with a web app
  • Discounts for education and non-profits
Limits
  • Free and paid license terms are named but not explained on the page
  • Self-hosted Lunacy Cloud needs your own server or VPS
  • No native Windows app
  • Subscription pricing by plan
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Lunacy vs Sketch

Is Sketch better than Lunacy?
Sketch ranks higher in our list of UI design tools (#3 against #6, score 86.0 against 80.5). Lunacy is best for: free desktop UI design with offline use. Sketch is best for: native Mac interface design.
Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Sketch?
Lunacy: Free download; a paid license is also listed. Sketch: Subscription plans for individuals and teams; Mac-only license option.
Do Lunacy and Sketch run on the same platforms?
Lunacy supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Web. Sketch supports macOS, Web, iPadOS, iOS.