Choosing tools for prototyping UX designs shouldn’t be based solely on the most popular apps. Product teams need to consider the level of fidelity, the interactions to be tested, collaboration access, developer needs, cost, and the researcher’s ability to observe users. A tool suitable for wireframing a landing page might not be adequate for simulating an app with branching conditions.
This guide compares seven options that are relevant in 2026 and explains when each is worth using. The previous draft still included InVision, which will be discontinued at the end of 2024, and Adobe XD, which is in its infancy. maintenance mode. Both pieces of information were corrected so that the team would not select software based on outdated recommendations.
Comparison of 7 UX prototyping tools for different needs
| Tools | Best use | Main advantages | Limits that need to be tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figma | UI and collaborative prototyping | Components, interactions, variables | Advanced features depend on the package |
| Penpot | Open systems design based team | Open source collaboration and workflow | Check out team-specific integrations |
| Axure RP | Complex business flow | Dynamic panels and conditional logic | Higher learning curve |
| ProtoPie | High fidelity interactions | Realistic triggers and experiences | Need package/license evaluation |
| Sketch | Mac-based interface design | Native Mac and prototype preview | The main workflow editor on Mac |
| Framer | Website prototype to publication | Responsiveness and interactive sites | Not a substitute for all UX research |
| Maze | Prototype testing | Task testing and participant analysis | Complementary, not the main UI editor |
How to determine prototype needs before choosing tools?
Start with the user problem and the experiment goal. understanding prototype helps to standardize the definition of artifacts, whereas prototype type explain the difference between low-fidelity and high-fidelity. For organizations conducting research for the first time, product prototyping stages provides a clearer sequence: hypothesis, wireframe, interactive prototype, test, revision, then handoff.
Use the principle design thinking: Don’t rush into a complete design before understanding the real problem. The best test isn’t the prettiest prototype, but rather one that can confirm or disprove product assumptions.
1. Figma: recommendations for UI/UX collaboration
Figma It’s perfect for product teams, agencies, and designers who need components, design systems, commenting, real-time collaboration, and prototyping. The official documentation explains the use of variables, modes, and actions to create more realistic interactions, such as changing shopping cart values without duplicating too many frames.
When is Figma the right choice?
Use for websites, dashboards, and multi-page applications with multiple stakeholders. Consider the package before using the advanced prototyping features, as some capabilities are only available on certain plans. Results should still be tested using usability testing to potential users, not just getting management approval.
2. Penpot: an open source based option
Penpot Relevant for teams that value open systems design, collaborative work, and relationships between designers and developers. Review the prototyping, hosting, and integration documentation features that are truly needed. Teams with specific security or infrastructure requirements should evaluate deployment models separately.
For startups, connectivity with product development more important than the free label. The costs of file migration, training, licensing, and collaboration can exceed the subscription cost of the software itself.
3. Axure RP: prototypes with complex branching and logic
Axure RP stands out for multi-step form simulation, input validation, data tables, approval workflows, and conditions if/else. The official documentation covers dynamic panels and conditional logic, so the prototype can change based on user conditions.
Axure is perfect for B2B systems and internal applications with many business rules. If you just need a simple, responsive landing page, the complexity may not be worth it. Ensure the flow mobile-friendly design and page testing still uses realistic device scenarios.
4. ProtoPie: an interactive experience that is close to the product
ProtoPie It can be considered for advanced prototypes that require complex interactions and device behavior. Its added value comes when teams need to test how users respond to transitions, gestures, or interface logic, rather than simply moving static frames.
Before committing, write down three interactions that must be demonstrated in the demo. Evaluate whether the test results can be translated into clear data through data visualization and whether the prototype truly reduces the risk of development investment.
5. Sketch: The interface editor of choice for the Mac ecosystem
Sketch offers a design workflow and prototype preview on the Mac, as well as playback access via the web and supported devices. The Sketch guide, updated in August 2026, explains how to test links, hotspots, and start points from the preview view.
Sketch appeals to teams already familiar with Macs. However, don’t let one designer’s device preference be the sole criterion when cross-platform teams need to collaborate.
6. Framer: From interactive design to public website
Framer is closer to creating visual, publishable websites. For agencies testing landing pages, Framer can accelerate experimentation with responsive layouts and real-world content. But the experience of testing a live website still isn’t the same as validating all the requirements of a complex product.
For a dynamic website system, combine adequate design and tracking. For example, when targeting leads, first define conversion rate optimization and how to evaluate cara mengetahui conversion rate before judging the prototype’s success.
7. Maze: Focus on testing, not just drawing screens
Maze can be used for user research, testing scenarios, and compiling findings from interactions with prototypes created in other tools. This is important because a designer’s preferred look may not be effective for the actual audience. Understand sampling bias, task context, and whether respondents fit the target profile.
Use competitor analysis to look for solution patterns in similar product categories, but don’t copy a competitor’s interface without considering user problems and the product identity you want to create.
Legacy tools: InVision, Adobe XD, and Webflow need to be positioned appropriately
InVision is no longer an active service option
InVision announced it is discontinuing its services on December 31, 2024. A new recommendation for teams starting projects in 2026 is to not list it as a registrable tool.
Adobe XD is in maintenance mode
Adobe states that Adobe XD doesn’t receive ongoing new feature development and is focused on supporting existing customers. Legacy design archives may still require XD, but investment plans for new tools should take that into account.
Webflow is not a replacement for all UX prototyping tools.
Webflow is relevant when teams want to build and publish websites, while branching-based application simulations or qualitative research may require other software. Make your decision carefully. working framework evaluation that prioritizes needs, not a list of promotional features.
Image documentation of the seven tools in the previous article
The following Figma, Adobe XD, Maze, InVision, Webflow, Axure, and Sketch screenshots are archived for illustration purposes. Some screenshots are from legacy interfaces and do not represent the current status of services and plans for 2026.
View 7 original screenshots
Practical UX prototyping workflow for agency teams
Stage 1: Develop hypotheses and user journey
Map business friction points, user segments, and test conditions. For multi-channel businesses, digital marketing channels helps align touchpoints before testing.
Stage 2: Design the prototype as needed
Limit the screens to the core flow. In a signup experiment, the key parts might be the form, error messages, and confirmation page. prototyping for entrepreneurs helps business founders assess whether the prototype is adequate to demonstrate the solution.
Stage 3: Test and measure results
Establish indicators before testing: task completion, errors, duration, and participant comments. When business metrics are involved, don’t claim a design causes a particular outcome without proper evaluation. The design-marketing relationship strategy explains why marketing also needs to pay attention to design quality.
Stage 4: Document the handoff
Include states, components, behaviors, and evidence-based decisions. The content planner team can help prepare test content that is language-appropriate so that the prototype doesn’t just display lorem ipsum.
FAQ about UX design prototyping tools
1. What is a UX prototype?
An early representation of a product’s flow and interface to evaluate ideas before full implementation.
2. What are the best tools for beginners?
Figma and Penpot can be a good starting point, depending on your collaboration needs, licensing, and teamwork structure.
3. Is a prototype the same as a wireframe?
No. Wireframes often describe structure, while prototypes can add interactions and flow.
4. Can Figma create interactive prototypes?
Yes, including interactions, variables, and states within the applicable plan limits.
5. Will InVision still be active in 2026?
No. InVision service was discontinued on December 31, 2024.
6. Is Adobe XD still being developed?
Adobe says the product is in maintenance mode and not focused on developing new features.
7. Does Maze create UI designs?
Maze is better known for research and testing; UI designs can be created in other applications.
8. What are the benefits of Axure for companies?
Axure makes it easy to simulate complex flows, conditions, and dynamic panels in prototypes.
9. Does a prototype need to be high fidelity?
No. Choose the level of detail based on the assumptions you need to test and the cost of the experiment.
10. Can prototyping tools replace user research?
No. Testing still requires relevant participants and careful interpretation of findings.
11. How to choose tools for a startup?
Consider team capabilities, product complexity, handoff requirements, and total cost.
12. How to assess prototype success?
Measure task completion, obstacles, user feedback, and hypothesis validation, not just visual appeal.
External references
- Figma — prototyping with variables
- Axure — conditional logic
- Sketch — previewing prototypes
- Adobe — XD maintenance mode
- InVision — discontinuation announcement
