Best Tools for Building Prototypes in 2025

As we dive into 2025, the landscape for prototype development has evolved significantly. For indie builders and product developers, having the right tools can make or break your project. Here’s a curated list of the best tools for building prototypes this year, complete with pricing, key features, and best use cases.

1. Figma

• Pricing: Free plan available; Pro starts at $15/month.
• Key Features: Collaborative design, prototyping, design systems, plugins.
• Use Cases: Best for UI/UX designers looking to create interactive prototypes.

2. Adobe XD

• Pricing: Free starter plan; paid plans start at $9.99/month.
• Key Features: Vector design tools, voice prototyping, integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Use Cases: Ideal for designers already using Adobe products who need advanced prototyping features.

3. Sketch

• Pricing: $99/year per device.
• Key Features: Vector editing, plugins, collaboration tools.
• Use Cases: Perfect for macOS users focused on web and mobile app design.

4. InVision

• Pricing: Free for one prototype; paid plans start at $7.95/month.
• Key Features: Interactive prototypes, user testing, collaboration features.
• Use Cases: Great for teams needing to test designs with stakeholders.

5. Proto.io

• Pricing: Free trial; paid plans start at $24/month.
• Key Features: Drag-and-drop interface, mobile-friendly prototypes, user testing.
• Use Cases: Best for non-designers who want to create quick prototypes without coding.

6. Marvel App

• Pricing: Free for basic use; paid plans start at $12/month.
• Key Features: Simple design tools, user testing, handoff to developers.
• Use Cases: Good for quick mockups and feedback collection.

7. Axure RP

• Pricing: Starts at $29/month.
• Key Features: Advanced interactions, conditional logic, documentation tools.
• Use Cases: Best for complex projects that require detailed specifications.

8. Framer

• Pricing: Free for personal use; paid plans start at $19/month.
• Key Features: Code-based prototyping, responsive design, real-time collaboration.
• Use Cases: Ideal for developers looking to create high-fidelity prototypes with real code.

9. Balsamiq

• Pricing: $89 for a single-user license.
• Key Features: Low-fidelity wireframing, drag-and-drop interface, collaboration.
• Use Cases: Best for quick wireframes and brainstorming sessions.

10. Webflow

• Pricing: Free starter plan; paid plans start at $12/month.
• Key Features: Visual web design, CMS capabilities, responsive design.
• Use Cases: Ideal for building responsive web prototypes without needing to code.

Comparison Table

| Tool | Pricing | Key Features | Best Use Case | |-------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Figma | Free / $15/month | Collaborative design, plugins | UI/UX design | | Adobe XD | Free / $9.99/month | Vector tools, voice prototyping | Adobe users | | Sketch | $99/year | Vector editing, plugins | Mac users | | InVision | Free / $7.95/month | Interactive prototypes, user testing | Team collaboration | | Proto.io | Free trial / $24/month | Drag-and-drop, user testing | Non-designers | | Marvel App | Free / $12/month | Simple design, handoff to developers | Quick mockups | | Axure RP | $29/month | Advanced interactions, documentation | Complex projects | | Framer | Free / $19/month | Code-based, real-time collaboration | Developer-centric prototypes | | Balsamiq | $89/license | Low-fidelity wireframing | Quick brainstorming | | Webflow | Free / $12/month | Visual design, responsive prototypes | Web design without coding |

Conclusion

In 2025, these tools will empower indie builders and solo founders to create effective prototypes that resonate with users. Each tool has its strengths, so choose based on your specific needs and project requirements.

For more insights and updates on what indie builders are creating, listen to the Built This Week podcast. Sam and Jordan share their journey, real product launches, and practical tips for busy founders.