Best Tools for Product Design in 2025

As we step into 2025, indie hackers and solo developers are faced with a myriad of options for product design tools. The right software can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and ultimately lead to better products. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best product design tools available this year, updated for January 2026.

1. Figma

Pricing: Free (with paid plans starting at $12/month)

Key Features:

• Collaborative design in real-time
• Design systems and component libraries
• Prototyping capabilities

Best Use Cases: Ideal for teams needing real-time collaboration and feedback on designs.

2. Sketch

Pricing: $99/year per device

Key Features:

• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Vector editing tools
• Symbols for reusable design elements

Best Use Cases: Great for macOS users focused on UI/UX design.

3. Adobe XD

Pricing: Free (with paid plans starting at $9.99/month)

Key Features:

• Integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud
• Responsive resize options
• Voice prototyping

Best Use Cases: Perfect for designers already embedded in the Adobe ecosystem.

4. InVision

Pricing: Free (with paid plans starting at $7.95/month)

Key Features:

• Interactive prototypes
• Design collaboration tools
• Feedback and comment features

Best Use Cases: Best for teams looking to gather feedback on prototypes before development.

5. Canva

Pricing: Free (with Pro at $12.99/month)

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface
• Extensive template library
• Team collaboration features

Best Use Cases: Excellent for quick graphics and marketing material design.

6. Affinity Designer

Pricing: One-time payment of $54.99

Key Features:

• Vector and raster design capabilities
• Non-destructive editing
• Advanced typography tools

Best Use Cases: Suitable for designers looking for a powerful alternative to Adobe products without a subscription.

7. Marvel

Pricing: Free (with paid plans starting at $12/month)

Key Features:

• Simple prototyping and user testing
• Handoff features for developers
• Integrations with other tools

Best Use Cases: Ideal for rapid prototyping and user testing.

8. Framer

Pricing: Free (with paid plans starting at $19/month)

Key Features:

• Code-based design for advanced users
• High-fidelity prototypes
• Interactive design elements

Best Use Cases: Best for developers looking to bridge design and code.

9. Balsamiq

Pricing: $9/month or $89/year

Key Features:

• Low-fidelity wireframing
• User-friendly interface
• Focus on structure over details

Best Use Cases: Great for quick wireframes and brainstorming sessions.

10. Axure RP

Pricing: $29/month

Key Features:

• Advanced prototyping with conditional logic
• Documentation features
• Collaboration tools

Best Use Cases: Best for complex projects requiring detailed specifications and interactions.

Comparison Table

| Tool | Pricing | Key Features | Best Use Cases | |----------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Figma | Free/$12/month | Real-time collaboration, design systems | Collaborative teams | | Sketch | $99/year | Plugin ecosystem, vector editing | macOS UI/UX design | | Adobe XD | Free/$9.99/month | Integration with Adobe, voice prototyping | Adobe users | | InVision | Free/$7.95/month | Interactive prototypes, feedback features | Feedback on prototypes | | Canva | Free/$12.99/month | Templates, drag-and-drop | Quick graphics | | Affinity Designer | $54.99 (one-time) | Vector/raster capabilities, typography tools | Alternative to Adobe | | Marvel | Free/$12/month | Prototyping, integrations | Rapid prototyping | | Framer | Free/$19/month | Code-based design, high-fidelity prototypes | Developers | | Balsamiq | $9/month/$89/year | Low-fidelity wireframing | Quick brainstorming | | Axure RP | $29/month | Advanced prototyping, documentation | Complex projects |

Conclusion

Choosing the right product design tool is essential for indie hackers and solo developers aiming to build effective, user-friendly products. Each tool offers unique features tailored to different needs and workflows.

For an in-depth look at what tools Sam and Jordan are currently exploring for their projects, listen to the Built This Week podcast, where they share real product launches and AI tools in action.