Best UI Prototyping Tools Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best UI prototyping tools:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
The best UI prototyping tools help product managers, designers, and developers quickly turn ideas into interactive mockups, validate concepts early, and collaborate across teams.
When you’re working under tight deadlines with complex requirements, unclear design feedback or disjointed workflows can stall progress and lead to costly rework. The right tool facilitates smoother handoffs, supports real-time iteration, and ensures everyone stays aligned from concept to final build.
After hands-on testing and comparison, I’ve shortlisted options that balance speed, usability, and functionality to help your team move from vision to validated design with confidence.
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Best UI Prototyping Tools Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top UI prototyping tool selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for real-time collaboration | Free plan available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for team collaboration | Free plan available | From $24.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best for simplicity and ease of use | 7-day free trial + free plan available | From $16/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
4 | Best for low-fidelity wireframes | 30-day free trial | From $12/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for design system integration | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $6/user/month | Website | |
6 | Best for rapid prototyping | Free plan available | From $8.25/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best for web and mobile wireframes | Free trial available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
8 | Best for macOS users | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
9 | Best for advanced prototyping | 30-day free trial | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
10 | Best for integration with the Adobe suite | 30-day free trial | From $19.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Best UI Prototyping Tool Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best UI prototyping tools that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Figma is a collaborative design platform for creating interactive UI prototypes, enabling realistic, clickable mockups that demonstrate user flows and interface behavior before development. It lets teams connect screens, define interactions, and preview designs across devices to validate ideas and refine usability early.
Why I picked Figma: Figma’s prototyping tools let you quickly transform static designs into interactive experiences. You can link screens with transitions, add animations, and adjust interaction details in real time while collaborating with your team. Its native integration with the design workspace means you can update layouts and immediately see changes reflected in the prototype, speeding up iteration and ensuring accurate feedback during reviews.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include auto-layout for responsive design and vector networks for flexible illustration. Robust prototyping tools enable the creation of interactive designs. A vast library of design assets helps speed up the design process.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Trello, Asana, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zeplin, Notion, and Abstract.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use for beginners
- Offers extensive design libraries
- Supports multiple simultaneous users
Cons:
- Requires learning for advanced features
- Performance lags with large files
Mockplus is a prototyping tool aimed at designers and product teams who need to create interactive prototypes quickly. It offers a platform for collaborative design, allowing teams to work together efficiently on user interfaces.
Why I picked Mockplus: Mockplus supports UI prototyping with a drag-and-drop editor and a library of pre-designed components and icons. You can quickly link screens, add interactions, and create realistic user flows for web and mobile projects. Built-in sharing and testing features make it easy to gather feedback and refine prototypes with your team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the design process. Mockplus offers a wide range of pre-designed components and icons to accelerate prototyping. You can share and test prototypes quickly, making it easy to gather feedback from your team.
Integrations include Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, Axure, Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides pre-designed components
- Quick design setup with drag-and-drop
- Supports real-time team collaboration
Cons:
- Performance issues with large projects
- Limited advanced prototyping features
Marvel is a design and prototyping tool aimed at designers and teams who need an easy-to-use platform for creating interactive prototypes. It provides a straightforward interface for quickly turning ideas into clickable prototypes.
Why I picked Marvel: Marvel’s intuitive interface makes it easy to build interactive UI prototypes without a steep learning curve. You can quickly link screens, add transitions, and simulate user flows to bring designs to life. Built-in user testing tools let you gather feedback directly on prototypes, streamlining the iteration process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include user testing capabilities that allow you to gather feedback directly from your prototypes. The tool's design mode offers a clean environment for creating wireframes and prototypes. You can easily create clickable prototypes with its drag-and-drop interface.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Trello, Confluence, Sketch, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Asana, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports user testing
- Quick prototype creation
- Easy to learn and use
Cons:
- Lacks detailed documentation
- Not suitable for complex designs
Balsamiq is a wireframing platform focused on UI prototyping for fast, low-fidelity design. It helps UX designers and teams quickly sketch interface layouts, visualize workflows, and iterate on ideas without getting distracted by visual details.
Why I picked Balsamiq: Balsamiq specializes in creating low-fidelity UI prototypes that help visualize user flows early in the design process. Its drag-and-drop interface and built-in UI components make it easy to assemble and connect screens. This allows teams to test and refine interactions before investing time in high-fidelity design.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies arranging elements on your wireframe. The tool provides a library of UI components, making it easy to build mockups. Balsamiq's sketch-style design keeps your focus on functionality rather than aesthetics.
Integrations include Confluence, Jira, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, FogBugz, XWiki, Basecamp, and Notion.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive UI component library
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Quick to learn and use
Cons:
- Not suitable for detailed mockups
- Limited to low-fidelity designs
UXPin is a prototyping tool designed for teams that need to integrate design systems into their workflow. It caters to UX designers and developers aiming to create consistent and interactive prototypes.
Why I picked UXPin: UXPin enables you to build highly interactive UI prototypes with real data, making user flows more realistic. Its support for conditional interactions lets you simulate complex behaviors and dynamic states. Real-time collaboration ensures your team can refine and test prototypes together.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to incorporate real data into your prototypes, which enhances the realism of your designs. UXPin supports conditional interactions, allowing you to create dynamic user flows. The tool also offers real-time collaboration, making it easy for your team to work together.
Integrations include Sketch, Adobe XD, Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zeplin, and Storybook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports conditional interactions
- Integrates with real data
- Excellent design system support
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Fluid UI is a prototyping tool designed for UX and UI designers who need to create prototypes quickly and efficiently. It enables teams to design and test user interfaces in a collaborative environment.
Why I picked Fluid UI: Rapid prototyping is a key feature, allowing you to create and iterate on designs quickly. The tool's intuitive editor helps you build interfaces without needing to code. Fluid UI offers a library of pre-built components, speeding up the design process. You can also test prototypes in real-time, gathering immediate feedback from your team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly editor that makes building interfaces straightforward. The tool provides a library of pre-built components to help you design quickly. Real-time testing capabilities allow you to gather feedback instantly and iterate on your designs.
Integrations include Slack, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Jira, Confluence, Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, and Asana.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No coding required for prototypes
- Ideal for fast design iterations
- Offers pre-built components
Cons:
- Can feel restrictive for complex designs
- Basic animation capabilities
Justinmind is a prototyping tool designed for UX designers and developers who need to create interactive wireframes for web and mobile applications. It provides an intuitive environment for building detailed prototypes that simulate real user interactions.
Why I picked Justinmind: Justinmind offers detailed prototyping tools for both web and mobile, allowing you to create realistic, interactive UI experiences. Its drag-and-drop interface and pre-built UI libraries make it easy to link screens, add interactions, and design user flows quickly. You can simulate transitions and behaviors to test usability before development begins.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the design process. The tool provides pre-built UI libraries, allowing you to quickly assemble interface elements. You can simulate interactions and transitions, making your prototypes feel like real applications.
Integrations include Sketch, Adobe XD, Jira, Microsoft TFS, Azure DevOps, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Allows interaction and transition simulation
- Extensive pre-built UI libraries
- Supports both web and mobile wireframes
Cons:
- Limited flexibility in customizing microinteractions and UI themes
- Performance can lag with large files
Sketch is a macOS-based design tool that enables UI and UX designers to create interactive prototypes alongside polished interface designs. It allows you to link artboards, define user flows, and preview interactions to test usability before development.
Why I picked Sketch: Its prototyping features let you connect screens seamlessly and simulate user journeys with clickable interactions. You can update designs in real time so prototypes always match the latest layouts. Cloud-based sharing makes it easy to present prototypes and collect feedback from clients and teammates.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include vector editing tools for detailed design work. The symbols feature lets you create reusable components, saving time on repetitive tasks. Sketch's cloud-based sharing tool allows you to share designs easily with your team.
Integrations include Zeplin, Abstract, Marvel, Avocode, Proto.io, Principle, Flinto, Origami Studio, and Craft.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy component reuse
- High-quality vector editing
- Exclusive macOS design focus
Cons:
- Limited built-in prototyping features
- Requires plugins for advanced features
Axure RP is a wireframing and prototyping tool aimed at UX designers and product managers who need to create detailed prototypes and wireframes. It offers advanced functionalities for creating interactive designs and capturing complex user interactions.
Why I picked Axure RP: Its advanced prototyping capabilities make it ideal for detailed design work. Conditional logic and dynamic content allow you to create realistic user interactions. The tool's ability to handle complex data-driven prototypes sets it apart. It also supports documentation and specification features, which are useful for development handoff.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to add conditional logic to your prototypes for more realistic interactions. Dynamic content allows you to create adaptive views based on user input. You can also generate detailed specifications to aid in the development process.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Teams, Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, Trello, Asana, and Google Drive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable prototyping
- Detailed documentation capabilities
- Supports complex data interactions
Cons:
- Performance issues with high complexity
- Limited design customization
Adobe XD is a vector-based design tool built for creating interactive UI prototypes quickly and efficiently. It enables designers to link screens, define interactions, and preview user flows to test functionality before development.
Why I picked Adobe XD: Its prototyping features allow you to create realistic, clickable experiences with support for animations, transitions, and voice interactions. You can easily update designs and see changes reflected in the prototype instantly, streamlining feedback and iteration. Coediting further enhances collaboration, letting teams refine prototypes together in real time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to prototype with voice commands, which adds a new dimension to interactive design. You can use the repeat grid to quickly create and adjust repeating elements. Coediting allows multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously.
Integrations include Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Zeplin, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Asana, and Abstract.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Vector-based design flexibility
- Coediting for real-time collaboration
- Supports voice prototyping
Cons:
- Limited third-party plugin support
- Requires Adobe subscription for full features
Other UI Prototyping Tools
Here are some additional UI prototyping tools options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Moqups
For online diagramming
- Proto.io
For mobile app prototypes
- Framer
For interactive animations
- Penpot
For open-source design
- Lunacy
For offline design work
- Canva
For non-designers
- Flinto
For animated transitions
- Principle
For macOS animations
- Gravity Designer
For cross-platform design
- Affinity Designer
For vector design
- Origami Studio
For Facebook-like prototypes
- Zeplin
For developer handoff
UI Prototyping Tool Selection Criteria
When selecting the best UI prototyping tools to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like collaboration efficiency and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Create interactive prototypes
- Support wireframing capabilities
- Allow for user testing and feedback
- Enable team collaboration
- Provide design templates
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Advanced animation capabilities
- Integration with design systems
- Customizable UI components
- Voice prototyping features
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design interface
- Customizable workspace
- Clear and simple navigation
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Use of ready-made templates
- Support from chatbots or help desks
- Regularly scheduled webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Access to a comprehensive FAQ section
- Responsive live chat support
- Quality of email support services
- Presence of a user community forum
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing models
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans
- Flexibility in subscription options
- Discounts for annual billing
- Overall feature set compared to cost
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on feature usability
- Satisfaction with customer support
- Reports on software reliability
- User experiences with updates and improvements
- General sentiment about value for money
How to Choose UI Prototyping Tool
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | How well will the tool grow with your team? Consider if the software can handle an increase in projects or users without performance issues. Look for options that offer scalable plans or add-on features. |
Integrations | Does the tool sync with your existing software stack? Check for compatibility with design tools, project management software, and communication platforms. This ensures a smooth workflow and avoids data silos. |
Customizability | Can you tailor the tool to fit your team's needs? Evaluate if the tool allows for custom workflows, templates, or user roles. Customizability can improve efficiency and user satisfaction. |
Ease of use | How intuitive is the tool for your team? Consider the learning curve and whether training is required. A user-friendly interface reduces onboarding time and increases adoption rates. |
Implementation and onboarding | What resources are needed to get started? Assess the time and effort required for setup. Check for available training materials, support, and onboarding assistance. A smooth implementation minimizes disruption. |
Cost | Does the tool fit within your budget? Compare pricing plans and consider the total cost of ownership, including additional fees or charges. Look for flexible pricing models that align with your financial constraints. |
Security safeguards | How does the tool protect your data? Investigate the security measures in place, such as encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards. Strong security is essential to protect sensitive information. |
What Are UI Prototyping Tools?
UI prototyping tools are software solutions that help designers and teams create interactive models of user interfaces. These tools are commonly used by UX designers, product managers, and developers to visualize and test design ideas before development.
Drag-and-drop interfaces, interactive components, and real-time collaboration features help with rapid design iterations, feedback collection, and team alignment. Overall, these tools enhance the design process by improving communication and reducing development risks.
Features of UI Prototyping Tools
When selecting UI prototyping tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Interactive components: Enable the creation of dynamic elements that mimic real user interactions, helping to visualize user experiences effectively.
- Drag-and-drop editor: Simplifies the design process, allowing users to quickly arrange and test interface elements without coding.
- Real-time collaboration: Allows team members to work together simultaneously, providing instant feedback and speeding up the design process.
- Design system integration: Ensures consistency across projects by incorporating established design guidelines and components.
- User testing capabilities: Facilitates the collection of feedback from actual users to refine designs and improve usability.
- Conditional interactions: Supports the creation of complex user flows by allowing different outcomes based on user actions.
- Pre-built components: Offers a library of ready-to-use design elements, speeding up the prototyping phase and ensuring uniformity.
- Prototype sharing: Simplifies the process of distributing prototypes to stakeholders for review and feedback.
- Data integration: Allows the use of real data in prototypes, making designs more realistic and functional.
- Animation capabilities: Provides tools to add transitions and animations, enhancing the visual appeal and interactivity of prototypes.
Benefits of UI Prototyping Tools
Implementing UI prototyping tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved collaboration: Real-time collaboration features allow your team to work together efficiently, reducing misunderstandings and speeding up the design process.
- Faster iterations: Drag-and-drop editors and pre-built components enable quick adjustments and iterations, helping you refine designs rapidly.
- Enhanced user feedback: User testing capabilities let you gather valuable insights from real users, improving the overall usability of your designs.
- Consistent designs: Design system integration ensures your projects maintain a uniform look and feel, aligning with your brand's guidelines.
- Reduced development risks: Interactive prototypes help visualize complex interactions early, minimizing the risk of rework during development.
- Increased creativity: Animation capabilities and conditional interactions allow you to explore creative solutions, enhancing the user experience.
- Efficient communication: Prototype sharing features make it easy to present ideas to stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned on the project's direction.
Costs and Pricing of UI Prototyping Tools
Selecting UI prototyping tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in UI prototyping tools solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for UI Prototyping Tools
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic prototyping tools, limited components, and community support. |
Personal Plan | $10-$30/ user/month | Full prototyping capabilities, access to templates, and limited collaboration. |
Business Plan | $30-$60/ user/month | Team collaboration, design system integration, and advanced prototyping features. |
Enterprise Plan | $60-$100/ user/month | Customizable workflows, dedicated support, and enhanced security features. |
UI Prototyping Tools FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about UI prototyping tools:
How do UI prototyping tools support collaboration?
UI prototyping tools often include features like real-time collaboration, which allows multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously. This helps keep everyone aligned and speeds up the feedback loop. Your team can see changes in real-time and provide input directly, enhancing the overall design process.
Can UI prototyping tools handle complex user flows?
Yes, many UI prototyping tools are equipped to handle complex user flows through features like conditional interactions and advanced animation capabilities. These tools allow you to simulate detailed user journeys and test how users will interact with your design. This is especially useful for projects with intricate user paths.
What should I consider when choosing a UI prototyping tool for my team?
When selecting a UI prototyping tool, consider factors such as scalability, integration with your existing software stack, and ease of use. Think about your team’s specific needs and workflows. It’s also important to evaluate the tool’s support for collaboration and its ability to handle complex projects.
Are free versions of UI prototyping tools sufficient for professional use?
Free versions can be a good starting point for small projects or individual use, but they often come with limitations like reduced features and fewer collaboration options. For professional use, especially in larger teams, you might need a paid plan to access advanced features and full capabilities.
How do UI prototyping tools integrate with other software?
Most UI prototyping tools offer integrations with popular design and project management software, such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and Jira. This ensures a smooth workflow across different platforms, allowing you to import and export designs easily and collaborate effectively with team members.
What security measures should I look for in a UI prototyping tool?
Security is crucial, especially if you’re handling sensitive data. Look for tools that offer encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards. It’s important to ensure that the tool you choose has robust security measures to protect your data and your clients’ information.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching UI prototyping tools, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.