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Developer Tools · head to head

Blacksmith vs Vectr

Blacksmith logo

Blacksmith

Developer Tools

2x faster GitHub Actions with 60% cost savings

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit BlacksmithFull review
Vectr logo

Vectr

Design

Free vector graphics editor for everyone

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit VectrFull review

The short version

  • Blacksmith is a GitHub Actions runner service; Vectr is a free, simple vector graphics editor.
  • Free plans on both; paid from $0.004/mo and $1.99/mo.
  • Only Blacksmith lists bare metal runners; only Vectr lists vector drawing.
  • Where Blacksmith falls short: per-minute pricing model requires estimating usage to predict costs.
  • Where Vectr falls short: performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Blacksmith and Vectr actually diverge.

Attributes where Blacksmith and Vectr differ
AttributeBlacksmithVectr
PlatformsGitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOSWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

Not yet recorded: founded for Blacksmith.

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Blacksmith

  • Bare metal runners
  • Multiple OS support
  • ARM support
  • Docker layer caching
  • Sticky disks
  • GitHub Actions observability
  • Free tier
  • Static IPs

Only in Vectr

  • Vector drawing
  • Shape tools
  • Typography
  • Gradient tools
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Cloud storage
  • Export options
  • Simple interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Blacksmith

  • Replacing GitHub Actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructurenot Vectr
  • Accelerating CI build times for organizations with heavy CI loadnot Vectr
  • Reducing cloud spend on GitHub Actions by 60% or morenot Vectr
  • Supporting ARM architecture builds without GitHub runnersnot Vectr

Vectr

  • Logo designnot Blacksmith
  • Vector illustrationnot Blacksmith
  • Web graphicsnot Blacksmith
  • Learning designnot Blacksmith

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Blacksmith

  • Per-minute pricing model requires estimating usage to predict costs
  • macOS M4 pricing ($0.08/min) is significantly higher than GitHub Actions
  • Docker layer caching and sticky disks are paid add-ons at $0.50/GB/mo
  • Static IP add-on costs $100/IP/mo

Vectr

  • Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
  • Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
  • Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
  • Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support

Pricing, plan by plan

Blacksmith

Free
  • Ubuntu x64$0.004/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • Ubuntu ARM$0.0025/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • Windows x64$0.008/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • macOS M4$0.08/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads

Vectr

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Basic tools
    • Limited AI credits
  • Plus$1.99/mo
    • 1GB storage
    • 600 AI credits
    • Single-session access
  • Premium$4.99/mo
    • 5GB storage
    • 2,400 AI credits
    • Three concurrent sessions

Which should you pick?

Choose Blacksmith if

  • You need bare metal runners.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on GitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want multiple os support.
Blacksmith review

Choose Vectr if

  • You need vector drawing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want shape tools.
Vectr review

Questions people ask

Is Blacksmith or Vectr better?
Neither clearly leads. Blacksmith starts at Free and Vectr at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Blacksmith or Vectr?
Blacksmith starts at Free and Vectr at Free.
Does Blacksmith or Vectr run on more platforms?
Blacksmith runs on GitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOS. Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Blacksmith for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Blacksmith best used for?
Blacksmith is most often used for replacing github actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructure, accelerating ci build times for organizations with heavy ci load, reducing cloud spend on github actions by 60% or more, supporting arm architecture builds without github runners. Of those, replacing github actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructure and accelerating ci build times for organizations with heavy ci load are not what Vectr is typically brought in for.
What can Blacksmith do that Vectr cannot?
Blacksmith covers Bare metal runners, Multiple OS support, ARM support, Docker layer caching. Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Blacksmith: How much do Blacksmith runners cost compared to GitHub Actions?

Blacksmith offers 60-75% cost savings depending on OS. Ubuntu x64 costs $0.004/min vs GitHub at $0.012/min. All plans include 3,000 free minutes monthly.

Source
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?

Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.

Source
Blacksmith: Can I use Docker layer caching with Blacksmith?

Yes, Docker layer caching is available as an add-on at $0.50/GB/mo. Managed Docker layer persistence is included with the base service.

Source
Vectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?

Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.

Source
Blacksmith: What is the SLA for Enterprise plans?

Enterprise Blacksmith plans include a 99.9% SLA guarantee along with 24/7 priority support, dedicated Slack channels, white-glove onboarding, and CI optimization support.

Source
Vectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?

Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.

Source
Vectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?

Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.

Source
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