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Developer Tools · head to head

Helm vs ProtoPie

H

Helm

Developer Tools

The package manager for Kubernetes

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit HelmFull review
ProtoPie logo

ProtoPie

Design

Create advanced interactive prototypes

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit ProtoPieFull review

The short version

  • Helm is a Kubernetes package manager, licensed Apache 2; ProtoPie is a tool for creating highly interactive prototypes without coding.
  • Helm is free; ProtoPie starts at $25/mo.
  • Where ProtoPie falls short: the free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Helm and ProtoPie actually diverge.

Attributes where Helm and ProtoPie differ
AttributeHelmProtoPie
Pricing modelOpen-sourceFreemium
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

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

Not yet recorded: founded for Helm.

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 Helm

Nothing recorded that ProtoPie does not also cover.

Only in ProtoPie

  • Interactive prototyping
  • Data binding
  • Advanced interactions
  • Animation
  • Collaboration
  • Cloud sharing
  • Device testing
  • Code export

What people use each for

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

Helm

  • Kubernetes package manager and deployment toolnot ProtoPie

ProtoPie

  • Interactive prototype designnot Helm
  • User testing and handoff managementnot Helm
  • Team design collaborationnot Helm

Where each one falls short

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

Helm

  • Contributors must sign commits under the Developer Certificate of Origin to have them accepted, per helm.sh, a process requirement not all Kubernetes tools impose

ProtoPie

  • The free plan allows 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype and 50MB of cloud storage
  • Free prototypes carry a watermark and shareable links require the Basic plan
  • Saving prototypes locally requires the Pro plan
  • Team libraries and handoff recordings require the Pro plan
  • Basic caps storage at 500MB and prototypes at 20
  • Single sign on, private servers, custom fonts and custom hardware integrations are Enterprise only
  • Enterprise requires a minimum of 3 seats and is priced by quote
  • Connect Core is a paid add on at $20 per user per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Helm

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Helm review.

ProtoPie

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 prototypes
    • 8 scenes per prototype
    • 50MB cloud storage
  • Basic$25/mo
    • 20 prototypes
    • 10 scenes per prototype
    • 500MB storage
  • Pro$47/mo
    • Unlimited prototypes
    • Unlimited handoff recordings
    • 5GB team storage

Which should you pick?

Choose Helm if

  • You want to start without paying.
Helm review

Choose ProtoPie if

  • You need interactive prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want data binding.
ProtoPie review

Questions people ask

Is Helm or ProtoPie better?
Neither clearly leads. Helm starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Helm or ProtoPie?
Helm starts at Free and ProtoPie at Free.
Does Helm or ProtoPie run on more platforms?
Helm runs on Web. ProtoPie runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Helm for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Helm best used for?
Helm is most often used for kubernetes package manager and deployment tool. Of those, kubernetes package manager and deployment tool is not what ProtoPie is typically brought in for.
What can Helm do that ProtoPie cannot?
ProtoPie covers Interactive prototyping, Data binding, Advanced interactions, Animation.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Helm: How much does Helm cost?

Helm is free and open-source. It is a graduated project in the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) with no commercial pricing model.

Source
ProtoPie: How much does ProtoPie cost?

ProtoPie offers a free plan ($0/month), Basic at $25/month, and Pro at $47/month per editor. Annual billing offers up to 26% savings. Enterprise pricing is custom for minimum 3 seats.

Source
ProtoPie: Is there a free version of ProtoPie?

Yes. The free plan includes 2 prototypes, 8 scenes per prototype, and 50MB cloud storage. Perfect for trying the platform.

Source
ProtoPie: What is included in the Pro plan?

Pro plan at $47/month includes unlimited prototypes, unlimited handoff recordings, 5GB team storage, local saving, and team libraries per editor.

Source
ProtoPie: What add-on products does ProtoPie offer?

Connect Core ($20/month per user), Connect Enterprise and Connect Embedded (custom pricing), and User Testing (custom pricing, annual-only for Pro plan users).

Source
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