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Developer Tools · head to head

Helm vs Subframe

H

Helm

Developer Tools

The package manager for Kubernetes

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit HelmFull review
Subframe logo

Subframe

Design

The AI-native design tool built for code

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit SubframeFull review

The short version

  • Helm is a Kubernetes package manager, licensed Apache 2.
  • Helm is free; Subframe starts at $29/mo.
  • Where Subframe falls short: free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Helm and Subframe actually diverge.

Attributes where Helm and Subframe differ
AttributeHelmSubframe
Pricing modelOpen-sourceFreemium
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

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

What people use each for

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

Helm

  • Kubernetes package manager and deployment toolnot Subframe

Subframe

  • Creating production-ready interfaces without static mockupsnot Helm
  • Syncing design components with code as single source of truthnot Helm
  • Building responsive designs with auto layoutnot Helm
  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration with layer commentingnot Helm
  • Exporting Radix UI and Tailwind CSS code via CLInot 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

Subframe

  • Free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages
  • Free plan includes limited AI features compared to Pro
  • Pro plan billed per editor, not per team

Pricing, plan by plan

Helm

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Helm review.

Subframe

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • Up to 10 pages
    • 2 prototypes
  • Pro$29/mo
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited pages
    • Unlimited prototypes

Which should you pick?

Choose Helm if

  • You want to start without paying.
Helm review

Choose Subframe if

  • You want to start without paying.
Subframe review

Questions people ask

Is Helm or Subframe better?
Neither clearly leads. Helm starts at Free and Subframe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Helm or Subframe?
Helm starts at Free and Subframe at Free.
Does Helm or Subframe run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 Subframe is typically brought in for.

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
Subframe: Is there a free version of Subframe?

Yes, Subframe offers a free plan with 1 project, up to 10 pages, 2 prototypes, unlimited team members, and limited AI features.

Source
Subframe: How is the Pro plan priced?

Subframe Pro costs $29 per editor per month, with unlimited projects, pages, prototypes, and AI usage.

Source
Subframe: Are viewer seats free?

Yes, Subframe offers free viewer seats across all pricing plans, allowing team members to view without an editor license.

Source
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