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Software · head to head

Lunacy vs Marvel

Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Software

Free design software that keeps your flow

From
Free
Rated
-
Marvel logo

Marvel

Software

Rapid prototyping and design platform

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers; Marvel pricing is not shown on the product pages
  • They diverge on capability: Lunacy covers Vector editing, Marvel covers Drag-and-drop prototyping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lunacy and Marvel actually diverge.

Attributes where Lunacy and Marvel differ
AttributeLunacyMarvel
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android
Founded20162013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support

Only in Marvel

  • Drag-and-drop prototyping
  • User testing
  • Animations
  • Interactions
  • User research
  • Analytics
  • Handoff tools
  • Feedback

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Lunacy

  • UI/UX designnot Marvel
  • Web designnot Marvel
  • Mobile app designnot Marvel
  • Icon designnot Marvel
  • Marketing graphicsnot Marvel

Marvel

  • Wireframing and clickable prototypesnot Lunacy
  • User testing on a prototype before buildnot Lunacy
  • Developer handoff with automatic design specsnot Lunacy
  • Sharing prototypes with stakeholders for feedbacknot Lunacy

Where each one falls short

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

Lunacy

  • Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
  • Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration

Marvel

  • Pricing is not shown on the product pages
  • User research capability comes through Ballpark rather than being native to Marvel

Pricing, plan by plan

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

Marvel

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • Unlimited screens
    • Basic prototyping
  • Professional$12/month
    • Unlimited projects
    • Unlimited screens
    • Advanced prototyping
  • Team$80/month
    • Everything in Professional
    • Unlimited users
    • Team workspace

Which should you pick?

Choose Lunacy if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want auto layouts.

Choose Marvel if

  • You need drag-and-drop prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want user testing.

Questions people ask

Is Lunacy or Marvel better?
Neither clearly leads. Lunacy starts at Free and Marvel at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lunacy or Marvel?
Lunacy starts at Free and Marvel at Free.
Does Lunacy or Marvel run on more platforms?
Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Marvel runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Lunacy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Lunacy best used for?
Lunacy is most often used for ui/ux design, web design, mobile app design, icon design. Of those, ui/ux design and web design are not what Marvel is typically brought in for.
What can Lunacy do that Marvel cannot?
Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration. Marvel covers Drag-and-drop prototyping, User testing, Animations, Interactions. Both handle Cloud deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?

Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.

Source
Lunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?

Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.

Source
Lunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?

No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Source
Lunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?

Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.

Source

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