Softwr

Design · head to head

Marvel vs Zeplin

Marvel logo

Marvel

Design

Rapid prototyping and design platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zeplin logo

Zeplin

Design

Design handoff and developer collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Marvel no published pricing tiers on public website; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • They diverge on capability: Marvel covers Drag-and-drop prototyping, Zeplin covers Design specs.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Marvel and Zeplin actually diverge.

Attributes where Marvel and Zeplin differ
AttributeMarvelZeplin
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Web, Ios, AndroidWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Founded20132014

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

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 Marvel

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

Only in Zeplin

  • Design specs
  • Asset export
  • Code snippets
  • Design tokens
  • Comments
  • Version control
  • Handoff workflow
  • Accessibility checks

Both cover

  • Slack
  • Jira
  • Trello
  • Sketch
  • Adobe XD
  • Figma
  • SOC2
  • 2FA
  • GDPR

What people use each for

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

Marvel

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

Zeplin

  • Handing off design specs from Figma or Sketch to developersnot Marvel
  • Sharing screens, assets and style guides with an engineering teamnot Marvel
  • Reviewing and commenting on design versionsnot Marvel

Where each one falls short

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

Marvel

  • No published pricing tiers on public website
  • Pricing requires enterprise consultation for detailed plans
  • Pro-rated team member costs lack transparent pricing structure

Zeplin

  • The free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • Free plan AI reviews are capped at 3 per week
  • Role based permissions require the Advanced plan or higher
  • Single sign on, multi factor authentication, activity logs and invoiced billing are Enterprise only
  • Priority 24 hour support is Enterprise only
  • Basic plan caps screens at 1,000 per project and is priced per project rather than per seat
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Zeplin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1 project
    • 1 workspace
    • Basic specs
  • Starter$19/month
    • Unlimited projects
    • Multiple workspaces
    • Advanced specs
  • Professional$49/month
    • Everything in Starter
    • Team collaboration
    • Admin controls

Which should you pick?

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.
Marvel review

Choose Zeplin if

  • You need design specs.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want asset export.
Zeplin review

Questions people ask

Is Marvel or Zeplin better?
Neither clearly leads. Marvel starts at Free and Zeplin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Marvel or Zeplin?
Marvel starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
Does Marvel or Zeplin run on more platforms?
Marvel runs on Windows, Macos, Web, Ios, Android. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Marvel for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Marvel best used for?
Marvel is most often used for wireframing and clickable prototypes, user testing on a prototype before build, developer handoff with automatic design specs, sharing prototypes with stakeholders for feedback. Of those, wireframing and clickable prototypes and user testing on a prototype before build are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
What can Marvel do that Zeplin cannot?
Marvel covers Drag-and-drop prototyping, User testing, Animations, Interactions. Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens. Both handle Slack, Jira, Trello, Sketch.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Marvel: Does Marvel offer any free tier for individual use?

Yes, Marvel provides a free plan with no time limits for evaluating the platform before upgrade decisions.

Source
Zeplin: How much does Zeplin Advanced cost?

Advanced costs $12 per seat per month when paid annually, with annual subscriptions offering 2 months off versus monthly rates.

Source
Marvel: What discount rates does Marvel offer for educational users?

Students and teachers receive discounts up to 70% from full price. Non-profits receive 50% off yearly plans with verification required.

Source
Zeplin: What's the difference between Free and Basic plans?

Free covers 1 project with 100 screens and 30-day version history. Basic offers 1-12 projects with practically unlimited screens per project and 1-year version history.

Source
Marvel: How is team expansion priced for Marvel pro users?

Additional team members cost pro-rated amounts based on whether you are on monthly or yearly billing schedule, but exact pricing per member is not stated publicly.

Source
Zeplin: Can I add unlimited team members?

Yes, Free and Basic plans allow unlimited team members. Advanced/Enterprise assign roles with Reviewers being free and unlimited.

Source
Zeplin: What can Reviewers do?

Reviewers can view designs and documentation and approve requests, but lack access to developer specs.

Source
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