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Software · head to head

Sketch vs SketchUp Pro

Sketch logo

Sketch

Software

The digital design toolkit

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp Pro logo

SketchUp Pro

Software

3D design and modeling software for architects and designers

From
$33.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Sketch macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features; SketchUp Pro sketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • They diverge on capability: Sketch covers Vector editing, SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Sketch and SketchUp Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where Sketch and SketchUp Pro differ
AttributeSketchSketchUp Pro
Starting price$12/month$33.25/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsmacOS, Web, iOS, iPadWindows, macOS, Web, iPad
Founded20102000

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 Sketch

  • Vector editing
  • Symbols & components
  • Prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Developer handoff
  • Plugins ecosystem
  • Cloud sync
  • Version history

Only in SketchUp Pro

  • 3D modeling
  • Visualization
  • Documentation
  • Cloud collaboration
  • Layout integration
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • LayOut

Both cover

  • 2FA

What people use each for

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

Sketch

  • UI designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Mobile app designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Web designnot SketchUp Pro
  • Design systemsnot SketchUp Pro
  • Prototypingnot SketchUp Pro

SketchUp Pro

  • 3D professional design and modellingnot Sketch
  • Architectural documentation with LayOutnot Sketch
  • Access to 1000+ extensions librarynot Sketch

Where each one falls short

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

Sketch

  • macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
  • Real-time collaboration feels less seamless than Figma with occasional sync delays
  • Limited built-in image editing capabilities, requiring external software for bitmap work
  • Subscription required for cloud features and collaboration, losing access if subscription lapses

SketchUp Pro

  • SketchUp Pro is a tier within SketchUp; see SketchUp entry for full comparison
  • No separate product—this is the Pro annual subscription tier at £33.25/month

Pricing, plan by plan

Sketch

$12/month
  • Standard$12/month
    • Real-time collaboration
    • Unlimited documents
    • Unlimited free viewers
  • Professional$24/month
    • Everything in Standard
    • Single Sign-On (SSO)
    • Project archiving
  • Enterprise$44/month
    • Everything in Professional
    • SCIM provisioning
    • BYOK encryption
  • Mac-only License$120/perpetual
    • Native Mac app
    • Offline access
    • Local file saving

SketchUp Pro

$33.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp Pro review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Sketch if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You work on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
  • You also want symbols & components.
Sketch review

Choose SketchUp Pro if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
  • You also want visualization.
SketchUp Pro review

Questions people ask

Is Sketch or SketchUp Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Sketch starts at $12/month and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Sketch or SketchUp Pro?
Sketch starts at $12/month and SketchUp Pro at $33.25/month.
Does Sketch or SketchUp Pro run on more platforms?
Sketch runs on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad. SketchUp Pro runs on Windows, macOS, Web, iPad.
What is Sketch best used for?
Sketch is most often used for ui design, mobile app design, web design, design systems. Of those, ui design and mobile app design are not what SketchUp Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Sketch do that SketchUp Pro cannot?
Sketch covers Vector editing, Symbols & components, Prototyping, Real-time collaboration. SketchUp Pro covers 3D modeling, Visualization, Documentation, Cloud collaboration. Both handle 2FA.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Sketch: Is Sketch available for Windows or Linux?

No. Sketch is macOS-only for the design and prototyping features. Web and mobile apps provide viewing and collaboration, but editing requires macOS 14.0 or later.

Source
Sketch: Does Sketch offer a free trial?

Yes. Sketch provides a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. You can also purchase a one-time Mac-only license for $120 per seat instead of subscribing.

Source
Sketch: What collaboration features does Sketch include?

Sketch supports real-time collaboration, unlimited document sharing, unlimited viewers, and version history on all paid subscription plans (Standard $12/month, Professional $24/month, Enterprise $44/month).

Source
Sketch: Can I use Sketch offline?

Yes. The one-time Mac-only license ($120) allows you to use Sketch offline and save files locally, but it excludes cloud collaboration and iOS previewing features.

Source
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