Software · head to head
Spline vs Zeplin
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Spline aI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
- They diverge on capability: Spline covers 3D modeling, Zeplin covers Design specs.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Spline and Zeplin actually diverge.
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 Spline
- 3D modeling
- Real-time collaboration
- Animations
- Interactions
- Code export
- React
- Next.js
- Webflow
Only in Zeplin
- Design specs
- Asset export
- Code snippets
- Design tokens
- Comments
- Version control
- Handoff workflow
- Accessibility checks
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Spline
- Web 3D experiencesnot Zeplin
- Interactive prototypesnot Zeplin
- Product visualizationnot Zeplin
Zeplin
- Handing off design specs from Figma or Sketch to developersnot Spline
- Sharing screens, assets and style guides with an engineering teamnot Spline
- Reviewing and commenting on design versionsnot Spline
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Spline
- AI generation features produce inconsistent and often distorted results, failing at basic depth perception tasks
- Limited to simpler designs - not suitable for high-poly, detailed production models
- Performance degrades with complex scenes containing many objects and materials
- Limited non-Apple platform coverage compared to cross-platform design tools
- Tutorials are either too fast for beginners or too basic for advanced users
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
Spline
Free- FreeFree
- Unlimited projects
- Basic exports
- Community support
- Pro$9/month
- Advanced exports
- Custom domains
- Password protection
- Team$19/month
- Team collaboration
- Version control
- Admin controls
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 Spline if
- You need 3d modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS.
- You also want real-time collaboration.
Choose Zeplin if
- You need design specs.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
- You also want asset export.
Questions people ask
- Is Spline or Zeplin better?
- Neither clearly leads. Spline 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, Spline or Zeplin?
- Spline starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
- Does Spline or Zeplin run on more platforms?
- Spline runs on Web, iOS, Android, visionOS. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
- Can I use Spline for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Spline best used for?
- Spline is most often used for web 3d experiences, interactive prototypes, product visualization. Of those, web 3d experiences and interactive prototypes are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
- What can Spline do that Zeplin cannot?
- Spline covers 3D modeling, Real-time collaboration, Animations, Interactions. Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Spline: What is Spline's pricing?
Spline offers a Free plan with watermarked web exports, Starter at $12/month (billed annually) removing watermarks, Professional at $20/month with unlimited projects, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Viewers are unlimited on all plans.
SourceSpline: Can Spline export 3D models to other tools?
Spline's export/import format support is more limited compared to traditional 3D tools like Blender. It focuses on web-first exports and native app code generation.
Source