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Design · head to head

Subframe vs Zeplin

Subframe logo

Subframe

Design

The AI-native design tool built for code

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: Subframe free plan limited to 1 project and 10 pages; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Subframe and Zeplin actually diverge.

Attributes where Subframe and Zeplin differ
AttributeSubframeZeplin
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWebWeb, Desktop, Mobile
FoundedUnknown2014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 Subframe

Nothing recorded that Zeplin does not also cover.

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.

Subframe

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

Zeplin

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Subframe

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

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 Subframe if

  • You want to start without paying.
Subframe 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 Subframe or Zeplin better?
Neither clearly leads. Subframe 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, Subframe or Zeplin?
Subframe starts at Free and Zeplin at Free.
Does Subframe or Zeplin run on more platforms?
Subframe runs on Web. Zeplin runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Subframe for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Subframe best used for?
Subframe is most often used for creating production-ready interfaces without static mockups, syncing design components with code as single source of truth, building responsive designs with auto layout, real-time multiplayer collaboration with layer commenting. Of those, creating production-ready interfaces without static mockups and syncing design components with code as single source of truth are not what Zeplin is typically brought in for.
What can Subframe do that Zeplin cannot?
Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
Subframe: How is the Pro plan priced?

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

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
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
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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