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Software · head to head

Subframe vs Zeplin

S

Subframe

Software

The AI-native design tool built for code

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zeplin logo

Zeplin

Software

Design handoff and developer collaboration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Subframe the free plan is capped at 1 project, 10 pages, and 2 prototypes with limited AI usage and only 24 hour version history, versus unlimited AI on the $29 per editor per month Pro plan, as of August 2026.; Zeplin the free plan is limited to 1 project and 100 screens and works only in a personal workspace

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 (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 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

No use cases recorded yet. See the Subframe review.

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

  • The free plan is capped at 1 project, 10 pages, and 2 prototypes with limited AI usage and only 24 hour version history, versus unlimited AI on the $29 per editor per month Pro plan, as of August 2026.

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

No published plan breakdown. See the Subframe review.

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 can Subframe do that Zeplin cannot?
Zeplin covers Design specs, Asset export, Code snippets, Design tokens.
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