kitio.aiAdobe Illustrator vs Affinity
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Affinity starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Text to vector graphic
- Generative recolor
- Generative shape fill
- Mockup tool
- Creative Cloud Libraries
- Vector design
- Photo editing
- Page layout
- PSD and PDF support
- Canva AI tools
| Feature | Adobe Illustrator | Affinity |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools | Free all-in-one vector, photo and layout app from Canva |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $22.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Adobe | Canva |
| Based in | United States | Australia |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Affinity starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Illustrator
$22.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Illustrator desktop, web and iPad
- Generative credits included
Creative Cloud Pro
$69.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- 20+ apps incl. Photoshop
- Premium Firefly features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Adobe Illustrator
- Industry-standard vector toolset
- AI output stays editable
- Deep Creative Cloud integration
- Expensive subscription
- Steep learning curve
- Generative credits are capped
Affinity
- Core app is free
- Three pro tools in one
- No subscription for the basics
- AI tools need a Canva paid plan
- Smaller plugin ecosystem than Adobe
Which one should you choose?
Choose Adobe Illustrator if you want:
- Industry-standard vector toolset
- AI output stays editable
- Deep Creative Cloud integration
Watch out: expensive subscription.
Choose Affinity if you want:
- Core app is free
- Three pro tools in one
- No subscription for the basics
Watch out: ai tools need a canva paid plan.
Adobe Illustrator vs Affinity FAQ
What is the difference between Adobe Illustrator and Affinity?
Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools. Affinity: Free all-in-one vector, photo and layout app from Canva. Both are design tools.
Is Adobe Illustrator or Affinity cheaper?
Adobe Illustrator starts at $22.99/mo and Affinity starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Adobe Illustrator and Affinity have free plans?
Adobe Illustrator: No, 7-day trial. Affinity: Yes.
Who makes Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Who makes Affinity?
Affinity is made by Canva, based in Australia.
Which should I choose, Adobe Illustrator or Affinity?
Choose Adobe Illustrator if you value industry-standard vector toolset and ai output stays editable. Choose Affinity if you value core app is free and three pro tools in one.