kitio.aiAdobe Illustrator vs Recraft
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Recraft has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $23 for Adobe Illustrator.
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
- Text to vector
- Custom styles
- Infinite canvas
- Mockup generator
- Inpainting and upscaling
| Feature | Adobe Illustrator | Recraft |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools | AI design tool for vector art, icons and brand-consistent images |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $22.99/mo | $12/mo |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Adobe | Recraft |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Recraft has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $23 for Adobe Illustrator.
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
Recraft
- Real SVG output
- Consistent style across a set
- Accurate text in images
- Free images are public
- Learning curve for custom styles
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 Recraft if you want:
- Real SVG output
- Consistent style across a set
- Accurate text in images
Watch out: free images are public.
Adobe Illustrator vs Recraft FAQ
What is the difference between Adobe Illustrator and Recraft?
Adobe Illustrator: Professional vector design app with Firefly generative tools. Recraft: AI design tool for vector art, icons and brand-consistent images. Both are design tools.
Is Adobe Illustrator or Recraft cheaper?
Recraft has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $23 for Adobe Illustrator.
Do Adobe Illustrator and Recraft have free plans?
Adobe Illustrator: No, 7-day trial. Recraft: Yes.
Who makes Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Who makes Recraft?
Recraft is made by Recraft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Adobe Illustrator or Recraft?
Choose Adobe Illustrator if you value industry-standard vector toolset and ai output stays editable. Choose Recraft if you value real svg output and consistent style across a set.