kitio.aiCanva vs Microsoft Designer
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Canva starts at $15/mo and Microsoft Designer 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
- Magic Studio AI tools
- Brand Kit
- Magic Resize
- Background remover
- Content planner
- Print ordering
- Prompt to design
- Generative erase
- Background replace
- Restyle image
- Sticker creator
| Feature | Canva | Microsoft Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Online design suite with templates and built-in AI tools | Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics |
| Category | Design | Design |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $15/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Canva | Microsoft |
| Based in | Australia | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Canva starts at $15/mo and Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- 1.6M+ templates
- 1 Brand Kit (3 colors)
- 5GB cloud storage
- Limited AI uses
Pro
$180/yr
- For one person
- Premium templates and content
- Background remover and resize
- 100GB storage, 10x more AI
Business
$250/yr per person
- Per person
- Collaboration and team admin
- Premium templates and content
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Advanced brand controls
- SSO and security
- Dedicated support
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
Canva
- Huge template and stock library
- Very easy for non-designers
- Works on web, desktop and mobile
- Limited precision for professional print work
- Many AI tools need a paid plan
Microsoft Designer
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
- Limited layout control
- Fewer templates than dedicated suites
- Credit limits on free use
Which one should you choose?
Choose Canva if you want:
- Huge template and stock library
- Very easy for non-designers
- Works on web, desktop and mobile
Watch out: limited precision for professional print work.
Choose Microsoft Designer if you want:
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Very simple prompt-first workflow
- Built into Microsoft 365 apps
Watch out: limited layout control.
Canva vs Microsoft Designer FAQ
What is the difference between Canva and Microsoft Designer?
Canva: Online design suite with templates and built-in AI tools. Microsoft Designer: Microsoft's AI app for social posts, invites and graphics. Both are design tools.
Is Canva or Microsoft Designer cheaper?
Canva starts at $15/mo and Microsoft Designer starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Canva and Microsoft Designer have free plans?
Canva: Yes. Microsoft Designer: Yes.
Who makes Canva?
Canva is made by Canva, based in Australia.
Who makes Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Canva or Microsoft Designer?
Choose Canva if you value huge template and stock library and very easy for non-designers. Choose Microsoft Designer if you value free with a microsoft account and very simple prompt-first workflow.