Reading Time: 11 minutes

In the ever-evolving world of digital design, speed, clarity, and collaboration are no longer luxuries — they’re necessities.

Whether you’re designing a mobile app, a web platform, or a complex enterprise dashboard, having the right tools can make or break the user experience. That’s where the best UX prototyping tools come in.

In 2025, designers are expected to do more than just create aesthetically pleasing screens. They must demonstrate real interactions, simulate end-to-end journeys, and validate usability — all before a single line of code is written.

Selecting the optimal UX prototyping tools can significantly enhance your workflow, minimize miscommunication, and expedite product development.

This Design Journal guide will help you discover the most powerful, reliable, and intuitive prototyping tools available, especially if you’re building SaaS products or searching for the best free prototyping tools to get started.

What are prototyping tools?

Prototyping tools are design software applications that enable UX and product designers to create interactive simulations of digital products — such as apps, websites, or software platforms — before development begins.

These tools enable designers to map out user journeys, simulate interactions, test features, and gather stakeholder feedback early in the product lifecycle.

Unlike static mockups or wireframes, prototypes simulate real-time user behavior — from simple button clicks and transitions to complex workflows across multiple screens.

This provides teams with a clearer understanding of how users will interact with the product.

Why use prototyping tools?

Validate ideas early: Avoid costly development changes by testing concepts first.
Collaborate better: Share interactive versions with developers, clients, and stakeholders.
Improve usability: Identify and fix UX issues before they become technical debt.
Speed up development: Provide clear direction to engineers through interactive flows.

For teams building SaaS products, prototyping tools help map out complex dashboards, role-based navigation, and onboarding sequences.

And if you’re just getting started, several of the best free prototyping tools offer enough power to design professional-grade interfaces without any upfront investment.

10 best UX prototyping tools

Whether you’re a solo designer, part of a startup, or working in a large product team, this curated list of the best UX prototyping tools in 2025 will help you deliver seamless, interactive experiences with confidence.

1. Figma

Figma is arguably the industry’s favorite UX prototyping tool in 2025.

Known for its unmatched collaboration capabilities, Figma allows multiple designers, developers, and stakeholders to work on the same design file in real time.

Since it’s cloud-based, there’s no need for manual file transfers or version control nightmares — every change is synced live.

As one of the best UX prototyping tools, Figma supports everything from wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes.

With features such as auto-layout, brilliant animation, interactive components, and custom design systems, it empowers teams to build scalable designs effortlessly.

For SaaS product teams, Figma’s UI libraries and team collaboration features are invaluable, enabling designers to replicate modular UI patterns across dashboards, user roles, and onboarding flows.

Why it’s a top pick:

Real-time multi-user collaboration
Extensive community plugin ecosystem
Seamless handoff to developers with built-in code specs
Robust free plan — ideal if you’re looking for the best free prototyping tools

Start prototyping with Figma for free

2. Sketch

Sketch has maintained its status as a go-to tool for UI and UX designers for over a decade. Exclusively available for macOS, Sketch is known for its lightweight performance, clean interface, and a powerful library of third-party plugins.

Its prototyping capabilities have evolved significantly, with support for artboard linking, animated transitions, and interactive symbols.

While it doesn’t offer cloud-based real-time editing by default (unless used with Sketch for Teams), it’s still a favorite among designers who prefer a streamlined, focused environment.

For teams building SaaS products, Sketch’s symbol-based system is particularly useful. It allows you to create repeatable elements, such as buttons, input fields, and UI cards — ideal for complex user flows.

Why it’s a top pick:

Intuitive for beginners and robust for professionals
Tight integration with tools like Zeplin and Abstract
Strong support for visual design and branding consistency
While not free, it’s a solid investment for long-term projects

Download Sketch

3. Framer

Framer is the sweet spot between design and real-code logic.

Originally built for engineers and designers who wanted to prototype using React, it now supports no-code workflows, letting you build powerful, interactive prototypes visually, without writing a single line of code.

Framer supports smart interactions, variable states, hover effects, conditional navigation, and even live website publishing.

Its auto-layout system ensures a responsive design, which is particularly beneficial for SaaS platforms that need to scale across devices.

For UX teams working on SaaS products, Framer allows you to create stunning prototypes that behave just like a real app, helping stakeholders and investors visualize the product before development.

Why it’s a top pick:

Combines visual design with logic
Advanced prototyping with conditional interactions
Ideal for product demos, MVPs, and landing pages
A strong contender among best free prototyping tools with its free starter plan

Try Framer for free

4. Justinmind

Justinmind is a feature-rich UX tool built for creating complex, interactive prototypes that mimic real-world apps and software.

It includes support for conditional logic, input forms, dynamic content, and custom variables, making it particularly suitable for enterprise-grade apps and platforms.

What sets Justinmind apart from other top UX prototyping tools is its ability to simulate advanced user flows, such as authentication, data filtering, and personalized dashboards — critical components of most SaaS applications.

You can create click-through mockups, simulate gestures, and even test usability before the product reaches development — significantly reducing friction down the line.

Why it’s a top pick:

Rich interaction logic (conditions, events, variables)
Built-in templates for iOS, Android, web, and enterprise UIs
Great for testing and stakeholder walkthroughs
Free version available with solid capabilities

Get started with Justinmind

5. Axure RP

Axure RP is hands-down the most powerful UX tool when it comes to simulating complex logic, interactive forms, and multi-step user journeys.

It’s used by enterprise teams who need to go beyond design, into the realms of information architecture and conditional user flows.

Axure enables designers to create dynamic panels, repeaters (which loop data), and advanced triggers such as hover, swipe, scroll, or logic-based visibility.

For designers creating SaaS platforms, Axure is incredibly useful for prototyping role-based navigation, permissions, or data filters.

It’s not beginner-friendly, but for seasoned UX professionals, it’s one of the most comprehensive prototyping tools for SaaS products in the market.

Why it’s a top pick:

No-code logic-based interactivity
Multi-level prototypes with conditional navigation
Ideal for product managers and UX architects
While premium, it offers a free trial for testing

Download a trial of Axure RP

6. Marvel

Marvel takes a lightweight, fast-paced approach to prototyping. It’s designed to help teams create interactive prototypes, validate ideas, and collect feedback quickly.

With an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, it’s perfect for early-stage ideation and iteration.

One of its standout features is user testing, which allows you to record user interactions and receive direct feedback on usability.

This is incredibly helpful when building SaaS dashboards, onboarding sequences, or signup flows.

Marvel is often praised as one of the best free prototyping tools, particularly for startups and freelance designers who require a quick and functional solution.

Why it’s a top pick:

Clean UI for rapid prototyping
User testing and feedback tools built-in
Export to specs and share easily with stakeholders
Free plan available with generous features

Start prototyping with Marvel

7. Proto.io

Proto.io focuses on delivering high-fidelity, interactive prototypes that feel like the final product. With its rich library of templates, animations, and UI components, Proto.io enables you to create clickable prototypes with minimal effort.

You can simulate real behavior, import assets from Sketch or Figma, and even record prototypes as videos for presentations — great for pitching to clients or stakeholders.

For SaaS product design, Proto.io helps visualize user onboarding, task flows, or modular dashboards in a polished, professional manner.

Why it’s a top pick:

Easy drag-and-drop builder with rich components
Realistic transitions and animation effects
Usability testing integrations
Offers a free trial for first-time users

Try Proto.io

8. Miro

Miro may not be a traditional prototyping tool, but it’s one of the best platforms for early-stage design thinking, flow mapping, and creative brainstorming techniques.

Used by remote teams worldwide, Miro offers wireframe kits, flowchart tools, and integrations with tools like Figma, Notion, and Jira.

Designers use Miro to sketch ideas, outline UX flows, map information architecture, and even create basic click-through prototypes.

For SaaS product teams, it’s especially helpful during the discovery and ideation phases.

Why it’s a top pick:

Infinite canvas for journey mapping and wireframing
Ideal for remote design workshops and sprint planning
Integrates with most product management tools
A top choice among best free prototyping tools for early concepts

Explore Miro

9. Origami Studio

Developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), Origami Studio is a powerhouse tool built for advanced motion design and realistic mobile prototyping.

It utilizes a patch-based system (similar to visual coding) to enable designers to create highly interactive, physics-based animations.

It’s favored by mobile UX designers working on next-gen apps and SaaS platforms with a strong focus on gesture-based interaction or smooth user flows.

Though it has a steeper learning curve, Origami is one of the best free tools in the animation and interaction space.

Why it’s a top pick:

Advanced animation control
Built-in logic, input layers, and interaction support
Great for gesture-rich mobile prototypes
Completely free to use

Download Origami Studio

10. Principle

Principle is a timeline-based prototyping tool for macOS that makes motion design easy and powerful.

It’s beneficial for animating micro-interactions, such as hover effects, scrolling behavior, page transitions, and component animations.

Designers working on SaaS products use Principle to fine-tune interface details that can enhance user engagement and reduce cognitive load. You can import designs directly from Figma or Sketch, animate them, and export demos as GIFs or videos.

Why it’s a top pick:

Intuitive animation timeline
Rich interactions for UI components
Perfect for high-fidelity animation previews
Free trial lets you test before purchasing

Try Principle

How to choose the best ux prototyping tools?

Selecting the right tool from the list of best UX prototyping tools can be overwhelming — especially with so many great options available in 2025.

But the truth is, there’s no universal “best” tool. The ideal prototyping tool depends entirely on your project goals, team structure, budget, and user expectations.

Here’s a guide to help you evaluate and pick the right tool for your next project:

Understand your project requirements

Are you building a low-fidelity wireframe, a high-fidelity interactive demo, or a prototype with complex logic and dynamic data?

Tools like Figma and Sketch are ideal for UI-centric projects, while Axure RP or Framer may be better suited for data-driven or SaaS-heavy workflows.

Tip: If you’re building prototyping tools for SaaS products, prioritize tools that allow multi-level logic, condition-based navigation, and reusability.

Consider collaboration and team structure

Are you working solo or as part of a team? Do you need real-time collaboration with developers, PMs, and stakeholders?

Tools like Figma and Miro are perfect for remote and distributed teams due to their seamless collaboration features.

If handoff to development is critical, choose a tool that supports developer inspection and code snippet integration.

Think about fidelity and realism

Prototypes can range from basic wireframes to near-final product simulations. Tools like Framer, Principle, and Origami Studio are ideal for high-fidelity, animated prototypes.

For early-stage concepts, tools like Marvel or Miro are more than enough.

For SaaS products, it’s crucial to build prototypes that simulate real user behavior and interactions, such as form inputs, dropdowns, and dashboard filters.

Test for integration and handoff

Your prototyping tool should smoothly integrate with the rest of your workflow, including user testing, design systems, and dev handoff.

Tools like Figma, Sketch, and Framer offer tight integrations with handoff tools, analytics platforms, and even design tokens.

Evaluate pricing and free features

If you’re an individual or a startup, explore the best free prototyping tools that still offer powerful features.

Tools like Figma, Miro, and Framer have generous free tiers. However, if you require advanced capabilities such as logic-based prototyping or user testing, consider investing in tools like Axure RP or Justinmind.

Assess learning curve

Some tools are plug-and-play, while others require a deeper learning curve. If you need a quick turnaround or minimal training time, consider Figma or Marvel.

If your team includes UX engineers or researchers, more complex tools like Axure or Origami Studio could be worthwhile.

Final Tip: Always take advantage of free trials or free plans before committing. Most of the best UX prototyping tools offer trial periods that allow you to evaluate performance, usability, and fit for your workflow.

Conclusion

The landscape of the best UX prototyping tools in 2025 is more powerful, diverse, and accessible than ever before.

Whether you’re a solo designer, part of a growing SaaS startup, or leading a global product team — there’s a tool out there that fits your needs.

From the real-time collaborative power of Figma, to the logic-rich precision of Axure RP, and the motion finesse of Principle, each tool brings something unique to the table.

Understanding what your project demands — fidelity, collaboration, speed, or interactivity — will help you find the perfect match.

And the best part? Many of these top tools now offer free plans or extended trials, making it easier than ever to explore, test, and adopt the right solution.

Pro tip: Don’t just follow trends. Choose a tool that grows with your product, adapts to your process, and supports your long-term design vision.

Frequently asked questions

Which tool is best for prototyping?

The best tool for prototyping depends on your project needs. For most designers, Figma stands out as one of the best UX prototyping tools due to its real-time collaboration, robust design features, and cloud-based accessibility.

If you’re creating complex, logic-based flows — particularly for SaaS products — then Axure RP or Framer could be a better fit, offering advanced interactions and dynamic data simulations.

Beginners or teams seeking the best free prototyping tools often lean toward Marvel, Miro, or Figma, thanks to their generous free tiers and ease of use.

What is the best UX tool?

When it comes to UX design and prototyping, Figma and Sketch lead the market in 2025. Figma offers seamless collaboration and rapid prototyping, making it ideal for fast-moving teams and iterative design.

Sketch, while limited to macOS, offers precision and plugin flexibility for detailed UI work.

However, the best UX tool can vary depending on use case. For example:

For user flows and brainstorming: Miro
For animated transitions: Principle
For interactive demos: Framer
For logic-heavy UX in SaaS apps: Axure RP

Choosing the right tool ultimately depends on the level of fidelity required, the complexity of interactions, and your collaboration workflow.

What is better than Figma prototype?

While Figma’s prototyping is exceptional for most use cases, especially web and mobile UI, it has limitations when it comes to advanced animations or conditional logic.

Here’s what might be better than Figma depending on the use case:

Framer: For advanced interactions, real-time variables, and logic-based flows — especially useful in prototyping tools for SaaS products.
Axure RP: For dynamic content, user inputs, and enterprise-level logic without writing code.
Principle or Origami Studio: For micro-interactions, physics-based animations, and complex motion design.

What is UX prototyping?

UX prototyping is the process of creating interactive simulations of a product or experience to test user flows, design concepts, and interface behavior before full development.

It serves as a bridge between static design and functional development, helping stakeholders visualize, validate, and refine ideas.

Prototypes can range from low-fidelity wireframes to fully interactive, high-fidelity demos.

Designers often utilize top-notch UX prototyping tools, such as Figma, Framer, or Axure RP, to simulate navigation, gestures, forms, and other dynamic elements.

In SaaS product design, UX prototyping plays a critical role in validating onboarding journeys, dashboard interactions, and permission-based access flows — all before a single line of code is written.

Best UX Prototyping Tools For Designers In 2025

Tags:

Jayshree Ochwani

Inspire the next generation of designers

Read Next