Alternatives · AI Images & Video
Microsoft Designer alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the best Microsoft Designer alternative for most people is Adobe Firefly (3.0 GPA), first in our ranking of AI image and video generators. The best free one is Pixlr (3.2 GPA).
Microsoft Designer compared with 5 alternatives: Adobe Firefly, Magnific, Fotor, Picsart and Pixlr.
Microsoft Designer's current pricing could not be confirmed from its own site. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Microsoft Designer sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft DesignerThis tool | Free plan | No | Web |
| Adobe Firefly | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Magnific | Free plan · from $14.50/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Fotor | Free plan · from $39.99/yr | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Picsart | Paid | No | Web, macOS, iOS |
| Pixlr | Free plan · from $1.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Microsoft Designer
Adobe Firefly
Adobe's image, video and audio generator, with partner models
- Adobe Firefly starts at $9.99 per month for 2,000 credits, billed monthly.
- Adobe Firefly has a free plan, which Microsoft Designer lacks.
- Adobe Firefly also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Adobe Firefly also covers video editing and video generation.
- Adobe Firefly does not cover templates, which Microsoft Designer does.
Suits: Creative Cloud users who want generation inside the apps they already use
Magnific
Formerly Freepik: AI image, video and audio tools plus stock library
- Magnific starts at $14.50 per month for 20,000 credits, billed annually ($20 billed monthly).
- Magnific has a free plan, which Microsoft Designer lacks.
- Magnific also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Magnific also covers video editing and video generation.
Suits: Designers who want stock assets and AI generation in one subscription
Fotor
Photo editor and AI image and video generator with credit plans
- Fotor starts at $39.99 per year, billed yearly.
- Fotor has a free plan, which Microsoft Designer lacks.
- Fotor also lists iOS, Android, Windows and macOS apps.
- Fotor also covers video generation.
Suits: Photo editing and AI generation under one subscription
Picsart
Photo and video editor with AI generation and design tools
- Picsart also lists iOS and macOS apps.
- Picsart also covers video editing and video generation.
Suits: Social and marketing creators who want editing and generation together
Pixlr
Browser photo editors with AI image, video and audio tools
- Pixlr starts at $1.99 per month for 80 AI credits, billed yearly ($2.49 billed monthly).
- Pixlr has a free plan, which Microsoft Designer lacks.
- Pixlr also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Pixlr also covers video generation.
- Pixlr does not cover templates, which Microsoft Designer does.
Suits: Casual editors who want a free browser photo editor with extras
Limits worth knowing in Microsoft Designer
- The pricing and free allowance could not be confirmed from pages readable here, so no plans are listed.
- Microsoft says AI benefits are for the subscription owner only and cannot be shared with others.
- Image generation usage is capped by plan: Microsoft's table lists standard usage on Personal and Family and extensive usage on Premium and Pro.
- A Microsoft account sign-in is required to use it.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Microsoft Designer?
The alternatives to Microsoft Designer in this directory are Adobe Firefly, Magnific, Fotor, Picsart and Pixlr. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Microsoft Designer.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Designer?
Yes. Adobe Firefly, Magnific, Fotor and Pixlr have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Microsoft Designer alternatives work on Windows?
The Microsoft Designer listing does not include a Windows app. Fotor lists one.
Which Microsoft Designer alternatives work on macOS?
The Microsoft Designer listing does not include a macOS app. Fotor and Picsart list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 17, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.