Sketch vs Figma for Prototypes — When to Use What
A comparison of the two tools for rapid prototyping, through the lens of PM work.
Straight answer: if you work in a team — Figma. If you prototype solo and fast — Sketch. But the nuances are more interesting.
Why Figma won
Browser access and multiplayer. That matters when you need to show something to a client right now, with no “send the file, I don't have Sketch.” Figma's component system has become the industry standard — design systems, auto-layout, variables.
Where Sketch still lives
Sketch is faster for local work — no browser lag, no dependency on the internet. If you're on a Mac, working alone and running lots of quick iterations, Sketch is still more comfortable.
For PM prototyping
Wireframes, logic, not design — I usually reach for Figma simply because the developers and designers I hand off to work there. Zero friction on handoff.
Practical advice: don't waste time perfecting a prototype. 4 hours on a wireframe is bad. 45 minutes on a diagram that answers “how does this work?” is good.