Design & UI comparison 
Adobe Express vs Microsoft Designer
Our pick: Adobe Express scores 8.4/10 against 7.6/10 for Microsoft Designer. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.
Adobe Express
Quick content creation with Adobe Firefly AI
8.4/10From $9.99/moOur pick
Visit Adobe Express VS
At a glance
| Adobe Express | Microsoft Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Best for | Small businesses, Social media managers, Students | Small businesses, Students, Casual users |
| Type | Graphic design | Graphic design |
| Pricing | Free plan | Free plan |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | Free |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Windows |
| Launched | 2021 | 2023 |
Key features
Adobe Express
- Firefly text-to-image
- Generative fill
- Templates
- Brand kits
- Content scheduler
Microsoft Designer
- Prompt-to-design
- AI image generation
- Restyle and erase
- Templates
- Microsoft 365 integration
Adobe Express: pros and cons
Pros
- Integrates with Adobe assets and Firefly
- Commercially safe generative AI
- Generous free plan
Cons
- Smaller template library than Canva
- Some features overlap confusingly with other Adobe apps
Microsoft Designer: pros and cons
Pros
- Free with a Microsoft account
- Quick results for simple graphics
Cons
- Limited advanced controls
- Fewer templates than rivals
Verdict: Adobe Express or Microsoft Designer?
Choose Adobe Express if you're small businesses or social media managers or students and value integrates with Adobe assets and Firefly.
Choose Microsoft Designer if you're small businesses or students or casual users and value free with a Microsoft account.
Overall we rate Adobe Express slightly higher. Both are worth trying, and at least one has a free plan or trial. See all Design & UI tools for more options.
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