Balsamiq vs Proto.io

Overview

Balsamiq

Stacks847

Followers595

Votes222

Proto.io

Stacks51

Followers89

Votes10

Balsamiq vs Proto.io: What are the differences?

Cost: Balsamiq offers a one-time purchase model for its software which makes it more cost-effective for individuals or small teams. On the other hand, Proto.io follows a subscription-based pricing model which might be a better fit for larger organizations with ongoing projects.
Fidelity: Balsamiq is known for its low-fidelity wireframing capabilities, focusing on quick and simple sketches to convey ideas. Proto.io, on the other hand, allows for high-fidelity prototypes with advanced interactions and animations, making it suitable for more detailed design concepts.
Collaboration: While both Balsamiq and Proto.io offer collaboration features, they differ in their approach. Balsamiq focuses on real-time collaboration with the ability for multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Proto.io, on the other hand, emphasizes feedback gathering and sharing options, allowing for efficient communication among team members.
Platform Compatibility: Balsamiq is a desktop-based tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux whereas Proto.io is a web-based platform accessible through a browser, making it more versatile for users who work across different devices and operating systems.
Interactivity: Proto.io excels in the area of interactivity by providing a wide range of interactive elements and animations to create dynamic prototypes. Balsamiq, on the other hand, focuses more on static wireframes with limited interactive features, making it ideal for early-stage design iterations.
Learning Curve: Balsamiq is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to start creating wireframes quickly. Proto.io, with its more advanced features and functionalities, has a steeper learning curve but offers greater flexibility and capabilities for experienced designers.

In Summary, Balsamiq is ideal for low-fidelity wireframing at a one-time cost, while Proto.io offers high-fidelity prototypes with advanced interactions on a subscription basis, catering to different design needs and preferences.

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CLI (Node.js)

Manual

Detailed Comparison

Balsamiq	Proto.io
Balsamiq Mockups is a web tool that allows users to mock up different designs and ideas quickly and easily. Balsamic Mockups is similar to drawing mockups, but it is digital	Proto.io supports all the major mobile gestures and touch events like tap, tap-hold, swipe, pinch, and zoom. Interaction designers are not limited to a single ‘link’ transition anymore. Instead they can apply animated screen transitions like slide, fade, pop, flip, flow, and turn.
Low-Fi Sketch Wireframes;Click-Through Prototypes;UI Components & Icons;Export to PNG or PDF;Quick Add for Speed;Import and Export;Drag and Drop for Simplicity;Works Offline;Re-usable Symbol Libraries;Full Keyboard Support;Mac, Windows, and Linux	Interactive designs;Prototype for all devices;Wonderful UI libraries;Actual device testing;Share, add comments;Publish and Export to HTML;States, Animations & Timelines;Drag & Rotate;Variables & Item properties;Intuitive editor interface with drag-n-drop features, no coding required;Silly-fast mobile prototyping;Templates and reusable containers for easy development;Powerful digital asset manager;HTML5 fonts support;Auto-save function;Version history and rollback;100% web-based, nothing to install;Custom branding for your account and prototypes;Overwhelming technical support;Extensive documentation, screencasts, examples and sample prototypes
Statistics
Stacks 847	Stacks 51
Followers 595	Followers 89
Votes 222	Votes 10
Pros & Cons
Pros 71 Useful mockups 60 Easy to use 51 Very useful & simple 19 Good looking 15 It helps my creative work	Pros 4 Easy to get started with a good set of UI controls 3 Design on site, better than simply importing stuff 3 Try prototype on mobile device
Integrations
Google Drive Jira FogBugz	No integrations available

What are some alternatives to Balsamiq, Proto.io?

InVision

InVision lets you create stunningly realistic interactive wireframes and prototypes without compromising your creative vision.

Avocode

Avocode is a cross-platform app that helps designers and developers collaborate and easily handoff designs. Avocode comes with 14 days free trial.

Marvel

A super simple tool that turns any image (including PSDs) or sketch into interactive prototypes for any device. Powered by Dropbox.

UXPin

It is a code-based design tool that merges design and engineering into one unified process. Thanks to conditional interactions, variables, state-based animations, and powerful expressions, you can build prototypes that feel like the real thing. In other words, anything that's on the web can be accurately prototyped in UXPin.

Pidoco

It is software that lets you quickly create click-through wireframes and fully interactive UX prototypes.

Atomic

Pull in designs from Photoshop or Sketch, instantly animate between them, and share your prototypes with anyone or view on any device via URL.

AppScreenshots - AI-Powered App Store Screenshot Generator

Create beautiful app screenshots for App Store and Google Play in minutes. Free screenshot generator with templates. No signup required. Try now!

Axure

The way to plan, prototype, and hand off to developers, all without code. A wireframing, rapid prototyping, documentation and specification software tool aimed at web, mobile and desktop applications.

Whimsical Wireframes

Instant wireframing at your fingertips. Whimsical includes a rich library of configurable elements like buttons, inputs, checkboxes, and more.

Moqups

Achieve flow with our web app for creating mockups, wireframes and interactive prototypes that look great onscreen and on paper thanks to the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) technology.

Related Comparisons

Balsamiq vs Proto.io: What are the differences?

Cost: Balsamiq offers a one-time purchase model for its software which makes it more cost-effective for individuals or small teams. On the other hand, Proto.io follows a subscription-based pricing model which might be a better fit for larger organizations with ongoing projects.
Fidelity: Balsamiq is known for its low-fidelity wireframing capabilities, focusing on quick and simple sketches to convey ideas. Proto.io, on the other hand, allows for high-fidelity prototypes with advanced interactions and animations, making it suitable for more detailed design concepts.
Collaboration: While both Balsamiq and Proto.io offer collaboration features, they differ in their approach. Balsamiq focuses on real-time collaboration with the ability for multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Proto.io, on the other hand, emphasizes feedback gathering and sharing options, allowing for efficient communication among team members.
Platform Compatibility: Balsamiq is a desktop-based tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux whereas Proto.io is a web-based platform accessible through a browser, making it more versatile for users who work across different devices and operating systems.
Interactivity: Proto.io excels in the area of interactivity by providing a wide range of interactive elements and animations to create dynamic prototypes. Balsamiq, on the other hand, focuses more on static wireframes with limited interactive features, making it ideal for early-stage design iterations.
Learning Curve: Balsamiq is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to start creating wireframes quickly. Proto.io, with its more advanced features and functionalities, has a steeper learning curve but offers greater flexibility and capabilities for experienced designers.

Balsamiq vs Proto.io

Overview