Canva vs Microsoft Designer
Which AI tool is better for you?
Overview
Canva and Microsoft Designer solve different problems, but people often weigh them against each other. Canva: All-in-one design tool with AI features for presentations, social posts, and photo editing. Microsoft Designer: Microsoft's free AI tool for generating graphics and social posts.
Not every plan here is sold as a flat monthly price — check each official pricing page for current plans. Both offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Platform support also differs. Canva: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
Which one fits depends on your workflow and budget. The table below lines up the verified facts, and the interactive comparison lets you put Canva, Microsoft Designer, and any other tool side by side.
Side-by-side comparison
| Canva | Microsoft Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | See pricing | Free |
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Pricing Type | Freemium | Freemium |
| Supported platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Mobile | Yes | — |
| API | No | — |
| Categories | AI Productivity | AI Image |
At a glance
Choose Canva if…
- its focus matches what you're building — see the overview above
Choose Microsoft Designer if…
- its focus matches what you're building — see the overview above
Alternatives worth considering
Other tools in the same category.
High-fidelity AI image generation with a distinct style.
Best for High-aesthetic illustration and concept art
Adobe's generative AI for images, integrated across Creative Cloud apps.
Best for edit a product photo
AI image generator known for accurate text rendering inside images.
AI image generation platform with fine-tuned models for art and design.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Canva or Microsoft Designer?
At least one of them doesn't sell a flat monthly plan, so there's no single number to compare — check both official pricing pages.
Do Canva and Microsoft Designer have free plans?
Yes — both offer a free plan you can start with.
Do Canva and Microsoft Designer offer free trials?
Neither lists a free trial.
Which is better, Canva or Microsoft Designer?
There's no single answer — it depends on your use case and budget. Compare the verified facts above, then open the interactive comparison to line Canva and Microsoft Designer up with any other tools you're considering.
Can I use Canva and Microsoft Designer together?
Yes — nothing stops you from using both, and many people combine tools for different tasks. Add Canva and Microsoft Designer to the AI stack builder to see what the combination costs per month.
What platforms do Canva and Microsoft Designer run on?
Canva: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
What are alternatives to Canva and Microsoft Designer?
Popular alternatives include Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Ideogram, Leonardo AI, Stable Diffusion — each has its own detail page on ToolScanner with verified pricing.
Where can I verify current pricing for Canva and Microsoft Designer?
On each official website — providers change prices and plans at any time. ToolScanner shows the monthly-billing price as of our last verification, with the date on each tool's page.