One-Time vs Subscription
The biggest difference: Affinity Designer 2 costs $69.99 one-time. Adobe Illustrator costs $22.99/month ($275/year). Over 3 years, thats $70 vs $825.
Features
Illustrator has more features: 3D effects, variable fonts, pattern generation, mesh gradients, extensive filter gallery. Affinity covers 90% of what most designers need: pen tool, shapes, boolean operations, symbols, constraints, pixel preview.
For more on this topic, see our guide on best free design tools for non-designers in 2026.Performance
Affinity is faster on complex files. It handles 1000+ artboard files without lag. Illustrator can slow down on heavy documents, especially with live effects.
File Compatibility
Illustrator reads/writes AI, EPS, SVG, PDF natively. Affinity reads AI/PSD/PDF and exports to SVG, PDF, EPS. If clients send Illustrator files, Affinity opens them (usually) but complex effects may not translate perfectly.
Verdict
Affinity for freelancers, small studios, and anyone tired of subscriptions. Illustrator for agency work where AI file compatibility is required, or when you need the full Adobe ecosystem (Libraries, Fonts, Stock).