Microsoft Designer vs Piktochart

Microsoft Designer8.7Visit Piktochart8.5Visit

Higher score Microsoft Designer #6 in AI Graphic Design Software 8.7/10 Free plan · paid from $9.99/user/mo Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit site

vs

Piktochart #8 in AI Graphic Design Software 8.5/10 Free plan · paid from $10/mo (annual) Free plan✓ 1 of 6 features Visit Piktochart

• Microsoft Designer fits best

  Microsoft ecosystem users wanting free AI design

• Piktochart fits best

  Infographics and data-rich visual communications

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Side by side

Feature	Microsoft Designer 8.7/10 Visit ↗	Piktochart 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	8.5
Ranking	#6 in AI Graphic Design Software	#8 in AI Graphic Design Software
Best for	Microsoft ecosystem users wanting free AI design	Infographics and data-rich visual communications
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$9.99/user/mo	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android	Web
Integrations	6 integrations	4 integrations
Features Microsoft Designer 0/6 · Piktochart 1/6
AI layout generation	Not published	Not published
Brand kit	—	✓ (best)
Background removal	Not published	Not published
Design resizing	Not published	Not published
Print-ready exports	Not published	Not published
Team collaboration	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Free prompt-based image and design generation with a Microsoft account Strong integration with Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and OneNote Web, iOS and Android access with useful image-editing tools	Charts, maps, diagrams, and data imports support information-heavy visuals. Brand controls, shared workspaces, and permissions support team workflows. Free access and annual Pro pricing provide a low-cost entry point.
Cons	Usage limits may apply on the Free plan Licensed for personal, non-commercial use Brand kits were deprecated during the October 2025 migration	Access is limited to the web, with no desktop or mobile app. The Free plan includes only 2 PNG downloads. Advanced security and dedicated support are reserved for higher-tier plans.
Our verdict	Microsoft Designer is a web-based graphic design and image-editing tool for personal users who want to create visuals with generative AI. Text prompts can produce images, invitations, greeting cards, stickers, collages, banners and other… Read the review →	Piktochart is a browser-based visual communication and graphic design platform for individuals, educators, marketers, consultants, and teams. It is designed for infographics, reports, presentations, posters, social graphics, and other… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Microsoft Designer — where it wins

  • Free prompt-based image and design generation with a Microsoft account
  • Strong integration with Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and OneNote
  • Web, iOS and Android access with useful image-editing tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Usage limits may apply on the Free plan
  • Licensed for personal, non-commercial use
  • Brand kits were deprecated during the October 2025 migration

• Piktochart — where it wins

  • Charts, maps, diagrams, and data imports support information-heavy visuals.
  • Brand controls, shared workspaces, and permissions support team workflows.
  • Free access and annual Pro pricing provide a low-cost entry point.

  Where it doesn't

  • Access is limited to the web, with no desktop or mobile app.
  • The Free plan includes only 2 PNG downloads.
  • Advanced security and dedicated support are reserved for higher-tier plans.

• Microsoft Designer8.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $9.99/user/mo

  A capable free AI design tool for personal users already in the Microsoft ecosystem.

  Visit siteFull verdict →
• Piktochart8.5/10 · Free plan · paid from $10/mo (annual)

  A focused visual communication platform for data-rich graphics and presentations.

  Visit PiktochartFull verdict →