Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Visual ProtoStack VS Balsamiq

Compare Visual ProtoStack VS Balsamiq and see what are their differences

Visual ProtoStack logo Visual ProtoStack

Network protocol emulator and testing tool

Balsamiq logo Balsamiq

Balsamiq. Rapid, effective and fun wireframing software.
  • Visual ProtoStack Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-26
  • Balsamiq Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-05-19

Visual ProtoStack features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Visual ProtoStack offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that allows users to manage their projects efficiently without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Collaborative Features
    It provides tools for collaboration, enabling multiple team members to work on projects simultaneously, which enhances productivity and fosters teamwork.
  • Rich Set of Visual Tools
    The platform includes a comprehensive set of visual tools that accommodates various stages of prototyping, allowing for seamless design and testing.

Possible disadvantages of Visual ProtoStack

  • Limited Customization
    Visual ProtoStack might lack certain customization options, which may be a drawback for users looking for more tailored project solutions.
  • Potential Learning Curve
    New users might face an initial learning curve as they familiarize themselves with all the features and tools, which could slow down initial adoption.
  • Subscription Costs
    The platform may impose subscription fees, which could be a concern for small teams or individual users working with limited budgets.

Balsamiq features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Balsamiq offers an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create wireframes quickly.
  • Rapid Prototyping
    The tool is designed for speed, allowing users to iterate and refine designs rapidly, aiding in quick decision-making and revisions.
  • Low-Fidelity Focus
    Balsamiq emphasizes low-fidelity wireframes, making it easier to focus on structure and user flow rather than getting bogged down in details like colors and fonts.
  • Collaboration Features
    It includes collaboration tools such as comments and real-time co-editing, making it easier for teams to work together and share feedback.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Balsamiq is available both as a web application and a desktop app for Windows and macOS, providing flexibility in how teams access the tool.
  • Extensive Library of UI Components
    The software comes with a rich library of pre-built UI components, icons, and templates that simplify the design process.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    Balsamiq integrates seamlessly with popular project management and development tools like Jira, Confluence, and Google Drive.

Possible disadvantages of Balsamiq

  • Limited Customization Options
    Due to its focus on low-fidelity wireframes, Balsamiq offers limited options for detailed customization, which might not be sufficient for high-fidelity design needs.
  • Cost
    Unlike some free wireframing tools, Balsamiq requires a subscription, which could be a barrier for small teams or individual users on a tight budget.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are easy to use, mastering more advanced functionalities might require additional learning and practice.
  • No Interactive Prototypes
    Balsamiq is primarily focused on static wireframes and lacks features for creating interactive, clickable prototypes, which can be a downside for more complex projects.
  • Performance Issues with Large Projects
    Users have reported performance slowdowns when working with very large or complex wireframing projects.
  • No Mobile App
    Unlike some competitors, Balsamiq does not offer a mobile app, which can limit accessibility for users who need to work on the go.

Visual ProtoStack videos

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Balsamiq videos

UX Review: Balsamiq.com - Watch a Usability Expert Review Our Site!

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Balsamiq Mockups: Beginner Tutorial
  • Review - Balsamiq Wireframes for Desktop Overview (Windows)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Visual ProtoStack and Balsamiq)
Prototyping
4 4%
96% 96
Design Tools
5 5%
95% 95
Design Collaboration
3 3%
97% 97
Cloud VPN
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Visual ProtoStack and Balsamiq

Visual ProtoStack Reviews

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Balsamiq Reviews

Figma Alternatives: 12 Prototyping and Design Tools in 2024
Balsamiq is a design tool that has been available since 2008. Itโ€™s easy to use and even boasts active customer service if you need help. The software is beginner-friendly, so there is no learning curve if youโ€™re a newbie.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Balsamiq seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 32 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Visual ProtoStack mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Visual ProtoStack yet. Tracking of Visual ProtoStack recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Balsamiq mentions (32)

  • Revenge of the Junior Developer
    Usually my own way of working is to use Balsamiq[0] to have a visual prototype to test out flows, Figma|Sketch for the UI specs, then to just code it. Kinda the same when drawing where you just doodle until you have a few workable ideas, iterate of these to judge colors and other things, and then commit to one for the final result. [0]: https://balsamiq.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Three important steps before jumping to the code
    You can still produce something useful even if youโ€™re not a professional designer. For example, you can use a rapid wireframing tool like Balsamiq (my favorite) or Excalidraw. With such tools, you can sketch an idea quickly without spending time on minor visual details. Or, use a whiteboard or good old pencil and paper. Any sketch is better than nothing. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Tell HN: My Favorite Tools
    A few apps that are a joy to use: https://ia.net/writer for writing. https://usecontrast.com/ for checking contrast. https://sipapp.io/ for picking colors. https://nova.app/ for editing code. https://cleanshot.com/ for screenshots. https://getpixelsnap.com/ for measuring elements on screen. https://netnewswire.com/ for reading things via RSS. https://panic.com/transmit/ for file transfers. https://usefathom.com/... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Best UI design courses for hackers?
    I think the best practical approach for designing UIs is to download (and buy) Balsamic[0] and use that to design UIs. Cut through the nonsense of colours and pixels in the first instance and just lay things out logically and simply. [0] https://balsamiq.com. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Build Products that donโ€™t SUCK
    Create a low-fidelity mockup or wireframe of your MVP using tools like Balsamiq, Sketch, or Figma. Or use an easier-to-use tool like Uizard, which also has text-to-design capabilities. Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Visual ProtoStack and Balsamiq, you can also consider the following products

Atomic - The fastest way to design beautiful interactions

Moqups - The most stunning HTML5 app for creating resolution-independent SVG mockups, wireframes & interactive prototypes for your next project

Zen Flowchart - The simplest tool to create flowcharts

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams

Marvel for iOS - Rapid design and prototyping for the iPhone and iPad

Axure - The most powerful way to plan, prototype and hand off to developers, all without code. Download a free trial and see why professionals choose Axure RP 9.