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Balsamiq

By Balsamiq

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Balsamiq Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users find Balsamiq to be simple and intuitive, facilitating swift wireframe creation without a steep learning curve. (9 mentions)
Users love the easy drag-and-drop features of Balsamiq, making wireframe creation simple and intuitive. (5 mentions)
Users love the variety of shapes in Balsamiq, enhancing creativity and streamlining wireframe creation. (5 mentions)
Users commend Balsamiq for its easy creation of wireframes, enabling quick design without a steep learning curve. (4 mentions)
Users admire the user-friendly interface of Balsamiq, enhancing collaboration and speeding up the design process. (4 mentions)
Users value the excellent user interface of Balsamiq, appreciating its seamless learning curve and efficient wireframing capabilities. (3 mentions)
Users find the ease of learning with Balsamiq to be rapid and seamless, enhancing adoption rates effectively. (2 mentions)
Users value the real-time collaboration feature of Balsamiq, enhancing teamwork and efficiency in wireframing projects. (1 mentions)
Users value the team collaboration capabilities of Balsamiq, enhancing workflow and improving project outcomes efficiently. (1 mentions)
Users find Balsamiq's limited capabilities frustrating, as it lacks options for high-fidelity designs and detailed customization. (3 mentions)
Users find the learning curve challenging, requiring time to understand Balsamiq’s features effectively. (2 mentions)
Users find limited free access restrictive, impacting customization and usability compared to more advanced tools. (2 mentions)
Users find the initial complexity of Balsamiq can be challenging, especially for first-time users. (1 mentions)
Users find the lack of freehand drawing tools limiting and suggest improvements for library search capabilities. (1 mentions)
Users find the export functionality lacking, hindering integration and efficiency for the developer community. (1 mentions)
Users find the slow loading of the Cloud version to be a significant drawback, hindering their workflow efficiency. (1 mentions)
Users find the slow performance of Balsamiq frustrating, highlighting the need for improvements and additional features. (1 mentions)

Top Pros or Advantages of Balsamiq

1. Ease of Use
Users find Balsamiq to be simple and intuitive, facilitating swift wireframe creation without a steep learning curve.
See 9 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Fast lofi wireframes"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly create wireframes for apps without spending too much time learning complex software. It has a lar

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Gets the job done"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Simple and intuitive. Easy drag and drop features. Coming to Balsamiq from Axure, this was as basic as could be and required no learning curve.

2. Drag
Users love the easy drag-and-drop features of Balsamiq, making wireframe creation simple and intuitive.
See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Fast lofi wireframes"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly create wireframes for apps without spending too much time learning complex software. It has a lar

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Gets the job done"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Simple and intuitive. Easy drag and drop features. Coming to Balsamiq from Axure, this was as basic as could be and required no learning curve.

3. Shapes Variety
Users love the variety of shapes in Balsamiq, enhancing creativity and streamlining wireframe creation.
See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Fast lofi wireframes"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly create wireframes for apps without spending too much time learning complex software. It has a lar

Apoorv Y.
AY

Apoorv Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Best-in class tool for wireframing."

What do you like about Balsamiq?

The ease of use makes this one of the finest tool for wireframing. I liked the number of features and variety of options to create wireframes with eas

4. Easy Creation
Users commend Balsamiq for its easy creation of wireframes, enabling quick design without a steep learning curve.
See 4 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Fast lofi wireframes"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly create wireframes for apps without spending too much time learning complex software. It has a lar

Idan K.
IK

Idan K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2.5/5

"An OK tool for collaboration on Mobile/Web wireframes."

What do you like about Balsamiq?

It's pretty easy to start using. Creating the page hierarchy, drag-and-drop components into the view, And defining layouts is excellent for simple wir

5. User Interface
Users admire the user-friendly interface of Balsamiq, enhancing collaboration and speeding up the design process.
See 4 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Grace D.
GD

Grace D.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Love this wireframe tool"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Cute UI, clear space. Easy to onboard for new member. Help me to reduce working time

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq has an excellent user interface that makes it one of the tremendous wireframing tools in the market. The user learning is so fast and seamles

6. Features
Users value the excellent user interface of Balsamiq, appreciating its seamless learning curve and efficient wireframing capabilities.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Gets the job done"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Simple and intuitive. Easy drag and drop features. Coming to Balsamiq from Axure, this was as basic as could be and required no learning curve.

Apoorv Y.
AY

Apoorv Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Best-in class tool for wireframing."

What do you like about Balsamiq?

The ease of use makes this one of the finest tool for wireframing. I liked the number of features and variety of options to create wireframes with eas

7. Ease of Learning
Users find the ease of learning with Balsamiq to be rapid and seamless, enhancing adoption rates effectively.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Gets the job done"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Simple and intuitive. Easy drag and drop features. Coming to Balsamiq from Axure, this was as basic as could be and required no learning curve.

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq has an excellent user interface that makes it one of the tremendous wireframing tools in the market. The user learning is so fast and seamles

8. Real-time Collaboration
Users value the real-time collaboration feature of Balsamiq, enhancing teamwork and efficiency in wireframing projects.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq has an excellent user interface that makes it one of the tremendous wireframing tools in the market. The user learning is so fast and seamles

9. Team Collaboration
Users value the team collaboration capabilities of Balsamiq, enhancing workflow and improving project outcomes efficiently.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you like about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq has an excellent user interface that makes it one of the tremendous wireframing tools in the market. The user learning is so fast and seamles

Top Cons or Disadvantages of Balsamiq

1. Limited Capabilities
Users find Balsamiq's limited capabilities frustrating, as it lacks options for high-fidelity designs and detailed customization.
See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Balsamiq Tool Review"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq's simplicity and focus on low-fidelity wireframes may limit its usefulness for projects requiring high-fidelity visual representation. Other

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Fast lofi wireframes"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

It's purposely low fidelity that helps deliver fast conceptual mockups, but occasionally it would be nice to be able to move those wireframes into a h

2. Learning Curve
Users find the learning curve challenging, requiring time to understand Balsamiq’s features effectively.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Decent tool for wireframing"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

- Looks outdated design. - Slightly complex in understanding initially for the first time user

Joseph G.
JG

Joseph G.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Balsamiq helped me design apps"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

I was not too fond of the learning curve of balsamiq. It took me some time to learn the ins and outs of the product and how to use it from end to end.

3. Limited Free Access
Users find limited free access restrictive, impacting customization and usability compared to more advanced tools.
See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Apoorv Y.
AY

Apoorv Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Best-in class tool for wireframing."

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

This product lacks the use of free hand creation of lines and paths which can make it even more useful. Also it should have an open library search via

Idan K.
IK

Idan K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2.5/5

"An OK tool for collaboration on Mobile/Web wireframes."

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

UI always looked a bit less refined and professional to clients than other tools like axure, etc. It feels like it's harder to customize the default

4. Complexity
Users find the initial complexity of Balsamiq can be challenging, especially for first-time users.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Decent tool for wireframing"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

- Looks outdated design. - Slightly complex in understanding initially for the first time user

5. Drawing Tools
Users find the lack of freehand drawing tools limiting and suggest improvements for library search capabilities.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Apoorv Y.
AY

Apoorv Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Best-in class tool for wireframing."

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

This product lacks the use of free hand creation of lines and paths which can make it even more useful. Also it should have an open library search via

6. Exporting Issues
Users find the export functionality lacking, hindering integration and efficiency for the developer community.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

The Cloud version of the product is a bit slower and needs performance improvements. The export functionality into various file formats needs to be im

7. Slow Loading
Users find the slow loading of the Cloud version to be a significant drawback, hindering their workflow efficiency.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

The Cloud version of the product is a bit slower and needs performance improvements. The export functionality into various file formats needs to be im

8. Slow Performance
Users find the slow performance of Balsamiq frustrating, highlighting the need for improvements and additional features.
See 1 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Teja T.
TT

Teja T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

The Cloud version of the product is a bit slower and needs performance improvements. The export functionality into various file formats needs to be im

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Balsamiq Reviews (500)

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Balsamiq Reviews (500)

View 1 Video Reviews
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Teja T.
TT
Senior Business Analyst
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Great Wireframing Tool for Business Analysts"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq has an excellent user interface that makes it one of the tremendous wireframing tools in the market. The user learning is so fast and seamless, which will positively impact the organisation adoption rate. Quicker and quality wireframes in a lesser timeframe indirectly accelerate the feedback time and development cycle. Offline functionality is always a plus for users to work in offline mode. Reusable components and collaboration across teams/users are always helpful for organizations to review and work together in accomplishing user experience needs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

The Cloud version of the product is a bit slower and needs performance improvements. The export functionality into various file formats needs to be implemented to benefit the overall developer community.

Shoudl add more search capabilities to search design elements to the overall functionality. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Apoorv Y.
AY
Deputy Manager - Business Analyst
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Best-in class tool for wireframing."
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

The ease of use makes this one of the finest tool for wireframing. I liked the number of features and variety of options to create wireframes with ease of implementation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

This product lacks the use of free hand creation of lines and paths which can make it even more useful. Also it should have an open library search via web. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

MA
Business Analyst
Consulting
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Most entry level wireframing tool"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

I like its UI, it's actually very user-friendly and easy to use. even for a person who is writing first time, then also they can easily understand. and all kind of icons will be by default available.

Additionally, we can import images and logos very easily. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

As per my understanding it totally great, but I have one suggestion the Balsamiq group can also provide a painting option and prototying then it will be a next-level product. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DM
Managing Director
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Easy to use, has just the features I needed"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

It's well designed. Very intuitive - I figured it out quiet quickly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

Sometimes I had to look around the icon menus for a while before i could find stuff. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Idan K.
IK
Chief Technology Officer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"An OK tool for collaboration on Mobile/Web wireframes."
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

It's pretty easy to start using. Creating the page hierarchy, drag-and-drop components into the view, And defining layouts is excellent for simple wireframes.

Also, Pricing is fair! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

UI always looked a bit less refined and professional to clients than other tools like axure, etc.

It feels like it's harder to customize the default features and components. it might not be the best tool for a service provider, wanting to present a wireframe with branding orientation.

Last thing that might affect offline users. unlike other apps, balsamiq was web only... it was Okay by me, but might cause some issues when experiencing network issues Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Hiren R.
HR
Senior Business Analyst | Product Owner
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Best alternate for pen and paper for your wireframes in digital world"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

Quick wireframe creation is the best function of Balsamiq. Predefined presets are very much useful for a design requirement. It gives the user an idea of how the screen will look and behave in terms of user experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

Sometimes we don't find a specific design we have in mind for some inputs, especially the latest design of the input. For example, dropdown which shows in the wireframe is very basic and not able to find any alternate for the same. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
UI
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Fast lofi wireframes"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq is ideal for anyone who needs to quickly create wireframes for apps without spending too much time learning complex software.

It has a large library of pre-built UI components, making it easy to quickly drag and drop elements into wireframes. It's easy to create projects and link frames together. It can export to stand-alone images or a PDF with clickable hyperlinks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

It's purposely low fidelity that helps deliver fast conceptual mockups, but occasionally it would be nice to be able to move those wireframes into a higher fidelity rendition.

They've recently announced the Desktop edition will be getting less and less development focus which I understand given usage stats, but I do prefer it for offline work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Joseph G.
JG
Product Manager
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Balsamiq helped me design apps"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

I loved using balsamiq to design prototypes and use it for building app and website designs. I used to for personal and work use and it help me create baseline screens for apps. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

I was not too fond of the learning curve of balsamiq. It took me some time to learn the ins and outs of the product and how to use it from end to end. If I could have had tutorials for the product, that would have helped me onboard. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Computer Software
UC
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Balsamiq Tool Review"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

One of the standout features of Balsamiq is its simplicity. The interface is clean and intuitive. The drag-and-drop functionality allows for quick and effortless placement of elements, and the pre-built components library offers a wide range of UI elements to choose from, saving a lot of time and manual effort. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

Balsamiq's simplicity and focus on low-fidelity wireframes may limit its usefulness for projects requiring high-fidelity visual representation. Other tools do a better job at more intricate designs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aadhya C.
AC
Product Manager
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Incredible easy and innovative wireframing app!"
What do you like best about Balsamiq?

I am a great fan of Balsamiq. I have been using it since my college days and it's simple to use with endless options for several iterations. As a product manager, it makes my job incredibly easy and makes my wireframes looks classy! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Balsamiq?

When I first started out with my onboarding there were no proper instructions given to use the product however I see that they have changed their onboarding process much more customer friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.