Penpot vs Figma: Privacy Comparison
Here we put Penpot head-to-head with Figma across the six privacy factors that matter most: their data collection practices, encryption implementation, third-party data sharing, user privacy controls, transparency, and historical track record. While both products address similar requirements, the philosophies they bring to protecting users diverge sharply. Our assessment finds that Penpot provides a noticeably better overall privacy experience, although neither service is without trade-offs that deserve a careful, detailed look.
Scorecard Summary
Here is the result of weighing both services across the dimensions that decide real-world privacy. Across the six privacy dimensions we score, Penpot finishes ahead of Figma, 54/60 to 38/60. That total reflects a privacy face-off in which one service is consistently the more privacy-respecting choice, even though both cover the same functional ground.
Most of the distance between these services opens up on Encryption: Penpot 7/10 versus Figma 4/10. On Data Collection the margin nearly vanishes: Penpot 10/10 against Figma 8/10. Keep reading to see exactly how the gap was earned, category by category.
Data Collection Practices
Data collection is the foundation of any privacy assessment. The extent to which a service collects, retains, and processes user data directly determines the privacy risks associated with its use. Penpot demonstrates more restrained data collection practices, gathering only the minimum data necessary for service functionality. The other service collects a broader range of data including behavioral patterns, device identifiers, and usage analytics that extend beyond core service requirements. We scored Penpot 10/10 and Figma 8/10 in this category. The difference reflects not just the volume of data collected but the purpose and necessity of that collection.
Encryption Implementation
Encryption guards user data as it moves and while it sits at rest, and how well it is built differs enormously from one service to the next. Penpot puts tougher encryption in place, with sturdier protocols shielding data in transit and stronger safeguards for what is stored. The two implementations part ways on coverage (which data actually gets encrypted), on strength (which algorithms and key lengths back it up), and on whether end-to-end encryption is in play (which keeps even the provider from reading user content). For encryption, Penpot scored 7/10 while Figma scored 4/10.
Who Else Gets Your Data
How services share data with third parties is a critical privacy dimension. This includes sharing with advertising networks, analytics providers, business partners, and in response to government requests. Penpot maintains more restrictive policies regarding third-party data access. The data sharing practices affect not just privacy but also the security of user information, as each additional party with access represents a potential breach vector. Scores: Penpot 8/10, Figma 5/10.
Controls You Can Actually Use
The availability and effectiveness of user-facing privacy controls determine how much agency individuals have over their own data. This includes settings for data collection opt-out, download and deletion capabilities, granular permission controls, and the ease with which users can exercise their rights under applicable privacy regulations. Penpot provides more comprehensive and accessible privacy controls. Scores: Penpot 9/10, Figma 6/10.
Transparency
Transparency encompasses how clearly each service communicates its data practices. This includes the readability of privacy policies, the publication of transparency reports, responsiveness to privacy inquiries, and proactive communication about policy changes. Penpot demonstrates stronger transparency overall. Clear, accessible privacy communication is essential for informed consent and trust. Scores: Penpot 10/10, Figma 7/10.
Track Record Over Time
The record of privacy incidents, regulatory run-ins, and how a service answers vulnerabilities offers context you cannot ignore. Penpot holds the stronger track record here, with a smaller count of incidents and a more responsible response to the problems that did surface. More often than not, what a service did in the past is the best guide to its future privacy conduct. Scores: Penpot 10/10, Figma 8/10.
Overall Verdict
When the full analysis is tallied, Penpot finishes at 54/60 and Figma at 38/60. On privacy grounds, the overall winner is Penpot. Both products meet similar functional needs, yet the winner brings a more privacy-respecting approach to the dimensions that carry the most weight. Still, perfection is off the table for any service, so no matter which you choose you should actively set up its privacy options. Our advice is to round out your pick with additional privacy tools, a VPN, DNS-level ad blocker, and privacy-focused browser, to assemble a thorough privacy posture. Should your threat model call for the strongest privacy possible, weigh whether an even more privacy-focused alternative exists in this category beyond the two compared here.