Design resourcesAdobe Creative Cloud Is Getting More Expensive

Adobe Creative Cloud Is Getting More Expensive

Here Is A Cheaper (and Awesome) Alternative.

By Eoin

30 Apr 2025

1 minute

If you’re an Adobe Creative Cloud user, you might want to brace yourself: prices are going up. Again.

Starting June 17, 2025, Adobe is rolling out its rebranded “Creative Cloud Pro” plan. Basically, it’s the same “All Apps” bundle, but now with unlimited generative AI image credits and 4,000 AI credits for things like video and audio editing.

Sounds cool, right? Until you see the price tag. It’s jumping from $59.99 to $69.99/month—that’s $839.88 a year, up from $719.88. A $120 annual increase for features many users might not even use.

Not into AI features? Well, Adobe’s also introducing a “Creative Cloud Standard” plan at $54.99/month, which includes only limited AI credits and skips out on the advanced stuff.

And if you’ve been using Adobe Illustrator as a standalone tool, that one’s going up too. From $20.99/month to $22.99/month, which adds up to $275.88/year, up from $251.88/year. It might not sound like much, but these hikes add up especially when there are affordable alternatives Adobe Illustrator alternatives out there.

Oh, and it’s being phased out for new users after January 2025, so if you’re not already on it, tough luck.

So… What Now?

If you’re feeling priced out, you’re not alone. Many creatives are now looking at alternatives that won’t cost as much as a monthly car payment.

Looking for an Adobe Illustrator Alternative?

If Adobe Illustrator’s price hike has you reconsidering your subscription, there are powerful tools that deliver professional vector design features without the premium cost.

Our detailed Adobe Illustrator alternatives guide breaks down the best free and paid options, comparing ease of use, features, and pricing—so you can make the switch with confidence.

Meet Linearity Curve

One standout option? Linearity Curve. It’s got an intuitive interface, solid performance, and all the essentials you need for graphic design. Plus, there’s a free version, and even the Pro plan is at just $79/year (that’s only $6.58/month).

Great for illustrators, brand designers, or anyone who’s over Adobe’s bills, Linearity Curve proves you don’t need Creative Cloud to be creative. That said, we’ve kept an integration with Adobe in case you still need it—Linearity Curve lets you export your files in .ai format, making it a true Adobe Illustrator alternative.

Final Thoughts

Adobe’s tools are still powerful, but they’re also starting to feel a little like luxury software.

If you’re not using all the AI bells, you might be paying for more than you actually need.

Luckily, 2025 is a great time to rethink your creative toolbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cheaper alternatives to Adobe Illustrator and After Effects?

Yes, Linearity’s software suite is a more affordable option for vector design and animation software. Linearity Curve offers built-in AI-powered features like content-aware background removal and generation, and Auto Trace.nnLinearity Move offers smart animation features that simplify your creative process.

How does Linearity Curve compare to Adobe Illustrator?

Linearity Curve is faster, more intuitive and optimized for iPad and Apple Pencil, while still offering a powerful set of vector design tools.

Is Linearity Curve easier to use than Adobe Illustrator?

Many users find Linearity Curve easier to learn and use, especially for beginners and non-designers transitioning from Illustrator.

Can Linearity Curve replace Adobe Illustrator?

For many users, yes. Linearity Curve includes essential features like vector editing, typography tools, and auto-trace making it a solid Illustrator replacement.

Is there a free Adobe Illustrator alternative?

Linearity Curve offers a free version with professional features, and its Pro subscription is priced noticeably lower than Adobe’s making it a great free alternative to Adobe Illustrator.