Canva Announces Major Price Hike: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Canva, the popular design platform known for its ease of use and wide range of tools, is shaking things up with a significant price increase. This change has left many users, especially those on Canva Teams, wondering if the platform’s new AI features justify the steep rise in subscription costs.

Let’s get into what’s happening, why Canva is making these changes, and how it affects you.

What’s Behind the Price Hike?

Canva is raising prices for certain subscriptions in 2024, with the biggest impact on Canva Teams. For U.S. customers, the yearly cost for a five-user team will jump from $120 to $500—a staggering 300% increase. In Australia, the monthly price will increase from $39.99 AUD to $13.50 AUD per user, representing a 68% rise for a team of five.

These price increases reflect the added value Canva claims to be providing with its new generative AI tools like Magic Media and Magic Expand, part of their newly introduced Visual Suite and Magic Studio.

The New AI Features: A Game-Changer or Just Hype?

Canva’s new AI-powered tools enhance creativity and productivity, turning the platform from a simple design tool into a broader workspace.

Features like Magic Media allow users to generate custom visuals based on prompts, while Magic Expand helps resize and reframe images intelligently without losing quality.

These tools are part of the reason Canva believes the price hike is justified. But are they enough to convince users to stay on board?

How Will This Impact Your Subscription?

If you’re on Canva Teams in the U.S., your subscription will jump from $120 to $500 per year for five users. For Australian customers, the price moves from $39.99 AUD monthly for five users to $13.50 AUD per user per month. That’s a significant increase, especially for smaller teams or individual users managing tight budgets.

However, if you’re already locked into a lower rate, Canva is offering a one-year discount before switching to the new pricing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes:

Region	Old Price (5 users)	New Price (per user)	Percentage Increase
United States	$120/year	$500/year	300%
Australia	$39.99 AUD/month	$13.50 AUD/user/month	68%

Existing Customers: What You Need to Know

The price changes might come as a shock for those who have been with Canva for a while. Yes, especially since the announcement wasn’t widely broadcast. Unlike previous price hikes that were more public, this one was mainly communicated via email to existing customers.

If you’re using Pro or Enterprise plans, you’re in luck—these plans remain unaffected by the price changes, at least for now.

Some Users Are Jumping Ship

Not everyone is happy with Canva’s decision. The drastic price hike has led some customers to consider alternative platforms like Adobe, which offers more advanced features at a competitive price. Adobe’s Creative Cloud, for instance, is often seen as the go-to choice for professional designers. This new shift may attract Canva users who feel priced out.

In addition, Canva’s recent purchase of the company behind Affinity—a popular alternative to Adobe—has some speculating that Canva is gearing up for even more aggressive moves in the creative software market.

Why Is Canva Making This Move Now?

The timing of this price increase is curious. It comes not long after Canva purchases Affinity and ahead of a rumored public listing in 2026. Some analysts believe that this is part of Canva’s strategy to position itself as a more comprehensive design and productivity platform, increasing revenue and showing investors they mean business.

While this price increase is undoubtedly bold, it may also alienate Canva’s core user base—small businesses, freelancers, and non-designers who rely on Canva for its simplicity and affordability.

Is It Time to Switch?

If you’re currently using Canva Teams, it’s natural to question whether this price hike is worth it. Before making any decisions, ask yourself:

• Do you use Canva’s AI features enough to justify the increased cost?
• Are there other design platforms that offer similar tools for a lower price?
• How much of Canva’s appeal is tied to its ease of use versus its advanced features?

Some users may find that the new AI tools make their workflow more efficient, which could offset the higher price. Others might decide that alternative platforms like Adobe or Affinity offer better value for money.

Final Thoughts

Canva’s price hike is a bold move that reflects the company’s growing ambition in the AI and design space. While the new AI tools are undoubtedly impressive, the question remains whether they’re enough to justify the steep increase in cost for users.

For many, this price jump will spark a reevaluation of their design tools. Whether you decide to stay with Canva or explore alternatives, the growing role of AI in design is impossible to ignore.

Are you ready to upgrade to an AI-driven design platform, or will you look for more affordable options? Either way, it’s clear that the future of design is here—and AI is leading the charge.