The design software giant, Canva, is turning heads with a massive price hike for some of its subscription users. Specifically, Canva Teams subscribers, who rely on the platform for multi-user collaboration, are facing a staggering 300 percent increase in costs. The reason? Canva claims its AI-powered tools have revolutionized the platform, adding so much value that it justifies the spike in subscription fees. But are users convinced?
The Breakdown of the Canva Team Price Jump
In the U.S., some Canva Teams subscribers are seeing their annual fees leap from $120 for five users to an eyebrow-raising $500. However, for the first 12 months, a 40% discount will be offered, bringing the price down to $300. Across the globe in Australia, users are also feeling the pinch, with the flat $39.99 AUD (about $26 USD) per month fee being swapped for a user-based rate of $13.50 AUD ($9 USD) per user. This means a five-person team will now pay significantly more—at least 68% higher.
For many existing subscribers, this is a shock, especially since they’ve been enjoying older, lower rates that Canva no longer offers. Earlier this year, Canva quietly updated its pricing for new Teams subscribers to $10 per user monthly, with a minimum of three users. Now, long-time users are being shifted to this new structure starting in September. According to Louisa Green, Canva’s communications lead, this change aligns with the platform’s expanded product experience and pricing structure.
What’s Driving the Canva Team Price Increase?
Canva has been on a roll, launching a slew of powerful generative AI features designed to simplify creative processes and expand its user base beyond designers and marketers. Tools like the Magic Media text-to-image generator and the Magic Expand background extension have turned Canva into more than just a graphic design platform. It’s now a full-fledged workspace for creatives, businesses, and teams collaborating on various projects.
Green stated, “Our suite of products has grown significantly over the last couple of years with the launch of new offerings like the Visual Suite and Magic Studio.”
These new tools are seen as game-changers for Canva, positioning it as a major player in the ever-competitive creative software landscape.
Canva Users Push Back
Despite Canva’s confident stance on the price hike, not all users are on board. Many have taken to social media to express frustration over the dramatic increase, with some even threatening to cancel their subscriptions in favor of Adobe’s offerings. For those who initially flocked to Canva as an affordable alternative to the costly Adobe suite, this price hike feels like a betrayal.
The timing of this price change is also raising eyebrows. Canva recently acquired the company behind Affinity’s creative software suite for a reported “several hundred million [British] pounds,” and there’s growing speculation that the platform is positioning itself for a U.S. public listing in 2026.
What About Other Subscription Plans?
Interestingly, this price surge only seems to affect Canva Teams subscribers. Pro and Enterprise plans remain unchanged, at least for now. For small businesses and individual users, this could signal an opportunity to explore other tiers or platforms.
Is It Worth It?
For Canva Teams users, the big question remains: Is this 300% increase justified? With AI features that promise to save time, enhance creativity, and streamline processes, Canva is betting that businesses will see the value. But for those who’ve been using the platform for its affordability, this could be a tough pill to swallow.
As Canva continues to evolve from a budget-friendly design tool to an AI-driven creative powerhouse, users will have to decide if these new features are worth the hefty price tag—or if it’s time to explore other options.
Conclusion
In short, Canva’s AI revolution is costing its users significantly more. Whether or not these tools justify the sharp price increase is a debate that will play out as more businesses weigh the costs against the benefits. For some, it may signal the end of their time with Canva, while others may embrace the enhanced platform.
FAQs
1. Why has Canva increased its subscription prices by 300% for Teams users?
Canva has introduced a significant price hike due to the addition of new generative AI features and expanded tools, which they believe offer greater value to users. These include tools like Magic Media and Magic Expand that enhance productivity and creativity within the platform.
2. Are all Canva subscription plans affected by the price increase?
No, the price increase primarily affects Canva Teams subscriptions. Pro and Enterprise plans remain unaffected at this time, though existing Teams users will be moved to the new pricing structure in September.
3. What are some of the new AI features included in Canva that justify the price increase?
Canva has launched several generative AI tools, such as the Magic Media text-to-image generator and the Magic Expand tool, which allows users to extend backgrounds in images seamlessly. These features are part of a broader effort to expand Canva’s functionality beyond graphic design.
4. Is there any discount available for existing Teams users facing the price increase?
Yes, existing Canva Teams users will receive a 40% discount for the first 12 months, reducing the new subscription cost from $500 to $300 per year.
5. Can I cancel my subscription if I’m not happy with the new prices?
Yes, users can choose to cancel their Canva subscription if the price increase does not suit their needs. Many users have expressed frustration over the change, with some opting to switch to alternative platforms like Adobe.
