Top 10 Alternatives to Procreate in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

In 2025, digital artists have a wide array of powerful alternatives to Procreate, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for specialized tools, better pricing, or enhanced integration, this article explores the top 10 Procreate alternatives, comparing them on key data points like pricing, platforms, and features.

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1. Adobe Fresco

Cost: Free (since mid-2024, previously had a premium subscription).
Platforms: iPad, Windows.
Features: Raster and vector brushes, live brushes, cloud syncing, integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, layers, pressure sensitivity support.
Brush Library: Wide selection of brushes with various textures.
File Support: Supports both raster and vector file types, making resizing easy. Explore Adobe Fresco

2. Clip Studio Paint

Cost: Subscription-based (various monthly/yearly plans, starting around $4.49/month).
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad, Android, iOS.
Features: Extensive library of brushes and materials, cloud sync, multi-layer support, 3D model integration, specialized tools for comics and animation.
Brush Library: Vast collection with specialized tools for inking, watercolor, and manga creation.
User Interface: Intuitive interface, but some may find it overwhelming initially due to its depth of tools. Learn about Clip Studio Paint

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3. Autodesk Sketchbook

Cost: Free.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Customizable brushes, unique Copic Color Library, layers, pressure sensitivity, perspective guides, intuitive interface.
Brush Library: Offers a wide array of brushes, including a specialized Copic color library.
Ease of Use: Known for its easy-to-learn, user-friendly design. Discover Autodesk Sketchbook

4. Ibis Paint X

Cost: Free (with optional in-app purchases for premium features).
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows (Windows 10/11).
Features: Over 47,000 brushes, video recording, layer blending modes, text tool with over 2100 fonts, stroke stabilization.
Brush Library: Huge library with diverse brush options.
Accessibility: Easy to use for both beginners and professionals. Explore Ibis Paint X

5. Krita

Cost: Free and Open Source.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (tablets only).
Features: Customizable brush engine, layer management, vector tools, drawing aids, stabilizers, extensive file support.
Brush Library: Wide variety with over 100 brushes.
Updates: Regularly updated with new features and improvements. Discover Krita

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6. Affinity Designer

Cost: One-time purchase (no subscription).
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iPad.
Features: Vector and raster design, robust vector tools, professional-grade features, user-friendly interface, seamless workflow between desktop and iPad.
Performance: High performance, smooth and efficient.
Ideal for: Artists requiring scalable artwork. Learn about Affinity Designer

7. PaintTool SAI

Cost: Paid software.
Platforms: Windows.
Features: Simple interface, smooth drawing tools, good color handling, high-resolution image processing, precise brush support.
Ideal for: Drawing illustrations with bright colors and clear lines.
User-Friendly: Works smoothly even on lower-end computers. Discover PaintTool SAI

8. Infinite Painter

Cost: One-time payment.
Platforms: Android.
Features: Infinite layers, customizable brushes, smudge tools, clean and well-organized interface, dockable tools, 200+ brushes including natural media.
User Experience: Highly customizable interface.
Customization: Extensive options for customizing the workspace. Learn about Infinite Painter

9. MediBang Paint

Cost: Free.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Wide range of brushes and tools, cloud sync, multi-platform support, comic creation tools.
Brush Library: Comprehensive set of tools for creating art, comics, and illustrations.
Accessibility: Available on multiple platforms and devices. Explore MediBang Paint

10. ArtRage

Cost: Paid (one-time purchase).
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Realistic simulation of paint textures, layers, color mixing, tools for traditional painting emulation.
Ideal for: Artists who want to simulate the experience of traditional painting.
Brush Variety: Offers a wide variety of tools to achieve realistic results. Discover ArtRage

This list provides a good starting point for exploring alternatives to Procreate in 2025. I hope this information is helpful for your publication.

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FAQ

1. What is a free alternative to Procreate?

Autodesk Sketchbook is a professional-grade drawing app that is free and suitable for artists of all skill levels. Learn more about Autodesk Sketchbook

2. Which app offers both vector and raster drawing capabilities?

Adobe Fresco provides both raster and vector drawing tools, with a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface. Discover Adobe Fresco

3. What's a good alternative for creating manga and comics?

Clip Studio Paint is highly recommended for manga, comics, and animation, providing extensive tools and features tailored for these art forms. Explore Clip Studio Paint

4. Are there any open-source alternatives to Procreate?

Krita is a free and open-source digital painting software offering a powerful set of tools, supporting various file formats. Check out Krita

5. What is a budget-friendly alternative for vector graphics?

Affinity Designer offers robust vector and raster design tools with a one-time purchase fee, making it a cost-effective alternative. Learn more about Affinity Designer

6. Is there a versatile drawing app available on both iOS and Android?

Ibis Paint X is available on iOS and Android, offering a massive library of brushes and various features for digital drawing. Discover Ibis Paint X

7. What alternative is ideal for traditional painting techniques?

ArtRage replicates traditional painting techniques with realistic simulations of paint textures and color mixing for a hands-on experience. Explore ArtRage

8. Which app is known for its customizability and user experience on Android?

Infinite Painter is an award-winning app offering a highly customizable interface and a great drawing experience. Check out Infinite Painter

9. What's a reliable option for creating digital comics?

MediBang Paint provides comprehensive tools for digital painting and comics, along with multi-platform support. Learn more about MediBang Paint

10. Which app is lightweight and good for illustrations and manga?

PaintTool SAI is a lightweight software effective for creating bright and clear illustrations and manga. Discover PaintTool SAI

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.