Top 10 Alternatives to Krita in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

As Krita continues to be a popular choice for digital artists, 2025 has introduced several robust alternatives, each offering unique features and advantages. Whether you’re seeking specialized tools, better pricing, or enhanced functionality, this article explores the top 10 Krita alternatives, focusing on key aspects like cost, platform availability, features, and user reviews.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Cost: Free and open-source.
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows, and more.
Features: Extensive tools for painting, drawing, retouching, image manipulation, layers, masks, and customizable brushes.
User Reviews: Rated 4.3 out of 5 on G2 based on 1,445 reviews. 4.4 out of 5 stars on Capterra with 3,492 reviews.
Use Cases: Graphic design, image editing, digital painting, and photo manipulation. Learn more about GIMP

2. Sketchbook

Cost: Freemium (free version available, paid for extra features).
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Customizable brushes and pens, perspective tools, intuitive interface, layer support, and various export options.
User Reviews: Rated 4.4 out of 5 on G2 based on 172 reviews, and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Capterra, with 40 reviews.
Use Cases: Sketching, drawing, concept art, and illustration. Learn more about Sketchbook

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3. Clip Studio Paint

Cost: Paid software, with different licenses for varying use (Pro & EX).
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Advanced brush engine, comic panel creation, inking tools, animation support, 3D model integration, and a wide array of artistic tools.
User Reviews: Rated 4.5 out of 5 on G2 based on 52 reviews, and 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra with 61 reviews.
Use Cases: Comic and manga creation, illustration, animation, and general digital art. Discover Clip Studio Paint

4. Adobe Fresco

Cost: Freemium (free trial available, requires a subscription for full features).
Platforms: iOS, Windows.
Features: Live brushes (oil and watercolor), pixel brushes, vector brushes, cloud syncing, and integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
User Reviews: Rated 4.5 out of 5 on G2 based on 34 reviews.
Use Cases: Illustration, digital painting, sketching, and artwork creation on tablets and mobile devices. Explore Adobe Fresco

5. MyPaint

Cost: Free and open-source.
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows.
Features: Unlimited canvas, variety of customizable brushes, graphics tablet support, simple and distraction-free interface.
User Reviews: Rated 4.1 out of 5 on G2 based on 38 reviews.
Use Cases: Digital painting, sketching, and drawing. Learn more about MyPaint

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6. Procreate

Cost: Paid app, one-time purchase.
Platforms: iOS (iPad only).
Features: Wide range of customizable brushes, high-resolution canvas support, layer system, time-lapse recording, and an intuitive interface.
User Reviews: Rated 5.0 out of 5 on G2 based on 65 reviews, and 4.7 out of 5 on Maxobiz.
Use Cases: Digital illustration, sketching, painting, and concept art creation on iPads. Discover Procreate

7. ArtRage

Cost: Paid software with different versions.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Features: Realistic oil, watercolor, and pencil simulations, customizable tools, layers, and a user-friendly interface.
User Reviews: Rated 4.4 out of 5 on G2 based on 72 reviews.
Use Cases: Digital painting, illustration, and traditional media simulation. Learn more about ArtRage

8. Paint Tool SAI

Cost: Paid software.
Platforms: Windows.
Features: Smooth brush strokes, easy-to-use tools, layer support, and stabilizer features.
User Reviews: Rated 4.3 out of 5 on G2 based on 61 reviews.
Use Cases: Illustration, sketching, and digital painting. Explore Paint Tool SAI

9. Corel Painter

Cost: Paid software.
Platforms: Windows, macOS.
Features: Realistic brush simulations, blending modes, particle brushes, advanced color management, and layer tools.
User Reviews: Rated 4.2 out of 5 on G2 based on 58 reviews, and 4.8 out of 5 on Capterra.
Use Cases: Digital painting, illustration, concept art, and photo retouching. Discover Corel Painter

10. Affinity Designer

Cost: Paid software, one-time purchase.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad.
Features: Vector and pixel design tools, non-destructive editing, advanced typography, and support for various file formats.
User Reviews: Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Maxobiz.
Use Cases: Graphic design, illustration, logo creation, web design, and UI/UX design. Learn more about Affinity Designer

These are the top 10 alternatives to Krita, with relevant details, data points, and direct links for each. They offer a range of options for different types of artists and design workflows.

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FAQ

1. What is the best free alternative to Krita? GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is widely regarded as the best free alternative to Krita, offering extensive tools for painting, drawing, and image manipulation. Learn more about GIMP

2. Which software is best for creating manga and comics? Clip Studio Paint is specially tailored for manga, anime, and comic artists, featuring powerful illustration tools and versatile platform support. Discover Clip Studio Paint

3. What alternative offers a free trial for digital painting on mobile devices? Adobe Fresco provides a natural painting experience and is ideal for artists using touch and stylus input. Explore Adobe Fresco

4. Which software is best known for simulating traditional art media? ArtRage offers realistic brush strokes and textures, focusing on simulating traditional art media. Learn more about ArtRage

5. What is the top choice for iPad users looking for a digital painting app? Procreate is a powerful app designed for iPads, featuring an intuitive interface and a wide range of creative tools. Discover Procreate

6. Which alternative provides both vector and raster design tools with a one-time purchase model? Affinity Designer is known for its robust alternative to Adobe Illustrator, featuring both vector and pixel design tools. Explore Affinity Designer

7. What software is recommended for artists using graphics tablets who need an unlimited canvas? MyPaint is free and perfect for artists who enjoy using graphics tablets, offering an infinite canvas and a variety of brushes. Learn more about MyPaint

8. Is there a simple digital painting program with smooth brush strokes and easy-to-use tools? Paint Tool SAI is known for its simplicity, lightweight performance, and smooth brush strokes, ideal for digital painting. Discover Paint Tool SAI

9. Which alternative is a professional-grade digital painting software? Corel Painter provides a professional-grade experience with realistic brush simulations and advanced color management. Learn more about Corel Painter

10. What is a user-friendly drawing and painting software suitable for concept art and illustration? Sketchbook offers a user-friendly interface with tools ideal for sketching, drawing, concept art, and illustration. Explore Sketchbook

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
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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.