GIMP vs Paint.NET: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GIMP and Paint.NET comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: GIMP wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Image Editing pick. Canva is our free Image Editing pick. Pick Paint.NET if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Paint.NET requires payment)
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Best for you if:
- • You want free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
| At a Glance | GIMP | Paint.NET |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Image Editing Graphic Design | Image Editing Graphic Design |
Rating | 3.7/5 G2 4.3 · Trustpilot 1.9 · SourceForge 4.8 1,575 reviews | 4.7/5 Capterra 4.6 · SourceForge 5.0 39 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | No cloud storage integration | n/a |
Choose GIMP or Paint.NET?
Choose GIMP if
- You want a fully free tool (Paint.NET requires payment)
- You want completely free
- You want open source
Choose Paint.NET if
- You want free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- You want fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
In-Depth Analysis
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
GIMP's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free.
Watch out
No cloud storage integration
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- Con: Dated interface
- Con: Learning curve
Key features
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Paint.NET offers an incredibly generous pricing model, with its core software available for free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- Pro: Fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
- Pro: User-friendly interface, easy to learn
- Pro: Includes advanced features like layers and color management
- Pro: Active online community with tutorials and plugins
Weaknesses
- Con: Only available for Windows PCs
- Con: Some advanced features might require plugins
- Con: Not as feature-rich as professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop
Key features
Pricing: GIMP vs Paint.NET
| Plan | GIMP | Paint.NET |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | Free Free Download |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Contact us Windows Store Purchase |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GIMP pricing and Paint.NET pricing.
Key Takeaways
GIMP
- Larger review base (1,575 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Paint.NET
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.7/5
The Bottom Line
GIMP wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Image Editing pick. Canva is our free Image Editing pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP or Paint.NET better in 2026?
GIMP wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Image Editing pick. Canva is our free Image Editing pick. Pick GIMP for image editing workflows (main strength: completely free). Pick Paint.NET for image editing workflows (main strength: free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)).
What are GIMP and Paint.NET used for?
GIMP: Professional image editing, free and open-source. Paint.NET: Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
What does GIMP cost vs Paint.NET?
GIMP is free. Paint.NET pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between GIMP and Paint.NET?
GIMP's main strength: completely free. Paint.NET's main strength: free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store).