ibisPaint vs Procreate: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ibisPaint and Procreate 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: Procreate wins this matchup. Our overall Graphic Design pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Graphic Design pick is Keynote. Pick ibisPaint if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ibisPaint
Transform any device into a digital art studio with advanced drawing and manga creation tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want extensive feature set comparable to desktop drawing applications on mobile devices
- • You want unique video recording of the drawing process for sharing and learning
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Best for you if:
- • You want best iPad drawing app
- • You want one-time purchase
| At a Glance | ibisPaint | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5.99/one-timeProcreate Pocket (iPhone) |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose ibisPaint or Procreate?
Choose ibisPaint if
Transform any device into a digital art studio with advanced drawing and manga creation tools.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want extensive feature set comparable to desktop drawing applications on mobile devices
- You want unique video recording of the drawing process for sharing and learning
Choose Procreate if
Digital illustration app for iPad
- You want best iPad drawing app
- You want one-time purchase
| Feature | ibisPaint | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 23 reviews | ★4.8/5 203 reviews |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
In-Depth Analysis
ibisPaint
Transform any device into a digital art studio with advanced drawing and manga creation tools.
Strengths
- +Extensive feature set comparable to desktop drawing applications on mobile devices.
- +Unique video recording of the drawing process for sharing and learning.
- +Large library of brushes, materials, and filters for diverse artistic expression.
- +Dedicated tools for manga creation, including screen tones and frame division.
- +Active community for sharing artwork and collaborating.
Weaknesses
- -Requires an ibisAccount, X, Facebook, or Apple account for full use and community features.
- -The free version may have limitations or ads that are removed with a Prime membership.
Key features
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Procreate at $12.99 one-time is the best value proposition in digital illustration, bar none.
Watch out
iPad requirement: Procreate is iPad-exclusive. The cheapest compatible iPad is $329 (10th gen). For a professional experience with Apple Pencil 2, budget $449-799 (iPad Air or iPad Pro). This is the real cost, not the $12.99 app
Strengths
- +Best iPad drawing app
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great brushes
- +Good performance
Weaknesses
- -iPad only
- -Learning curve
- -No subscription perks
- -Limited animation
- -Single-page focus
Key features
Pricing: ibisPaint vs Procreate
| Plan | ibisPaint | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $12.99 one-time Procreate (iPad) |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $5.99 one-time Procreate Pocket (iPhone) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $12.99 one-time Procreate Dreams |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ibisPaint pricing and Procreate pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ibisPaint has a free tier. Procreate is paid only.
Go with: ibisPaint
Want the highest-rated option?
ibisPaint: 4.8/5 (23 reviews). Procreate: 4.8/5 (203 reviews).
Go with: ibisPaint
Value user reviews?
ibisPaint: 23 reviews (4.8/5). Procreate: 203 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Procreate
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ibisPaint is freemium. Procreate is paid. ibisPaint lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Procreate
- Larger review base (203 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
ibisPaint
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Procreate wins this matchup. Our overall Graphic Design pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Graphic Design pick is Keynote. ibisPaint has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ibisPaint or Procreate better?
Procreate is rated in our evaluation. ibisPaint is freemium and Procreate is paid.
What are ibisPaint and Procreate used for?
ibisPaint: Transform any device into a digital art studio with advanced drawing and manga creation tools.. Procreate: Digital illustration app for iPad.
What does ibisPaint cost vs Procreate?
ibisPaint is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Procreate is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.