Krita vs Affinity Photo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Krita and Affinity Photo 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need animation features specifically
- • Krita is a free digital painting program for illustrators and concept artists
- • It provides professional-grade brushes, layers, and animation tools
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
| At a Glance |  Krita |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Animation | Graphic Design |
Rating | 84/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Krita | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AnimationGraphic Design | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How Krita and Affinity Photo Compare
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Free · 84/100 score
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Paid · 85/100 score
Krita is a animation tool. Affinity Photo is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: Krita
Want the highest-rated option?
Krita: 84/100. Affinity Photo: 85/100.
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Krita is free. Affinity Photo is paid. Go with Krita if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Krita is a animation tool. Affinity Photo is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Affinity Photo scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Krita
- Completely free
- Better fit for animation
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo (85/100) is our pick. That said, Krita is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krita or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Krita is free and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are Krita and Affinity Photo used for?
Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software. Affinity Photo: Professional photo editing.
What does Krita cost vs Affinity Photo?
Krita is completely free. Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.