Krita vs Adobe Illustrator: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Krita and Adobe Illustrator 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
Adobe Illustrator
Vector graphics editor
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.1/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Industry-standard vector graphics editor
- • Create logos, icons, and illustrations
| At a Glance |  Krita |  Adobe Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Animation | Graphic Design |
Rating | 84/100 | 91/100 |
| Feature | Krita | Adobe Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 91 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 57 |
| Categories | AnimationGraphic Design | Graphic DesignLogo Design |
How Krita and Adobe Illustrator Compare
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Free · 84/100 score
Adobe Illustrator
Vector graphics editor
Paid · 91/100 score
Krita is a animation tool. Adobe Illustrator is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. Adobe Illustrator is paid.
Go with: Krita
Want the highest-rated option?
Krita: 84/100. Adobe Illustrator: 91/100.
Go with: Adobe Illustrator
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Adobe Illustrator
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Krita is free. Adobe Illustrator is paid. Go with Krita if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Krita is a animation tool. Adobe Illustrator is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Adobe Illustrator scores higher: 91/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Illustrator
- Higher score: 91/100 vs 84
- More community upvotes (57)
- Our pick for this comparison
Krita
- Completely free
- Better fit for animation
The Bottom Line
Adobe Illustrator (91/100) is our pick. That said, Krita is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krita or Adobe Illustrator better?
Adobe Illustrator scores 91/100 in our evaluation. Krita is free and Adobe Illustrator is paid.
What are Krita and Adobe Illustrator used for?
Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software. Adobe Illustrator: Vector graphics editor.
What does Krita cost vs Adobe Illustrator?
Krita is completely free. Adobe Illustrator is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.