Krita vs PaintTool SAI: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Krita and PaintTool SAI 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: Krita is our overall pick for graphic design workflows. Pick PaintTool SAI if you need its specific feature set.
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
- • Krita is a free digital painting program for illustrators and concept artists
- • It provides professional-grade brushes, layers, and animation tools
PaintTool SAI
Lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings.
Best for you if:
- • Lightweight painting software with full digitizer support.
- • Produces amazing anti-aliased drawings with 16-bit ARGB channels.
| At a Glance |  Krita |  PaintTool SAI |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $37 (one-time)/moSoftware License |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Krita or PaintTool SAI?
Choose Krita if
Free digital painting and illustration software
- Free digital painting
- Professional brushes
- Animation support
- You want a fully free tool (PaintTool SAI requires payment)
Choose PaintTool SAI if
Lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings.
- Lightweight and performs well on older systems
- Excellent line art and anti-aliasing capabilities
- User-friendly and easy to learn interface
| Feature | Krita | PaintTool SAI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 143 reviews | ★4.4/5 73 reviews |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
In-Depth Analysis
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Strengths
- +Free digital painting
- +Professional brushes
- +Animation support
- +Cross-platform
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Not for photo editing
- -Resource heavy
- -Learning curve
- -UI overwhelming
- -Tablet issues sometimes
Key features
PaintTool SAI
Lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings.
Strengths
- +Lightweight and performs well on older systems
- +Excellent line art and anti-aliasing capabilities
- +User-friendly and easy to learn interface
- +Stable operation with data protection features
Weaknesses
- -Limited feature set compared to more comprehensive art software
- -Does not support high DPI monitors well (requires resolution change)
- -Specific compatibility issues with certain N-trig pen tablets
Key features
Pricing: Krita vs PaintTool SAI
| Plan | Krita | PaintTool SAI |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $37 (one-time) Software License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Krita pricing and PaintTool SAI pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. PaintTool SAI is paid.
Go with: Krita
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Krita
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Krita
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Krita is free. PaintTool SAI is paid. Go with Krita if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Krita
- Larger review base (143 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
PaintTool SAI
- Choose if you want lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings
The Bottom Line
Krita is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krita or PaintTool SAI better?
Krita is rated in our evaluation. Krita is free and PaintTool SAI is paid.
What are Krita and PaintTool SAI used for?
Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software. PaintTool SAI: Lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings..
What does Krita cost vs PaintTool SAI?
Krita is completely free. PaintTool SAI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.