Krita vs Procreate: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Krita 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.
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
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Best for you if:
- • Procreate is a digital illustration app for iPad artists and designers
- • It provides professional brushes, layers, and animation in a native app
| At a Glance |  Krita |  Procreate |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $12.99/one-timeProcreate (iPad) |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Krita or Procreate?
Choose Krita if
Free digital painting and illustration software
- Free digital painting
- Professional brushes
- Animation support
- You want a fully free tool (Procreate requires payment)
Choose Procreate if
Digital illustration app for iPad
- Best iPad drawing app
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
| Feature | Krita | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 143 reviews | ★4.8/5 198 reviews |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
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
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
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: Krita vs Procreate
| Plan | Krita | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $12.99 one-time Procreate (iPad) |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $6.99 one-time Procreate Pocket (iPhone) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $19.99 one-time Procreate Dreams |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Krita pricing and Procreate pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. Procreate 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: Procreate
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Krita is free. Procreate 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
Procreate
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (198 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Krita
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Procreate is our pick. That said, Krita is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krita or Procreate better?
Procreate is rated in our evaluation. Krita is free and Procreate is paid.
What are Krita and Procreate used for?
Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software. Procreate: Digital illustration app for iPad.
What does Krita cost vs Procreate?
Krita is completely free. Procreate is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.