Paint.NET vs Krita: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Paint.NET and Krita 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:
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Free image and photo editing software for Windows.
- • Features layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and powerful tools.
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Krita is a free digital painting program for illustrators and concept artists
- • It provides professional-grade brushes, layers, and animation tools
| At a Glance |  Paint.NET |  Krita |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Image Editing | Graphic Design |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Paint.NET or Krita?
Choose Paint.NET if
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
- Free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- Fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
- User-friendly interface, easy to learn
- Your work is image editing-shaped, not graphic design-shaped
Choose Krita if
Free digital painting and illustration software
- Free digital painting
- Professional brushes
- Animation support
- You want a fully free tool (Paint.NET requires payment)
- Your work is graphic design-shaped, not image editing-shaped
| Feature | Paint.NET | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 39 reviews | ★4.4/5 143 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Strengths
- +Free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- +Fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
- +User-friendly interface, easy to learn
- +Includes advanced features like layers and color management
- +Active online community with tutorials and plugins
Weaknesses
- -Only available for Windows PCs
- -Some advanced features might require plugins
- -Not as feature-rich as professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop
Key features
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
Pricing: Paint.NET vs Krita
| Plan | Paint.NET | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Download | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Windows Store Purchase | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Paint.NET pricing and Krita pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Krita is free. Paint.NET is freemium.
Go with: Krita
Want the highest-rated option?
Paint.NET: 4.7/5 (39 reviews). Krita: 4.4/5 (143 reviews).
Go with: Paint.NET
Value user reviews?
Paint.NET: 39 reviews (4.7/5). Krita: 143 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Krita
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Paint.NET is freemium. Krita is free. Go with Krita if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Paint.NET is a image editing tool. Krita is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Paint.NET is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Krita
- Larger review base (143 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Paint.NET
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for image editing
The Bottom Line
Krita is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paint.NET or Krita better?
Krita is rated in our evaluation. Paint.NET is freemium and Krita is free.
What are Paint.NET and Krita used for?
Paint.NET: Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.. Krita: Free digital painting and illustration software.
What does Paint.NET cost vs Krita?
Paint.NET is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Krita is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.