PaintTool SAI vs Affinity Designer: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PaintTool SAI and Affinity Designer 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:
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.
Affinity Designer
Professional vector graphics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator
- • It offers precise drawing tools, non-destructive effects, and both vector and raster workspaces
| At a Glance |  PaintTool SAI |  Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | PaintTool SAI | Affinity Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both PaintTool SAI and Affinity Designer solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.PaintTool SAI positions itself as "lightweight painting software for digital artists with amazing anti-aliased drawings." while Affinity Designerfocuses on "professional vector graphics". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose PaintTool SAI
PaintTool SAI makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool. Scoring 86/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Affinity Designer is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. PaintTool SAI is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: PaintTool SAI
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Affinity Designer—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Affinity Designer higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Affinity Designer more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Affinity Designer Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider PaintTool SAI If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Affinity Designer (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Affinity Designer scores higher in our analysis, but PaintTool SAI might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PaintTool SAI or Affinity Designer better?
Based on our analysis, Affinity Designer scores higher with 86/100. PaintTool SAI ispaid while Affinity Designer is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from PaintTool SAI to Affinity Designer easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do PaintTool SAI and Affinity Designer offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. PaintTool SAI is paid with potential trial.Affinity Designer is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.