PaintTool SAI vs Krita: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PaintTool SAI 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:
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.
Krita
Free digital painting and illustration software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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
| At a Glance |  PaintTool SAI |  Krita |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | PaintTool SAI | Krita |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
Understanding the Differences
Both PaintTool SAI and Krita 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 Kritafocuses on "free digital painting and illustration software". 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 Krita
Krita is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Krita won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Krita
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Krita is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Krita
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?
Zero budget? Krita won't cost you anything.
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 Krita higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Krita more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Krita Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- 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 Krita (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Krita 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 Krita better?
Based on our analysis, Krita scores higher with 84/100. PaintTool SAI ispaid while Krita is free. 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 Krita 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 Krita offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. PaintTool SAI is paid with potential trial.Krita is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.