Procreate vs Crello: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Procreate and Crello 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:
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.9/10)
- • Procreate is a digital illustration app for iPad artists and designers
- • It provides professional brushes, layers, and animation in a native app
Crello
Graphic design made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Same as VistaCreate (rebranded from Crello)
- • Online graphic design platform
| At a Glance |  Procreate | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 92/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Procreate | Crello |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 89 |
| 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 Procreate and Crello solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Procreate positions itself as "digital illustration app for ipad" while Crellofocuses on "graphic design made simple". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Procreate
Procreate makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 92/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Crello
Crello is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Crello won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Crello
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Procreate handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Procreate
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Procreate is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Procreate
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Crello has a free tier to get you started.
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 Procreate higher (92/100). But the community has upvoted Crello more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Procreate Does Better
- Higher overall score (92/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Crello If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Procreate (92/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Procreate scores higher in our analysis, but Crello 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 Procreate or Crello better?
Based on our analysis, Procreate scores higher with 92/100. Procreate ispaid while Crello is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Procreate to Crello 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 Procreate and Crello offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Procreate is paid with potential trial.Crello is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.