Is Krita better than Clip Studio Paint?

Krita ranks higher in our list of digital painting software (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Clip Studio Paint is best for: comics and illustration across devices. Krita is best for: free open-source digital painting.

Which is cheaper, Clip Studio Paint or Krita?

Clip Studio Paint: Perpetual license after a free trial; several editions. Krita: Free and open source under GPL-3.0.

Do Clip Studio Paint and Krita run on the same platforms?

Clip Studio Paint supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, Android. Krita supports Windows, macOS, Linux.

Comparison · Digital painting software

Clip Studio Paint vs Krita: which is better in 2026?

Clip Studio Paint90.0#3 in best digital painting software

Krita91.5#2 in best digital painting software

Krita ranks higher in our list of digital painting software (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

90.0
Editorial score
91.5
5
Platforms
3
No
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Clip Studio Paint if you want

Comics and illustration across devices.

The broadest device reach here, on Windows, macOS, iPad, Android and iPhone, with vector layers and comic tools. Its interface has many panels, and the full edition is paid after a trial.

Choose Krita if you want

Free open-source digital painting.

A free GPL-3.0 desktop painter with a brush engine and painting assistants on Windows, macOS and Linux. Its interface is dense for beginners, and it has no iPad or Android app.

The main differences

Only Krita runs on Linux.
Only Clip Studio Paint runs on iOS.
Only Clip Studio Paint runs on Android.
Krita is open source; Clip Studio Paint is not.
Krita can be used for free; Clip Studio Paint requires payment.

Side by side

	Clip Studio Paint	Krita
Score	90.0	91.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#2 of 10
Price	One-time purchasePerpetual license after a free trial; several editions	Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0
Free to use	No	Yes
Open source	No	Yes
Platforms	WindowsmacOSiPadOS, iOSAndroidWindows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, Android	WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made by	Celsys	Krita Foundation
Best for	Comics and illustration across devices	Free open-source digital painting
Strengths	Runs on desktop, iPad and phones Vector layers and comic tools	Free and open source under GPL-3.0 Painting tools for illustration and concept art
Limits	Many panels for new users Full edition is paid after a trial	Dense interface for beginners No iPad or Android app
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Clip Studio Paint vs Krita

Is Krita better than Clip Studio Paint?: Krita ranks higher in our list of digital painting software (#2 against #3, score 91.5 against 90.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Clip Studio Paint is best for: comics and illustration across devices. Krita is best for: free open-source digital painting.
Which is cheaper, Clip Studio Paint or Krita?: Clip Studio Paint: Perpetual license after a free trial; several editions. Krita: Free and open source under GPL-3.0.
Do Clip Studio Paint and Krita run on the same platforms?: Clip Studio Paint supports Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, Android. Krita supports Windows, macOS, Linux.