Comparison · Pixel art and sprite editors

LibreSprite vs Pyxel Edit: which is better in 2026?

LibreSprite ranks higher in our list of pixel art and sprite editors (#3 against #4, score 85.0 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 85.0
    Editorial score
    84.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose LibreSprite if you want

Open source sprite editing on Linux or Android.

GPL-2.0 fork of the last GPL Aseprite, with Linux, macOS, Windows and Android builds. It is free, but its feature set differs from Aseprite and needs checking.

Choose Pyxel Edit if you want

Tilesets, levels and tile-based art on Windows or Mac.

Tile-first editor with linked tile instances, tileset import and frame animation. It runs on Windows and macOS only and is narrower than Aseprite outside tilesets.

The main differences

  • Only LibreSprite runs on Linux.
  • Only LibreSprite runs on Android.
  • LibreSprite is open source; Pyxel Edit is not.

Side by side

LibreSpritePyxel Edit
Score85.084.0
Rank in list#3 of 8#4 of 8
PriceFree and open sourceFree under GPL-2.0; binaries and source published by the projectFree plan, paid upgradesFree version and beta offered on the vendor site
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsLinuxmacOSWindowsAndroidLinux, macOS, Windows, AndroidWindowsmacOSWindows, macOS
Made byLibreSprite contributorsNot stated
Main focusSprites and animationTilesets, levels and animation
Runs in a browserNoNo
Frame-by-frame animationYesYes
Best forOpen source sprite editing on Linux or AndroidTilesets, levels and tile-based art on Windows or Mac
Strengths
  • GPL-2.0 licensed and free to use
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, Windows and Android
  • Developed independently with a v1.3 release in 2026
  • Tile instances update everywhere they appear
  • Imports tilesets and finds unique tiles
  • Exports tilemaps to XML, JSON or text
Limits
  • Feature set differs from Aseprite and needs checking
  • Tile focus makes single-sprite work less central
  • Runs on Windows and macOS only
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about LibreSprite vs Pyxel Edit

Is LibreSprite better than Pyxel Edit?
LibreSprite ranks higher in our list of pixel art and sprite editors (#3 against #4, score 85.0 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. LibreSprite is best for: open source sprite editing on Linux or Android. Pyxel Edit is best for: tilesets, levels and tile-based art on Windows or Mac.
Which is cheaper, LibreSprite or Pyxel Edit?
LibreSprite: Free under GPL-2.0; binaries and source published by the project. Pyxel Edit: Free version and beta offered on the vendor site.
Do LibreSprite and Pyxel Edit run on the same platforms?
LibreSprite supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android. Pyxel Edit supports Windows, macOS.