The best Clip Studio Paint alternatives in 2026
Clip Studio Paint scores 8.3 and ranks #9 in Design & Creativity. It's not for everyone: skip it if you want to pay once on iPad or only sketch now and then. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- More private +2.6
- Better value +2.1
- Better design +1.9
- Fewer features -0.7
Best for: Illustrators, letterers and hobby painters who draw on an iPad with Apple Pencil
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- More private +2.4
- Better value +2.3
Best for: 3D artists, indie game makers and animators who want pro tools for free
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- Better design +1.9
- Better value +1.0
- Faster +0.5
Best for: Product designers and teams building apps and websites together
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- Better value +2.0
- Better design +1.2
- More private +0.8
- Fewer features -0.4
Best for: Designers and photographers who want a free alternative to Adobe's desktop apps
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- More private +2.7
- Better value +2.3
- Fewer features -0.8
- Slower -0.8
Best for: Digital painters and comic artists on a PC, Mac or Linux machine
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- Better value +1.8
- Better design +1.2
- Fewer features -0.8
Best for: Beginners and hobby painters who want a capable drawing app that costs nothing
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- Better design +1.4
- Better value +1.0
- Less private -1.0
Best for: Small businesses, students and creators making social posts, slides and flyers
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- Better design +1.4
- Fewer features -0.8
Best for: Designers, startups and freelancers who want a polished marketing site without code
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- Less private -1.8
- Better value +1.0
- Fewer features -0.8
Best for: Students and hobby artists who want a capable free app on an iPad or phone
Still deciding on Clip Studio Paint?Read our full review, pros and cons.