Adobe Illustrator vs GIMP: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Adobe Illustrator
GIMP
Starting Price
$20.99/mo
Free
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
25M+
10M+
Founded
1987
1996
Rating
4.7/5
4.3/5
Best For
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector...
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Adobe IllustratorGIMP
93Ease of Use88
98Features90
92Value for Money90
89Customer Support81
91Integrations83
92Mobile App84
AI Verdict
Adobe Illustrator leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 86 for GIMP. Adobe Illustrator is best suited for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos, while GIMP excels for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.
CHOOSE ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR IF:
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos.
CHOOSE GIMP IF:
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Illustrator better than GIMP?
Adobe Illustrator scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe Illustrator is best for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Does Adobe Illustrator have a free plan?
No, Adobe Illustrator does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Can I migrate from Adobe Illustrator to GIMP?
Migration between Adobe Illustrator and GIMP depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Design Tools category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.