GIMP vs Sketch: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
🖌️
GIMP
Design Tools
86
ToolScout Score
VS
💎
Sketch
Design Tools
90
ToolScout Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

GIMP
Sketch
Starting Price
Free
$10/user/mo
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
10M+
1M+
Founded
1996
2010
Rating
4.3/5
4.5/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Mac-based product design teams building UI compone...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

GIMPSketch
88Ease of Use89
90Features94
90Value for Money88
81Customer Support85
83Integrations87
84Mobile App88
AI Verdict

Sketch leads with a ToolScout Score of 90 vs 86 for GIMP. Sketch is best suited for Mac-based product design teams building UI components and prototypes, 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 GIMP IF:

Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.

CHOOSE SKETCH IF:

Mac-based product design teams building UI components and prototypes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GIMP better than Sketch?
Sketch scores 90/100 on ToolScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Sketch is best for Mac-based product design teams building UI components and prototypes.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Does Sketch have a free plan?
No, Sketch does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $10/user/mo.
Can I migrate from GIMP to Sketch?
Migration between GIMP and Sketch 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.