GIMP vs Penpot: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
GIMP
Penpot
Starting Price
Free
Free (cloud)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
10M+
350K+
Founded
1996
2020
Rating
4.3/5
4.5/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Teams wanting a free, open-source, self-hostable F...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
GIMPPenpot
88Ease of Use92
90Features94
90Value for Money94
81Customer Support85
83Integrations87
84Mobile App88
AI Verdict
Penpot leads with a ToolScout Score of 90 vs 86 for GIMP. Penpot is best suited for Teams wanting a free, open-source, self-hostable Figma alternative, 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 PENPOT IF:
Teams wanting a free, open-source, self-hostable Figma alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP better than Penpot?
Penpot 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. Penpot is best for Teams wanting a free, open-source, self-hostable Figma alternative.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Does Penpot have a free plan?
Yes, Penpot offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free (cloud).
Can I migrate from GIMP to Penpot?
Migration between GIMP and Penpot 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.