GIMP vs Miro: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 12, 20268 min read

Choosing between GIMP and Miro is a common decision for design tools buyers in 2026. GIMP has been in the market since 1996, giving it a 15-year head start over Miro (founded 2011). GIMP serves 10M+ users while Miro has 60M+ users globally. GIMP differentiates with image editing and photo retouching, while Miro leads with infinite canvas and templates. In this head-to-head comparison, Miro earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 94/100 β€” but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.

πŸ–ŒοΈ
GIMP
Design Tools
86
hiltonsoftware.co Score
VS
πŸ—ΊοΈ
Miro
Design Tools
94
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

GIMP
Miro
Starting Price
Free
$8/user/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
10M+
60M+
Founded
1996
2011
Rating
4.3/5
4.7/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Product and design teams running remote brainstorm...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

GIMPMiro
88Ease of Use92
88Features96
95Value for Money93
82Customer Support87
84Integrations92
92Scalability91
84Learning Curve92

Pros & Cons at a Glance

GIMP
+Completely free and open-source
+Very powerful for a free tool
-Outdated interface
-Steep learning curve
Miro
+Best online whiteboard experience
+Excellent for remote workshops
-Can be slow with large boards
-Pricing jumps significantly
AI Verdict

After comparing GIMP and Miro across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, Miro takes the lead with a score of 94/100 versus GIMP's 86/100. Miro's key advantages include "best online whiteboard experience" and "excellent for remote workshops". That said, GIMP has its own strengths β€” particularly "completely free and open-source" β€” making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.

Both GIMP and Miro offer free plans, lowering the barrier to entry. GIMP's paid plans start at Free while Miro begins at $8/user/mo. Evaluate which paid features β€” Batch processing, Plugin support (GIMP) vs Sticky notes, Video chat (Miro) β€” justify upgrading for your team.

Bottom line: Choose GIMP if you need users wanting a free, open-source photoshop alternative for image editing. Go with Miro if your priority is product and design teams running remote brainstorms and workshops. Both are strong design tools tools β€” we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.

CHOOSE GIMP IF:

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

CHOOSE MIRO IF:

Product and design teams running remote brainstorms and workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GIMP better than Miro in 2026?
Miro scores 94/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to GIMP's 86/100. GIMP stands out for "completely free and open-source" and is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Miro is known for "best online whiteboard experience" and suits Product and design teams running remote brainstorms and workshops. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.
What is the pricing difference between GIMP and Miro?
Both offer free plans. GIMP starts at Free and Miro at $8/user/mo. When comparing value, consider that GIMP (founded 1996, 10M+ users) includes features like Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing. Miro (founded 2011, 60M+ users) offers Infinite canvas, Templates, Sticky notes. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.
What are the main differences between GIMP and Miro?
The key differences come down to focus and approach. GIMP excels at Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing, while Miro focuses on Infinite canvas, Templates, Sticky notes. GIMP's main advantage is "completely free and open-source", though some users note "outdated interface". Miro's strength is "best online whiteboard experience", but "can be slow with large boards" can be a drawback. Both serve the Design Tools market but target different user profiles.
Can I switch from GIMP to Miro?
Switching between GIMP and Miro is possible since both operate in the Design Tools space. Before migrating, export your data from GIMP and check Miro's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Image editing, Photo retouching, Batch processing (GIMP) vs Infinite canvas, Templates, Sticky notes (Miro). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.
Which is better for small teams: GIMP or Miro?
Both tools offer free plans, so evaluate based on features. GIMP is ideal for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing, while Miro fits Product and design teams running remote brainstorms and workshops. Try both during their trial periods to see which fits your team's workflow.

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