GIMP vs Procreate: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
GIMP
Procreate
Starting Price
Free
$12.99 one-time
Free Plan
Yes
No
Users
10M+
20M+
Founded
1996
2011
Rating
4.3/5
4.9/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Illustrators and artists creating digital artwork ...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
GIMPProcreate
88Ease of Use97
90Features99
90Value for Money96
81Customer Support93
83Integrations95
84Mobile App96
AI Verdict
Procreate leads with a SoftScout Score of 98 vs 86 for GIMP. Procreate is best suited for Illustrators and artists creating digital artwork on iPad, 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 PROCREATE IF:
Illustrators and artists creating digital artwork on iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP better than Procreate?
Procreate scores 98/100 on SoftScout 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. Procreate is best for Illustrators and artists creating digital artwork on iPad.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Does Procreate have a free plan?
No, Procreate does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $12.99 one-time.
Can I migrate from GIMP to Procreate?
Migration between GIMP and Procreate 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.