Affinity Designer vs GIMP: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Affinity Designer
GIMP
Starting Price
$169.99 one-time
Free
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
3M+
10M+
Founded
2014
1996
Rating
4.7/5
4.3/5
Best For
Freelance designers wanting professional tools wit...
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Affinity DesignerGIMP
93Ease of Use88
98Features90
92Value for Money90
89Customer Support81
91Integrations83
92Mobile App84
AI Verdict
Affinity Designer leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 86 for GIMP. Affinity Designer is best suited for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs, 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 AFFINITY DESIGNER IF:
Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs.
CHOOSE GIMP IF:
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Designer better than GIMP?
Affinity Designer scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Affinity Designer is best for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Does Affinity Designer have a free plan?
No, Affinity Designer does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $169.99 one-time.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Can I migrate from Affinity Designer to GIMP?
Migration between Affinity Designer 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.