Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
GIMP vs Paint.NET
2 tools, 6 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
GIMP or Paint.NET?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
GIMP
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
PPaint.NET
Free
Free
Full app, free download from getpaint.net
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
GIMP
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Open source under the GNU General Public License, with commercial use explicitly allowed.
- Imports and exports PSD files with layers intact.
- Batch processing from the command line, driven by Script-Fu scripting.
Cons
- Full CMYK editing is not shipped; the project describes it only as a roadmap item.
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- Runs only as installed desktop software, with no web or mobile version.
PPaint.NET
Pros
- Free with full functionality, and no account required to use it.
- Third-party plugins add new effects, adjustments and file-format support.
- Pressure-sensitive input for tablets from Wacom, UGEE, Microsoft and others.
- Ships with 35 built-in interface languages.
Cons
- Cannot open or save PSD files.
- No non-destructive editing; only plain layers and undo history.
- Runs only on Windows, with no Mac or Linux version.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1995 | 2004 |
| AI model | None | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | Yes, the whole app | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| All plans | Free — Free | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photo editors who want a free, open-source desktop editor they can extend with their own plug-ins | Windows users who want a free, lightweight image editor with layers and plugins |
| Differentiator | GIMP is free, open-source software with no company behind it, extended through a documented plug-in API. | Paint.NET is a free Windows image editor with layers, tablet pressure and a large plugin library. |
| Competitors | Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, Photopea | GIMP, Photopea, Krita |
Section 03
GIMP vs Paint.NET: common questions
Is GIMP or Paint.NET cheaper?
GIMP's cheapest paid plan is Free and Paint.NET's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
Keep comparing
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