What an alternative has to meet
- It does the same job as the paid program: it covers its main tasks, it isn't just "similar".
- You can use it for free: open source, completely free, or with a useful free plan with no time limit. We don't list time-limited trials. The exception is a few low-cost one-time purchases when they are the go-to option (currently REAPER and Ardour), always labelled as such.
- You get it from its official website or its official repository.
- We prefer projects that are active and still receive updates.
How we classify them
Each alternative shows its price type, the systems it runs on and how it's used:
- Open Source (86): Free and open source.
- 100% Free (18): Free, no paid plans.
- Freemium (48): Free, with optional paid extras.
- One-time payment (3): One-time payment, no subscription.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, web, Android and iOS, according to its official site. Use: online (in the browser), offline (installed, works without a connection) or both.
How we order them
The first alternative on each page, labelled Top pick, is the one that best balances three things for most people: it covers the main features of the paid program, it's easy to get started with, and it works well with its file formats (PSD, DOCX, XLSX…). The rest are good options for other needs: working offline, another operating system, your phone or more advanced features.
On the home page, the order of the alternatives inside each card can change based on the ones you visit most. That's stored only in your browser and doesn't change the program pages.
Updates
Every page shows the date it was last updated. Prices, plans and platforms change often, so we check them on each program's official website. If you see something out of date, please let us know.
Independence
The site is funded by Google AdSense. Ads don't decide which alternatives appear or their order, and links to programs are not affiliate links. More in About.
Suggestions and corrections
Email us with the alternative you'd add or the correction you've found.