Head-to-head · Digital Painting Software
ibisPaint vs Sketchbook
ibisPaint leads on 0 checks, Sketchbook on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreibisPaint · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
ibisPaint scores higher on our rubric for digital painting software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
ibisPaint is the better fit for free cross-platform painting with advanced color tools. Sketchbook is the better fit for accessible sketching across desktop and mobile.
- ibisPaint fits best
Free cross-platform painting with advanced color tools
- Sketchbook fits best
Accessible sketching across desktop and mobile
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Side by side
| Feature | ibisPaint 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Sketchbook 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Digital Painting Software | #8 in Digital Painting Software |
| Best for | Free cross-platform painting with advanced color tools | Accessible sketching across desktop and mobile |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $27.99/yr | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Features ibisPaint 4/4 · Sketchbook 4/4 | ||
| Brush customization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pressure sensitivity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stroke stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | windows, macos, ios, android | windows, macos, ios, android |
| Color management | Advanced | Advanced |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | ibisPaint is digital painting and illustration software for artists working across Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android. It is suited to users who want customizable brushes, layered artwork, pressure-sensitive stylus input,… Read the review → |
Sketchbook is digital drawing, painting, and sketching software for artists, illustrators, and hobbyists. Its broad platform coverage supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it suitable for users who move between desktop and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ibisPaint — where it wins
- Custom brushes, pressure curves, and brush-specific stroke stabilization
- Advanced CMYK export with color profiles and rendering controls
- Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android support with cloud synchronization
Where it doesn't
- The free mobile version includes advertisements
- Free cloud storage is limited to 64MB
- Some desktop features require separate paid upgrades
Sketchbook — where it wins
- Free mobile application with core drawing tools
- Customizable brushes, layers, masking, and blend modes
- Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Advanced features are divided across paid offerings
- Flipbook 2D animation is available on desktop
- Feature availability varies by platform and app version
- ibisPaint8.9/10 · Free plan
A capable free painting app with broad platform coverage and paid color, cloud, and desktop upgrades.
Visit ibisPaintFull verdict → - Sketchbook8.6/10 · Free plan
A flexible sketching tool with broad platform coverage and a useful free starting point.
Visit SketchbookFull verdict →
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All digital painting software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





