Tux Paint alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Tux Paint: no official iOS app, and drawing only; no structured lessons. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Tux Paint, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. GCompris currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	GCompris	Open source	Yes	Windows, Linux, Android +1	5 of 5	66.5
2	Starfall	Free plan + paid	No	Web, iOS, Android	8 of 8	59.6

1. GComprisTop pick
Best for: Parents and schools wanting a free, ad-free activity suite for kids aged 2 to 10
Open sourceWindows, Linux, Android, macOS
66.5
score / 100
Why switch from Tux Paint
Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.
Pros
More than 100 activities across reading, maths, science and more
Completely free, open source and without ads
Translated into many languages
Teacher companion app for classroom use
Cons
No iOS app
macOS build is stuck on an older version
Simple activities that older children outgrow
Visit GCompris Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.3100
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is GCompris a good Tux Paint alternative?
Verified facts
5 of 5 verified
Activities
More than 100
Checked Oct 29, 2026gcompris.net(opens source in a new tab)
Age range
2 to 10
Checked Oct 29, 2026gcompris.net(opens source in a new tab)
License
AGPL-3.0
Checked Oct 29, 2026gcompris.net(opens source in a new tab)
Owner
KDE community
Checked Oct 29, 2026gcompris.net(opens source in a new tab)
iOS
Not available
Checked Oct 29, 2026gcompris.net(opens source in a new tab)
2. Starfall
Best for: Parents and teachers of early readers who want a free, ad-free phonics program
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android
59.6
score / 100
Why switch from Tux Paint
Browser-based learn-to-read program for when creative play needs to become reading practice.
Pros
Learn-to-Read program is free with no ads
Structured four-step phonics path
Run by a nonprofit that doesn't collect children's personal data
Cons
Most maths and upper-grade content needs a paid membership
English only and focused on reading
Plain visuals next to commercial kids' apps
Visit Starfall Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.377
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Starfall a good Tux Paint alternative?
Verified facts
8 of 8 verified
Learn-to-Read program
Free
Checked Nov 1, 2026starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Owner
Starfall Education Foundation (nonprofit)
Checked Nov 1, 2026starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Member grade coverage
Pre-K to 5th grade
Checked Nov 1, 2026starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Advertising
None
Checked Nov 1, 2026starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Starting price
$35 a year (Home Membership)
Checked Nov 1, 2026store.starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Teacher's Membership plan
$70 a year
Checked Nov 1, 2026store.starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
Classroom Membership plan
$195 a year
Checked Nov 1, 2026store.starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)
School Membership plan
$355 a year
Checked Nov 1, 2026store.starfall.com(opens source in a new tab)