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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

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Starfall logoStarfallFree plan + paidNoWeb, iOS, Android8 of 859.6
  1. Starfall logo

    1. StarfallTop pick

    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)

The best Tux Paint alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for most people

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for a free option

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

Starfall logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Starfall

Browser-based learn-to-read program for when creative play needs to become reading practice.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for open source

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for Mac

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for Windows

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

GCompris logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for Linux

GCompris

Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

Starfall logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for iPhone and Android

Starfall

Browser-based learn-to-read program for when creative play needs to become reading practice.

Starfall logo

Best Tux Paint alternative for working in the browser

Starfall

Browser-based learn-to-read program for when creative play needs to become reading practice.

Tux Paint alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Tux Paint?

GCompris ranks first right now. Free, open-source suite that adds reading, maths and science activities alongside drawing.

Is there a free alternative to Tux Paint?

Yes. GCompris (open source) and Starfall (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Tux Paint?

Yes: GCompris.

Which Tux Paint alternatives work on Linux?

GCompris runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Tux Paint?

The complaints we hear most: no official iOS app; drawing only; no structured lessons; older kids may find it too basic.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Tux Paint, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.