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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
1GCompris logoGComprisOpen sourceYesWindows, Linux, Android +15 of 566.5
  1. GCompris logo

    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)

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.