Penpot vs Canva
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Canva (4.7/5)
We tested Penpot and Canva side-by-side. Canva comes out ahead overall, but Penpot may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Penpot | Canva |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Value for Money | 10/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 5.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Overall | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Penpot | Canva |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| SVG Native | Yes | No |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Yes | No |
| Design Editor | No | Yes |
| Templates | No | Yes |
| AI Tools | No | Yes |
| Brand Kit | No | Yes |
| Stock Library | No | Yes |
| Presentations | No | Yes |
| Team Collaboration | No | Yes |
| Print Services | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Penpot: Free (open-source)
Canva: Free – $15/user/mo
Penpot Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free
- Open-source
- SVG-native output
- Self-hostable
Cons
- Less polished UI
- Fewer features
- Smaller community
- No mobile app
Canva Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Massive and diverse template library for various design needs
- Powerful AI design features significantly accelerate content creation
- Generous free plan provides substantial functionality for basic users
- Excellent for team collaboration with shared folders and brand kits
- Extensive stock library of photos, videos, and graphics
Cons
- Limited for professional-grade, highly customized design work
- Template designs can sometimes appear generic without significant customization
- Advanced photo editing and illustration capabilities are lacking compared to dedicated software
- Export options are less robust than professional design applications
Key Specifications
| Spec | Penpot | Canva |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Pricing | Free (open-source) | Free – $15/user/mo |
| Year Founded | 2020 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Madrid, Spain | Sydney, Australia |
| Employees | N/A | 4,000+ |
| Free Plan | N/A | Yes |
| AI Features | N/A | Yes |
| Skill Level | N/A | Beginner-friendly |
Our Verdict
Canva wins overall. Choose Penpot if you value Open-source advocates. Choose Canva if you prioritize Non-designers creating marketing graphics and social media content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penpot better than Canva?
Based on our testing, Canva scores higher with a rating of 4.7/5 compared to Penpot's 4.1/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Penpot and Canva?
Penpot is known for: Open-source design platform with web-based collaboration and SVG-native approach.. Canva is known for: The easiest online design platform for creating graphics, presentations, and videos..
Which is cheaper, Penpot or Canva?
Penpot pricing: Free (open-source). Canva pricing: Free – $15/user/mo.
Can I use Penpot and Canva together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Design Tools category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Penpot?
Completely free. Open-source. SVG-native output
What are the pros of Canva?
Incredibly easy to use with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Massive and diverse template library for various design needs. Powerful AI design features significantly accelerate content creation
Which design tools should I choose?
Choose Penpot if you value Open-source advocates. Choose Canva if you prioritize Non-designers creating marketing graphics and social media content.