Lobster, designed by Pablo Impallari in 2010, is a bold, connected script that became one of the most recognizable display fonts on the web. Its retro-inspired shapes and flowing ligatures make it perfect for headlines, logos, and casual branding.
While Lobster’s charm is undeniable, it’s so widely used that you might want an alternative with similar energy but a fresher look, more stylistic variety, or unique licensing terms.
Here’s our curated list of 7 typefaces similar to Lobster, including both premium and free options.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Lobster | Image preview here |
| Pacifico | Image preview here |
| Kaushan Script | Image preview here |
| Mission Script | Image preview here |
| Grand Hotel | Image preview here |
| Dancing Script | Image preview here |
| Allura | Image preview here |
| Brush Script MT | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. Mission Script (James T. Edmondson)
- Style: Hand-lettered Script
- Why It’s Similar: Bold, connected cursive style reminiscent of mid-century advertising.
- Key Difference: Slightly more rounded terminals and casual bounce.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Lost Type Co-Op.
2. Grand Hotel (Brian J. Bonislawsky & Jim Lyles)
- Style: Script, Vintage
- Why It’s Similar: Retro signage inspiration with connected letters.
- Key Difference: Narrower letterforms and upright stance.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Astigmatic.
3. Brush Script MT (Robert E. Smith)
- Style: Script, Classic
- Why It’s Similar: Classic connected brush style from the 1940s.
- Key Difference: More formal tone with less ligature variety.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Monotype.
4. Allura (Rob Leuschke)
- Style: Script, Calligraphic
- Why It’s Similar: Fluid, connected cursive with graceful loops.
- Key Difference: Lighter weight and more elegant shapes.
- Price & Availability: Paid — MyFonts.
Free Alternatives
5. Pacifico (Vernon Adams)
- Style: Script, Retro
- Why It’s Similar: Bold, friendly brush script with a casual retro vibe.
- Key Difference: More rounded curves and looser spacing.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Kaushan Script (Pablo Impallari)
- Style: Script, Brush
- Why It’s Similar: Hand-lettered style with a natural brush texture.
- Key Difference: Rougher, more organic edges.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. Dancing Script (Pablo Impallari)
- Style: Casual Script
- Why It’s Similar: Playful, bouncy cursive with varying letter heights.
- Key Difference: Lighter weight and more movement.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score (1–5) | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Script | ★★★★★ | Paid | Retro branding, logos |
| Grand Hotel | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Café menus, vintage posters |
| Brush Script MT | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Classic print design |
| Allura | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Invitations, elegant signage |
| Pacifico | ★★★★☆ | Free | Friendly retro branding |
| Kaushan Script | ★★★☆☆ | Free | Organic, hand-crafted feel |
| Dancing Script | ★★★☆☆ | Free | Playful, casual headings |
Conclusion
If you want a premium alternative to Lobster with a similar retro flow, Mission Script is a standout choice.
For free options, Pacifico offers equally bold personality, while Kaushan Script provides a more organic brush finish.
