Maison Mono, designed by Mathieu Desjardins of Coppers and Brasses, is a stylish monospaced typeface that bridges the gap between brutalist modernism and refined elegance. With its geometric construction, consistent spacing, and clean proportions, it’s a favorite for editorial design, tech branding, and experimental layouts that demand a contemporary twist on the monospaced tradition.
Since it’s a premium font, many designers look for alternatives that bring the same minimalist yet expressive feel without the cost. Whether you’re designing for code-related projects, digital brands, or sleek magazines, there are excellent substitutes.
Here are 7 fonts similar to Maison Mono — both paid and free.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Maison Mono | Image preview here |
| GT America Mono | Image preview here |
| Basis Grotesque Mono | Image preview here |
| Aperçu Mono | Image preview here |
| IBM Plex Mono | Image preview here |
| Fira Mono | Image preview here |
| Space Mono | Image preview here |
| JetBrains Mono | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. GT America Mono (Grilli Type, 2016)
Style: Monospaced grotesque
Why It’s Similar: Shares Maison Mono’s geometric clarity and clean rhythm.
Key Difference: More rigid, with a stronger Swiss influence.
Price & Availability: Paid — Grilli Type.
2. Basis Grotesque Mono (Colophon Foundry, 2012)
Style: Monospaced sans-serif
Why It’s Similar: Minimalist design with a functional tone.
Key Difference: Slightly less decorative, leaning more toward utilitarian.
Price & Availability: Paid — Colophon Foundry.
3. Aperçu Mono (Colophon Foundry, 2010)
Style: Humanist monospaced
Why It’s Similar: Similar geometric balance and warmth.
Key Difference: Has more humanist touches than Maison Mono.
Price & Availability: Paid — Colophon Foundry.
Free Alternatives
4. IBM Plex Mono (IBM, 2017)
Style: Monospaced grotesque
Why It’s Similar: Technical feel with design-driven elegance.
Key Difference: Slightly more mechanical and functional.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
5. Fira Mono (Mozilla, 2013)
Style: Monospaced sans-serif
Why It’s Similar: Clean spacing and legible forms close to Maison Mono.
Key Difference: Designed primarily for coding interfaces.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Space Mono (Colophon Foundry for Google, 2016)
Style: Monospaced display sans-serif
Why It’s Similar: Quirky proportions and modern editorial vibe.
Key Difference: More experimental and decorative than Maison Mono.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. JetBrains Mono (JetBrains, 2020)
Style: Monospaced sans-serif
Why It’s Similar: Shares Maison Mono’s balance of clarity and style.
Key Difference: Built specifically for coding environments.
Price & Availability: Free — JetBrains / Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT America Mono | ★★★★★ | Paid | Editorial, branding |
| Basis Grotesque Mono | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Minimalist, functional layouts |
| Aperçu Mono | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Modern, humanist design |
| IBM Plex Mono | ★★★★☆ | Free | Corporate, digital design |
| Fira Mono | ★★★★☆ | Free | Code-focused interfaces |
| Space Mono | ★★★★☆ | Free | Editorial and creative display |
| JetBrains Mono | ★★★☆☆ | Free | Developer-friendly projects |
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a close premium alternative, GT America Mono and Aperçu Mono are the strongest options for replicating Maison Mono’s balance of geometry and personality. For free options, IBM Plex Mono and Space Mono offer excellent flexibility while keeping the modern editorial edge.
