Poppins, designed by the Indian Type Foundry in 2014, is a geometric sans-serif that blends modern minimalism with approachable curves. Known for its circular letterforms, balanced proportions, and excellent performance in both headings and body text, it’s a favorite among web designers and branding experts.
Still, you might want a font with Poppins’s clean geometry but with a different personality, licensing model, or weight variety.
Here’s our curated list of 7 typefaces similar to Poppins, including both premium and free alternatives.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Poppins | Image preview here |
| Avenir Next | Image preview here |
| Proxima Nova | Image preview here |
| Circular Std | Image preview here |
| Montserrat | Image preview here |
| Nunito | Image preview here |
| Quicksand | Image preview here |
| Muli | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. Avenir Next (Adrian Frutiger & Akira Kobayashi, 2004)
- Style: Sans-serif, Geometric/Humanist blend
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Poppins’s geometric foundation and modern elegance.
- Key Difference: More humanist details, giving it a warmer, timeless feel.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Linotype.
2. Proxima Nova (Mark Simonson, 2005)
- Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Balanced circular forms and versatile weight range.
- Key Difference: Slightly tighter spacing and a more contemporary digital feel.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Mark Simonson Studio.
3. Circular Std (Laurenz Brunner, 2013)
- Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Similar clean curves and minimalist vibe.
- Key Difference: More distinctive “G” and “a” shapes for brand differentiation.
- Price & Availability: Paid — Lineto.
4. Montserrat (Julieta Ulanovsky, 2011)
- Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Circular forms and strong uppercase presence.
- Key Difference: Inspired by urban signage, with slightly more personality.
- Price & Availability: Free via Google Fonts; paid for commercial packages.
Free Alternatives
5. Nunito (Vernon Adams, 2011)
- Style: Sans-serif, Rounded Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Smooth, geometric shapes with excellent readability.
- Key Difference: Softer rounded terminals for a friendlier tone.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Quicksand (Andrew Paglinawan, 2008)
- Style: Sans-serif, Rounded Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Circular structure and contemporary feel.
- Key Difference: More playful and informal than Poppins.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. Muli (Vernon Adams, 2011)
- Style: Sans-serif, Minimal Geometric
- Why It’s Similar: Shares Poppins’s simplicity and open spacing.
- Key Difference: Slightly narrower and lighter in appearance.
- Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score (1–5) | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avenir Next | ★★★★★ | Paid | Branding & editorial |
| Proxima Nova | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Modern web & UI design |
| Circular Std | ★★★★☆ | Paid | High-end branding |
| Montserrat | ★★★★☆ | Paid/Free | Headlines & digital projects |
| Nunito | ★★★★☆ | Free | Friendly UI and print |
| Quicksand | ★★★☆☆ | Free | Informal branding |
| Muli | ★★★★☆ | Free | Minimal, airy layouts |
Conclusion
For a premium match to Poppins, Avenir Next and Proxima Nova deliver professional, polished results. If you’re after a free option, Montserrat and Nunito are versatile choices, while Quicksand adds a more playful edge.
Typeface Similar to Font 