Helvetica is one of the most popular fonts in the world. It’s clean, simple, and works for almost any project. But sometimes you need something different. If you’re looking for fonts like Helvetica, you’re in the right place.
This guide shows you 20 amazing alternatives that designers love to use.
Why Look for Fonts Like Helvetica?
Helvetica is everywhere. It’s on street signs, logos, and websites. While it’s a great font, using it too much can make your work look boring.
Finding fonts like Helvetica gives you:
- Fresh options for your designs
- Fonts that feel similar but look unique
- Better ways to match your brand’s personality
- More creative freedom
Helvetica is timeless, but not always practical. Designers often search for similar typefaces because:
- Licensing costs can limit use, especially for startups.
- Web and app projects need free, open-source typefaces.
- Creative variation is sometimes necessary without losing that clean, Swiss feel.
10 Free Fonts Like Helvetica
1. Arial
Arial is probably the most well-known alternative. It looks very similar to Helvetica and comes free on most computers.
- Why designers love it: It’s available everywhere and easy to read on screens.
- Best for: Web design, emails, and documents.
- Where to get it: Pre-installed on Windows and Mac computers (free)
2. Roboto- A Clean, Modern Helvetica Alternative
Google created Roboto for Android phones. It’s one of the most popular fonts like Helvetica for digital projects.
- Why designers love it: It’s modern, clean, and free to use.
- Best for: Websites, apps, and digital interfaces.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
3. Inter-One of the Closest Free Fonts Like Helvetica
Inter is one of the most beloved modern fonts like Helvetica. It’s engineered for digital clarity, with clean lines and superb readability.
- Why designers love it: Its versatility works everywhere from dashboards to long-form content.
- Best for: UI design, websites, and digital products.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts, rsms.me/inter (free)
4. Open Sans
Open Sans is a free Google font that many designers use instead of Helvetica. It’s clean and works well on screens.
- Why designers love it: It’s free, readable, and available through Google Fonts.
- Best for: Web design, blogs, and online content.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
5. Montserrat
Montserrat is a free Google font inspired by old signs in Buenos Aires. It’s become very popular for web design.
- Why designers love it: It’s free and has a unique urban character.
- Best for: Websites, social media graphics, and modern brands.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
6. Source Sans Pro
Adobe made Source Sans Pro as their first open-source font family. It’s clean and works well everywhere.
- Why designers love it: It’s free, professional, and has lots of weights.
- Best for: Web design, documents, and multi-platform projects.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts (free)
7. Work Sans
Work Sans is a free font optimized for computer screens. It’s similar to other fonts like Helvetica but designed for today’s technology.
- Why designers love it: It’s modern, free, and works great on websites.
- Best for: Web design, apps, and digital products.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
8. Arimo
Arimo is metrically compatible with Arial and very close to Helvetica. It’s ideal when you want a seamless swap without layout shifts.
- Why designers love it: Crisp, balanced, and dependable for quick font replacements.
- Best for: Web design, documents, and replacing Arial/Helvetica.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
9. Nimbus Sans
Nimbus Sans is one of the closest Helvetica substitutes ever made. Its proportions, stroke widths, and geometry echo the original.
- Why designers love it: It’s widely used for web, signage, and minimalist branding.
- Best for: Print design, signage, and professional documents.
- Where to get it: URW++ (free for personal use)
10. IBM Plex Sans
A modern, humanized neo-grotesque alternative created by IBM. It’s expressive but clean, perfect for tech and corporate identity.
- Why designers love it: Open-source and impeccably designed.
- Best for: Tech brands, corporate websites, and UI design.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts, IBM Plex website (free)
11. TeX Gyre Heros
Designed as an open-source Helvetica clone. Beautifully neutral, extremely readable, and highly adaptable.
- Why designers love it: You get Helvetica’s voice without its price.
- Best for: Academic documents, presentations, and clean layouts.
- Where to get it: GUST Font Project (free)
12. PT Sans
A slightly softer, more approachable alternative to fonts like Helvetica. Widely used for digital interfaces.
- Why designers love it: Great balance between modern and readable.
- Best for: Websites, apps, and multilingual projects.
- Where to get it: Google Fonts (free)
13. San Francisco
Apple created San Francisco for their operating systems. It’s optimized for screens of all sizes.
- Why designers love it: It’s designed specifically for digital readability.
- Best for: App design, UI/UX projects, and Apple products.
- Where to get it: Apple Developer website (free for Apple developers)
Paid Helvetica Alternatives (10 Premium Picks)
1. Aktiv Grotesk
Aktiv Grotesk is a modern take on classic Swiss fonts. It has a friendly feel that works great for brands.
- Why designers love it: It’s warmer than Helvetica but still professional.
- Best for: Brand identity, packaging, and websites.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Adobe Fonts (paid – starts at $40)
2. Neue Haas Grotesk
This is actually the original version of Helvetica. It was renamed when it became popular.
- Why designers love it: It’s the authentic version with better spacing.
- Best for: Print design, logos, and editorial work.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Adobe Fonts (paid – starts at $50)
3. Univers
Univers came out around the same time as Helvetica. It has more weight options and a slightly different look.
- Why designers love it: It offers more flexibility with 59 different styles.
- Best for: Complex design systems and branding projects.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Linotype (paid – starts at $35 per weight)
4. Proxima Nova
Proxima Nova is one of the most popular paid fonts. It mixes modern and classic styles perfectly.
- Why designers love it: It’s more geometric than Helvetica but still neutral.
- Best for: Websites, apps, and brand design.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Adobe Fonts (paid – starts at $29 per weight)
5. Gotham
Gotham became famous when Barack Obama used it in his campaign. It’s bold and confident.
- Why designers love it: It has a strong, American feel that stands out.
- Best for: Headlines, posters, and bold statements.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Hoefler & Co (paid – starts at $199)
6. Interstate
The Interstate was designed based on American highway signs. It’s clear and easy to read from far away.
- Why designers love it: It’s super readable and has a utilitarian style.
- Best for: Signage, wayfinding, and transportation design.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Font Shop (paid – starts at $39 per weight)
7. Avenir
Avenir means “future” in French. It’s a geometric font that feels friendly and approachable.
- Why designers love it: It’s warmer than most fonts like Helvetica.
- Best for: Body text, branding, and editorial design.
- Where to get it: Pre-installed on Mac, MyFonts, Linotype (paid – starts at $35)
8. Frutiger
Adrian Frutiger designed this font for airport signage. It’s incredibly readable and practical.
- Why designers love it: It works perfectly for wayfinding and information design.
- Best for: Signage, transportation systems, and public spaces.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Linotype (paid – starts at $35 per weight)
9. DIN
DIN started as a font for German road signs. Now it’s popular in design studios worldwide.
- Why designers love it: It has a technical, engineered look that feels modern.
- Best for: Tech brands, industrial design, and contemporary projects.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Font Shop (paid – starts at $39)
10. Franklin Gothic
Franklin Gothic is older than Helvetica but still looks fresh. It has a strong, sturdy appearance.
- Why designers love it: It has more character than standard fonts like Helvetica.
- Best for: Headlines, newspapers, and traditional print work.
- Where to get it: Pre-installed on Windows, MyFonts (paid versions start at $35)
11. Gill Sans
Gill Sans is a British classic. It’s more humanist than Helvetica, with a subtle personality.
- Why designers love it: It balances classic and modern styles beautifully.
- Best for: Publishing, branding, and sophisticated designs.
- Where to get it: Pre-installed on Mac, MyFonts (paid – starts at $35)
12. Akzidenz-Grotesk
This font influenced Helvetica’s creation. It’s slightly rougher but very authentic.
- Why designers love it: It has more personality and historical significance.
- Best for: Editorial design, posters, and cultural projects.
- Where to get it: MyFonts, Berthold Types (paid – starts at $45 per weight)
How to Choose the Right Font
Now that you know 20 fonts like Helvetica, how do you pick the right one?
Think about your project:
- What feeling do you want to create?
- Where will people see this font?
- Does it need to work on screens or in print?
Consider your budget:
- Free fonts work great for many projects
- Paid fonts often have more options and better quality
- Check licensing for commercial use
Test before you commit:
- Try several fonts in your actual design
- See how they look at different sizes
- Make sure they’re readable
Tips for Using These Fonts
Once you’ve picked fonts like Helvetica for your project, use them wisely:
- Pair them carefully: Most of these fonts work well with serif fonts for contrast.
- Don’t use too many: Stick to 2-3 fonts maximum in one project.
- Check readability: Make sure your text is easy to read, especially on screens.
- Match your brand: Pick fonts that fit your brand’s personality and values.
Free vs Paid Fonts Like Helvetica — Which Should You Use?
Many fonts like Helvetica come in both free and paid versions.
Free fonts are great when:
- You have a tight budget
- You need something quickly
- Your project is simple
Paid fonts are worth it when:
- You need professional quality
- You want more weight options
- You’re working on important brand projects
Where to Find Fonts Like Helvetica (Free & Premium Sources)
You can find most of these fonts like Helvetica at:
- Google Fonts – Free fonts for everyone
- Adobe Fonts – Included with Creative Cloud
- MyFonts – Large marketplace for paid fonts
- Font Squirrel – Free commercial fonts
Always check the license before using any font in your work.
Final Thoughts
Helvetica is a classic, but these 20 fonts give you fresh, modern alternatives for every project. Whether you choose a free option like Roboto or Open Sans, or invest in a premium font like Proxima Nova or Gotham, there’s a perfect match waiting for your design.
Experiment, test, and have fun, you might discover a new favorite that works even better than Helvetica.
And if you ever need help picking the right fonts, creating a brand system, or designing consistent marketing assets, our team at Design Shifu has you covered. With our unlimited graphic design service, you get expert designers who handle everything from typography-driven logos to full brand refreshes, fast, affordable, and hassle-free.
