Looking for a free font like Helvetica? The closest free match is Inter. Preview all 4 alternatives with your own text below.
Fonts load from Google Fonts. “Get font” opens the official download page. All are free for personal and commercial use under their open licenses.
Why these alternatives
Arimo is metrically compatible with Arial (itself designed to match Helvetica’s widths), so text reflows almost identically. Inter is the closest in spirit for screens.
| Free alternative | Best for |
|---|---|
| Inter | The closest overall match |
| Arimo | A different take with a similar feel |
| Roboto | A different take with a similar feel |
| Figtree | A different take with a similar feel |
Using a free Helvetica alternative
- On a website: load it from Google Fonts with one line of CSS (use “Copy CSS” on any card above).
- In Word, PowerPoint or Keynote: download it from Google Fonts and install it (Mac: double-click → Install; Windows: right-click → Install).
- In Canva or Figma: most Google Fonts are already built in, just search the name.
Can I just use Helvetica?
Helvetica is a commercial typeface that may already be on your computer, but using it on a website, in an app or in some commercial products usually needs a separate license from its owner. The fonts above are free under open licenses for personal and commercial use.
Browse more sans serif fonts or see all font alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest free font to Helvetica?
Inter. Arimo is metrically compatible with Arial (itself designed to match Helvetica’s widths), so text reflows almost identically. Inter is the closest in spirit for screens.
Is Inter free for commercial use?
Yes: it’s on Google Fonts under an open license that allows commercial use.
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