Circular: Free Alternatives & Similar Fonts

If you’re looking for free alternatives to Circular, here are 5 of the highest-quality look-alikes and similar fonts.

1. +Jakarta Sans (best overall)
2. Figtree (closest on Google Fonts)
3. DM Sans (actually has italics)
4. Manrope
5. Satoshi (underused option)

For each, I’ll mention the advantages, disadvantages, and why you might choose it. Ready? Let’s get started.

You’re reading Free Font Alternatives: The Ultimate Guide. Quickly navigate to other fonts: Intro · Apercu · Avenir · Circular · DIN · Futura · Gotham · Helvetica · Proxima Nova · Times New Roman

1. +Jakarta Sans

The underused +Jakarta Sans is the overall best free alternative for Circular.

And let’s face it – it’s all about that “t”. Circular’s most distinctive letterform looks basically identical in +Jakarta. Honestly, the lack of differences is a bit disconcerting, but close inspection shows +Jakarta features a slightly taller x-height, more open counters (e.g. the gaps in “a”, “c”, and “e” – which are good for readability), and generally wider round letterforms.

What it’s got: 7 weights + italics; also available as a variable font

Get it at: +Jakarta Sans at Google Fonts

2. Figtree

Figtree – a free font designed by yours truly – shares a lot of DNA with Circular. In fact, the extraordinary quality of Circular (combined with its high price tag) is one of the things that made me want to create Figtree.

Figtree certainly won’t confuse any typophiles. It doesn’t have the curved “t” so characteristic of Circular – nor the rising bowl of Circular’s “a”. Figtree’s “g” has a shorter descender, etc.

What it’s got: 7 weights + italics; also available as a variable font

Get it at: Figtree at Google Fonts

3. DM Sans

With one small modification, DM Sans is an amazing stand-in for Circular.

DM Sans comes with a very distinctive “g” when you use it out-of-the-box. However, by using the alternate “g” character with font-feature-settings: "ss03" 1; (here’s more on how to do alternate character styles in Figma and CSS), DM Sans makes a much better free alternative to Circular.

What it’s got: 10 weights + italics; also available as a variable font

Get it at: DM Sans at Google Fonts

4. Manrope

The underused Manrope is quite similar to Circular.

Both are geometric sans serifs with sliiightly closed-off counters. Unfortunately, Manrope lacks an italics, so it won’t be topping this list any time soon. Nonethless, quite underused and perhaps worth checking out.

What it’s got: 7 weights, no italics; also available as a variable font

Get it at: Manrope at Google Fonts

5. Satoshi

The free Satoshi is another solid stand-in for Circular.

Like Circular, Satoshi has a noteably clean, simple vibe, and uses those ever-so-slightly closed counters present in Circular. If you use it, make sure to use the alternate “t” with the rounded base (CSS code is font-feature-settings: "ss03" 1;, here’s more on alternate characters).

What it’s got: 5 weights + italics; also available as a variable font

Get it at: Satoshi at Fontshare

Other Circular Alternatives

If you’re looking to branch out from Circular, it’s worth checking out some of the other alternatives in this guide. For instance, the Apercu alternatives have a similarly friendly, but even quirkier vibe, and the Gotham alternatives will feel likewise simple and clean.

You’re reading Free Font Alternatives: The Ultimate Guide. Quickly navigate to other fonts: Intro · Apercu · Avenir · Circular · DIN · Futura · Gotham · Helvetica · Proxima Nova · Times New Roman