Fonts similar to Helvetica
5 free Google Fonts that share Helvetica’s structure, compared side by side. Type your own text to test them.
About Helvetica
The Swiss neo-grotesque behind countless logos and signage systems. Commercial (Linotype/Monotype); Helvetica Neue ships on Apple devices.
How to spot it
- Horizontal terminals on c, e, s and a
- Square-ish dot on i and j
- R with a curved, vertical leg
- Tight apertures that almost close
Not sure it’s really Helvetica? Upload a screenshot and let the identifier check. Looking for a different font? Use the similar font finder.
Free alternatives to Helvetica
Helvetica Quartz 1234
Same metrics as Helvetica/Arial, so text reflows identically.
View on Google Fonts ↗Helvetica Quartz 1234
Neo-grotesque skeleton with a taller x-height for screens.
View on Google Fonts ↗Helvetica Quartz 1234
Grotesque proportions, slightly more open curves.
View on Google Fonts ↗Helvetica Quartz 1234
Neutral, Helvetica-like tone with friendlier spacing.
View on Google Fonts ↗Helvetica Quartz 1234
Grotesque roots; heavier weights feel close to Helvetica Bold.
View on Google Fonts ↗Choosing between them
Start with Arimo if you need the most faithful substitute. Same metrics as Helvetica/Arial, so text reflows identically. If you want the same feeling with a little more personality, try Work Sans. For body text, check the specimen at 16–18px: some display-leaning alternatives look closest in headlines but tire the eye in paragraphs.
Pairing one of these with a contrasting serif or sans? Open it in the font pairing generator.
Questions people ask
What is the closest free font to Helvetica?
Arimo is the closest free alternative in our list: same metrics as Helvetica/Arial, so text reflows identically. Other good options are Inter and Roboto.
What kind of font is Helvetica?
Helvetica is a grotesque / neo-grotesque sans. Even, rational strokes; terminals on c, e and s cut horizontally; tight apertures; a two-storey “a”.
How can I tell Helvetica apart from lookalikes?
Check these details: horizontal terminals on c, e, s and a; square-ish dot on i and j; r with a curved, vertical leg; tight apertures that almost close.
Are these Helvetica alternatives free for commercial use?
Yes. All alternatives listed are Google Fonts released under open licences (SIL Open Font License or Apache 2.0) that allow commercial use.