Free alternatives to Austin

The closest free alternatives to Austin are Playfair Display and Gloock, high-contrast serifs for big, elegant headlines.

  • 5 free alternatives
  • Free for commercial use
  • Updated November 2026

At a glance

FontMatchWeightsItalicsBest for
Playfair DisplayClose match400 to 900YesElegant headlines
GloockClose match400NoBig, elegant headlines
DM Serif DisplayClose match400YesOne-line headlines
Bodoni ModaSimilar feel400 to 900YesFashion and editorial
Abril FatfaceSimilar feel400NoBig editorial headlines

The 5 best free alternatives

Same widths: drawn to the same letter widths, so nothing reflows. Close match: nearest look. Similar feel: same mood, different details.

  1. Playfair Display

    Close match

    Best alternative

    A high-contrast serif with weights from 400 to 900 and italics.

  2. Gloock

    Close match

    A big, elegant high-contrast serif in one weight.

  3. DM Serif Display

    Close match

    A high-contrast display serif with an italic. Made for headlines.

  4. Bodoni Moda

    Similar feel

    A high-contrast Bodoni with weights from 400 to 900 and italics, drawn for screens.

  5. Abril Fatface

    Similar feel

    A heavy, high-contrast display serif in one weight. Made for big headlines.

Pair it with

Curated pairings that use these alternatives.

About Austin

Austin was designed by Paul Barnes for Commercial Type.

Designed by
Paul Barnes
License
Paid
Best free match
Playfair Display

Questions about Austin

Is Austin free?

No. Austin needs a paid license for websites, apps and commercial work.

What is the closest free font to Austin?

The closest free alternatives to Austin are Playfair Display and Gloock, high-contrast serifs for big, elegant headlines.

Is Austin on Google Fonts?

No. Playfair Display, Gloock and DM Serif Display are the closest Austin-style fonts on Google Fonts.

What font pairs well with Playfair Display?

Playfair Display pairs well with Nunito, Fira Sans or Be Vietnam Pro.

More font alternatives

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