Free alternatives to Segoe UI

The closest free alternative to Segoe UI is Selawik, an open-source font Microsoft made with the same letter widths for when Segoe UI isn't available. Open Sans and Noto Sans are close in style and come in more weights.

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

At a glance

FontMatchWeightsItalicsBest for
SelawikSame widths300 to 700NoWindows-style UI
Open SansClose match300 to 800YesReadable body text
Noto SansClose match100 to 900YesMany languages
Source Sans 3Similar feel200 to 900YesInterfaces and long text
LatoSimilar feel100 to 900YesWarm body text

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. Selawik

    Same widths

    Best alternative

    Microsoft's open-source stand-in for Segoe UI, with the same letter widths.

  2. Open Sans

    Close match

    Open, humanist letters very close to Segoe UI in feel, with weights from 300 to 800.

  3. Noto Sans

    Close match

    A clear interface sans that covers almost every language.

  4. Source Sans 3

    Similar feel

    A slightly narrower humanist sans made for interfaces and long text.

  5. Lato

    Similar feel

    Warm and readable, with weights from 100 to 900.

Pair it with

Curated pairings that use these alternatives.

About Segoe UI

Segoe UI has been the interface font of Windows since Windows Vista. Microsoft owns it and it comes with Windows and Office.

Made by
Microsoft
License
Ships with Windows. Webfont use needs a license.
Same widths
Selawik

Questions about Segoe UI

Is Segoe UI free?

It comes with Windows, so apps on Windows can use it. Serving it as a webfont or using it on other systems needs a license from Microsoft.

What is the closest free font to Segoe UI?

Selawik. Microsoft made it as an open-source fallback with the same letter widths.

Is Segoe UI on Google Fonts?

No. Open Sans and Noto Sans are the closest Segoe UI-style fonts on Google Fonts.

What font pairs well with Open Sans?

Open Sans pairs well with a readable serif, like Merriweather or Lora.

More font alternatives

See all