You need to build a desktop application in Python. The first question everyone asks: which GUI framework should I use?
After spending thousands of hours building desktop applications and evaluating every major option, I'll give you the honest breakdown. Not the "it depends" non-answer, but actual recommendations based on your specific situation.
The Quick Comparison
| Framework | Best For | Price | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tkinter | Learning, prototypes | Free (built-in) | Easy |
| CustomTkinter | Modern Tkinter apps | Free (MIT) | Easy |
| PyQt6 | Complex applications | €6,600+/yr (commercial) | Steep |
| PySide6 | Qt power, free license | Free (LGPL) | Steep |
| wxPython | Native look & feel | Free (wxWindows) | Moderate |
| Kivy | Touch/mobile apps | Free (MIT) | Moderate |
| Bravura | Professional commercial apps | $49.99/mo or $1,999.99 one-time | Easy |
The Detailed Breakdown
Tkinter: The Default Choice
Tkinter comes with Python. No installation required. That's its biggest advantage and biggest limitation.
Pros:
- Built into Python standard library
- Extensive documentation and tutorials
- Simple, beginner-friendly API
- Cross-platform out of the box
Cons:
- Default appearance looks outdated
- Limited widgets compared to Qt
- Threading requires careful handling
- No built-in theming system
Verdict: Perfect for learning and quick prototypes. Not ideal for commercial software unless you invest significant time in styling.
CustomTkinter: Modern Tkinter
CustomTkinter wraps Tkinter with modern styling. Same simplicity, better appearance.
Pros:
- Modern flat design out of the box
- Dark mode support
- Drop-in replacement for many Tkinter widgets
- Active development and community
Cons:
- Still limited to Tkinter's widget set
- Performance can lag with complex UIs
- Customization beyond themes is limited
Verdict: Great middle ground. Free, modern-looking, but still has Tkinter's fundamental limitations.
PyQt6 / PySide6: The Powerhouse
Qt is the gold standard for desktop application development. PyQt6 and PySide6 are Python bindings for Qt.
Pros:
- Most powerful widget library
- Excellent documentation
- Professional-grade applications
- Multimedia, networking, OpenGL support
Cons:
- PyQt requires expensive commercial license (€6,600+/year)
- PySide6 is LGPL (free but requires compliance)
- Steep learning curve
- Large application size (50-100MB+)
Verdict: If you need Qt's power and can accept LGPL requirements, use PySide6. If you need commercial licensing flexibility, the cost is significant.
wxPython: Native Widgets
wxPython uses native operating system widgets. Your app looks like it belongs on each platform.
Pros:
- True native appearance
- Free for commercial use
- Good accessibility support
Cons:
- Inconsistent behavior across platforms
- Documentation can be sparse
- Community smaller than Qt/Tkinter
Verdict: Good choice if native look matters more than consistent cross-platform behavior.
Kivy: Touch and Mobile
Kivy targets touch interfaces and mobile deployment. Different design philosophy than traditional desktop frameworks.
Pros:
- Touch-first design
- Can deploy to Android/iOS
- OpenGL-accelerated graphics
Cons:
- Doesn't look like traditional desktop apps
- Mobile deployment is complex
- Different paradigm from other frameworks
Verdict: Only consider if you specifically need touch support or mobile deployment.
Bravura: Built for Commercial Apps
Bravura is a professional Python GUI framework designed specifically for commercial desktop applications.
Pros:
- Professional appearance out of the box
- 10 built-in themes
- Thread-safe background workers included
- GPU acceleration for smooth animations
- Clear commercial licensing (no per-developer fees)
- One-time purchase option ($1,999.99 - own forever)
Cons:
- Paid product
- Smaller community than Qt/Tkinter
- Newer framework (less Stack Overflow content)
Verdict: Ideal for commercial applications where professional appearance and straightforward licensing matter.
My Recommendations
For Learning Python GUI Development
Start with Tkinter. It's built-in, well-documented, and teaches fundamentals that transfer to other frameworks.
For Free Projects / Open Source
Use PySide6 for complex applications or CustomTkinter for simpler ones. Both are free and capable.
For Commercial Software
If you're selling software and want professional appearance without Qt's licensing complexity, Bravura is purpose-built for this. If you need Qt's specific features and can afford €6,600+/year, PyQt remains powerful.
What About Electron?
Some teams use Electron (JavaScript) for "Python" desktop apps, running Python as a backend. This works but:
- Memory usage is 200-500MB+ for simple apps
- You're maintaining two tech stacks
- Startup time is noticeably slower
If you're already a Python developer, staying in Python for GUI usually makes more sense.
Conclusion
There's no universally "best" framework. But there is a best framework for your specific situation:
- Learning: Tkinter
- Free + Modern: CustomTkinter or PySide6
- Commercial + Professional: Bravura or PyQt (if budget allows)
- Native Look: wxPython
- Touch/Mobile: Kivy
The best framework is the one that lets you ship your application. Pick one and build something.