Let me take you on a little journey—because this isn’t just a list of fonts. This is a story about rebranding, client work, and the great font debate.
I was handling a client’s rebranding project. Their existing designs were all over the place, lacking any real cohesion. So naturally, I started looking for a strong, modern sans-serif font that could bring consistency to their visuals—something that aligned with professional branding fonts and cohesive typography choices. My choice? Poppins. Clean, versatile, and modern.
But then, a social media manager looked at my submission and hit me with: “Everyone is using that font.” Fine. Challenge accepted. I started digging for more alternatives. Then, just as I was about to present my findings, this social media manager swooped in with a brand guide. And guess what font she submitted? Montserrat.
Ah yes, Montserrat. The font that first piqued my curiosity 14 years ago. The one I once confused with Gotham. The one I see every single day, everywhere, since its inception. And yet, Poppins is the ‘generic’ one? The audacity.
So, in case you’re also trying to escape the Montserrat vortex (or dodge claims of using a ‘generic’ font), here are three solid alternatives:
1. Manrope If you want something that feels fresh but still maintains a geometric structure, Manrope is a great pick. It has a bit more personality than Montserrat and works beautifully in digital spaces. It’s modern, a little techy, and highly readable—without feeling overused.
2. Plus Jakarta Sans Developed by Tokotype, Plus Jakarta Sans offers a contemporary twist on geometric sans-serifs. It has a softer, friendlier look compared to Montserrat, making it a great choice if you want something that feels a bit more unique while still fitting into that clean, corporate aesthetic.
3. Outfit Outfit is a free Google Font that has a lot of the qualities people love about Montserrat but with a bit more edge. It has great legibility and a nice balance between modern and professional—without feeling like you’ve seen it on every single website template.
At the end of the day, Montserrat isn’t a bad font. It’s just everywhere. If you’re looking for a fresh alternative with the same modern appeal, explore these fonts for your next design project. These three options will serve you well without feeling like a carbon copy. Because let’s be real—there’s no such thing as a truly ‘non-generic’ font, only ones that are trending right now.
