It truly is an exercise in balance, toying up structure with personality and clarity with expression. The key is contrast, especially in type style. Pairing a sleek sans with a strong serif can bring just the right amount of tension and dynamism to any design. Perhaps you’re mixing high-contrast serifs with pragmatic sans. Or maybe you’re pairing an expressive monospaced typeface with the precise characters and elegance of an editorial serif. Whatever way, the key is to let each typeface enhance the other. For those looking for a bit of typographic harmony in 2025, here are five of the best sans and serif pairings font, each bringing its own unique rhythm to the page and screen.

Neue Montreal & Editorial New

A contemporary powerhouse meets refined editorial finesse. Neue Montreal ’s clean, no-nonsense grotesque construction is the perfect counterpart to the elegant, high-contrast forms of Editorial New . Together, they strike a balance between modern efficiency and classic sophistication, making them an ideal choice for both branding and books alike. Or really, a perfect match for anyone looking for clarity without sacrificing character.

Lettra Mono & Nikkei

Perhaps a new classic combo? This pair thrives on the structured individuality of each counterpart. Lettra Mono ’s monospaced precision, influenced by typewriter aesthetics and botanical detailing, finds an unexpected but seamless partner in Nikkei’s historically rich typographic system. Where Lettra Mono brings mechanical order, Nikkei adds organic warmth, with letterforms inspired by Japanese immigration narratives and traditional crests.

Hatton & Neue Montreal Monno

Old-world charm meets robust contemporary utility. Hatton ’s high-contrast serif, inspired by the historic streets of London’s Hatton Garden, carries an air of refinement (and classiness), while Neue Montreal Mono strips things back to pure function – albeit with a satisfying modernist flavour. The contrast between Hatton’s delicate detailing and Neue Montreal Mono’s structured, fixed-width format makes for a pairing that is equal parts classic and cutting-edge.

Formula & Editorial Old

This is for those who love a bit of vintage-modern interplay. PP Formula , a geometric sans with a forward-thinking aesthetic, pairs (perhaps surprisingly) well with Editorial Old , a serif that leans into softer, looser forms inspired by ‘70s and ‘80s print ads. Where PP Formula brings structure and consistency, Editorial Old offers warmth and nostalgia.

Right Grotesk & Right Serif Mono

A pairing built on versatility, the unexpected quirks, subtle ink traps and a confident modernity of sans serif, Right Grotesk dutifully serves Right Serif Mono ’s more structured, refined approach. Moreover, the latter’s monospaced foundation makes for a sturdy basis for the two typefaces to balance function and character. With Right Grotesk adding a dynamic edge and Right Serif Mono offering a grounded, structured presence, this duo is a typographic match of both style and substance.

All of these fonts are free-to-try, with licensing starting at only $30.