Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Professional-grade image editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and automatic subject selection for seamless editing.
- 2#2: Luminar Neo - AI-driven photo editor specializing in sky replacement, portrait enhancement, relighting, and one-click fixes for stunning results.
- 3#3: Topaz Photo AI - Intelligent all-in-one tool for AI upscaling, noise reduction, sharpening, and recovery of photo details.
- 4#4: Canva Magic Studio - User-friendly platform with AI-powered Magic Edit, background remover, and expand tools for quick image enhancements.
- 5#5: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, NoNoise AI, and effects for efficient workflows.
- 6#6: DxO PhotoLab - RAW photo editor excelling in DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments.
- 7#7: Pixelmator Pro - Mac-focused image editor with ML Super Resolution, ML Enhance, and automatic background removal for pro edits.
- 8#8: Affinity Photo - Affordable professional editor with AI-powered selection refinement, live filters, and inpainting tools.
- 9#9: Corel PaintShop Pro - Cost-effective editor with AI background replacement, upsampling, and style transfer for versatile editing.
- 10#10: Picsart - Mobile-first creative suite with AI replace, remove, and generate tools for social media image editing.
We ranked these tools by evaluating key factors including AI feature depth, output quality, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring a mix of professional excellence and accessible innovation.
Comparison Table
Explore how AI enhances image editing through a comparison of leading tools—including Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo, Topaz Photo AI, Canva Magic Studio, and ON1 Photo RAW. This table breaks down features, usability, and unique strengths to guide you toward the right software, whether for professional projects or creative exploration.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Professional-grade image editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and automatic subject selection for seamless editing. | creative_suite | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Luminar Neo AI-driven photo editor specializing in sky replacement, portrait enhancement, relighting, and one-click fixes for stunning results. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Topaz Photo AI Intelligent all-in-one tool for AI upscaling, noise reduction, sharpening, and recovery of photo details. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Canva Magic Studio User-friendly platform with AI-powered Magic Edit, background remover, and expand tools for quick image enhancements. | general_ai | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, NoNoise AI, and effects for efficient workflows. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | DxO PhotoLab RAW photo editor excelling in DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Pixelmator Pro Mac-focused image editor with ML Super Resolution, ML Enhance, and automatic background removal for pro edits. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Affinity Photo Affordable professional editor with AI-powered selection refinement, live filters, and inpainting tools. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Corel PaintShop Pro Cost-effective editor with AI background replacement, upsampling, and style transfer for versatile editing. | creative_suite | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Picsart Mobile-first creative suite with AI replace, remove, and generate tools for social media image editing. | general_ai | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
Professional-grade image editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and automatic subject selection for seamless editing.
AI-driven photo editor specializing in sky replacement, portrait enhancement, relighting, and one-click fixes for stunning results.
Intelligent all-in-one tool for AI upscaling, noise reduction, sharpening, and recovery of photo details.
User-friendly platform with AI-powered Magic Edit, background remover, and expand tools for quick image enhancements.
All-in-one photo editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, NoNoise AI, and effects for efficient workflows.
RAW photo editor excelling in DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments.
Mac-focused image editor with ML Super Resolution, ML Enhance, and automatic background removal for pro edits.
Affordable professional editor with AI-powered selection refinement, live filters, and inpainting tools.
Cost-effective editor with AI background replacement, upsampling, and style transfer for versatile editing.
Mobile-first creative suite with AI replace, remove, and generate tools for social media image editing.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteProfessional-grade image editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and automatic subject selection for seamless editing.
Generative Fill, an AI-powered tool that generates and fills image areas based on text prompts using Adobe Firefly technology.
Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard in raster graphics editing, offering unparalleled tools for photo manipulation, compositing, and digital art creation. Its AI capabilities, powered by Adobe Firefly and Sensei, include Generative Fill for text-prompted content creation, Neural Filters for intelligent enhancements, and automatic subject selection. These features make it a powerhouse for AI-driven image editing, enabling non-destructive workflows and creative expansions that revolutionize professional editing.
Pros
- Revolutionary AI tools like Generative Fill and Neural Filters for seamless content creation and editing
- Deep integration with Creative Cloud ecosystem and vast library of plugins/resources
- Industry-leading precision in selections, masking, and non-destructive adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Subscription-only pricing model with no perpetual license option
- High resource demands requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists needing the most advanced AI image editing tools.
Pricing
Single-app plan at $22.99/month or $59.99/month for full Creative Cloud All Apps plan (annual commitment).
Luminar Neo
specializedAI-driven photo editor specializing in sky replacement, portrait enhancement, relighting, and one-click fixes for stunning results.
Sky AI for seamless, context-aware sky replacements that automatically match lighting and perspective
Luminar Neo is a powerful AI-driven photo editing software from Skylum that specializes in intelligent tools for enhancing images with minimal effort. It features advanced AI capabilities like Sky Replacement, Relight AI, Portrait Bokeh, and GenErase for generative inpainting, enabling users to achieve professional results quickly. The software supports non-destructive editing, layers, and extensions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers seeking creative workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional AI tools like Sky AI and GenErase for instant, high-quality edits
- Perpetual license option provides long-term value without ongoing subscriptions
- Intuitive interface with templates and presets for rapid workflow
Cons
- Resource-intensive, requiring a powerful GPU for optimal performance
- Some AI results may require manual adjustments for precision
- Lacks the depth of advanced masking and compositing found in pro suites like Photoshop
Best For
Photographers and hobbyists who want fast, AI-powered edits for landscapes, portraits, and creative enhancements without a complex learning curve.
Pricing
Perpetual license $149 (one-time), annual subscription $79, or lifetime access bundle $199 with extensions.
Topaz Photo AI
specializedIntelligent all-in-one tool for AI upscaling, noise reduction, sharpening, and recovery of photo details.
Autopilot AI that automatically detects and applies the optimal combination of upscaling, sharpening, and noise reduction in one pass
Topaz Photo AI is a specialized AI-driven software for photo enhancement, focusing on upscaling, sharpening, noise reduction, dehazing, and detail recovery using advanced machine learning models trained on millions of images. It processes images automatically via an 'Autopilot' mode or allows manual tweaks, supporting batch operations for efficiency. Available as a standalone app or plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, it transforms low-quality or old photos into high-resolution masterpieces with minimal effort.
Pros
- Superior AI upscaling up to 8x with natural detail preservation
- Excellent noise reduction and sharpening that outperforms traditional tools
- Batch processing and seamless plugin integration with major editors
Cons
- High computational demands requiring a powerful GPU for fast performance
- Occasional artifacts or over-processing in highly complex images
- Limited to enhancement functions, lacking broader editing capabilities
Best For
Photographers and editors restoring or upscaling large batches of low-res or noisy images professionally.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $199, includes free updates for one year and discounted lifetime upgrades.
Canva Magic Studio
general_aiUser-friendly platform with AI-powered Magic Edit, background remover, and expand tools for quick image enhancements.
Magic Edit: Allows precise object replacement and modification in images via simple text prompts.
Canva Magic Studio is an AI-powered toolkit integrated into the Canva design platform, offering features like Magic Edit, Magic Eraser, Magic Expand, and text-to-image generation for effortless image manipulation. It enables users to remove backgrounds, replace objects, extend canvases, and enhance photos using intuitive AI prompts without requiring advanced editing skills. While excels in quick, creative edits for social media and marketing, it prioritizes accessibility over deep professional-grade controls.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with one-click AI tools
- Comprehensive suite including generative AI for edits and expansions
- Seamless integration with Canva's vast template and asset library
Cons
- Advanced AI features locked behind Pro subscription
- Limited fine-tuned control compared to dedicated pro editors like Photoshop
- AI outputs can sometimes lack precision in complex scenes
Best For
Beginners, marketers, and social media creators seeking fast, professional image edits without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan with limited AI access; Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year for full Magic Studio features.
ON1 Photo RAW
creative_suiteAll-in-one photo editor featuring AI masking, sky swap, NoNoise AI, and effects for efficient workflows.
NoNoise AI, delivering industry-leading noise reduction that preserves details better than many competitors
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing software that integrates RAW processing, organization, and advanced effects with a suite of AI-powered tools tailored for photographers. Key AI features include NoNoise AI for exceptional noise reduction, Resize AI for smart upscaling, Sky Swap AI for realistic sky replacements, and Portrait AI for automatic retouching of faces, eyes, and skin. It emphasizes non-destructive editing, layers, and customizable presets, serving as a Lightroom and Photoshop alternative without subscriptions.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like NoNoise AI and Sky Swap AI excel in photo-specific tasks such as denoising and sky replacement
- Perpetual license option provides excellent long-term value without recurring fees
- Comprehensive all-in-one workflow with browsing, editing, and effects in a single app
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for beginners
- Performance lags with very large photo libraries or complex edits
- Lacks advanced generative AI capabilities like image inpainting found in top competitors
Best For
Photographers seeking affordable, AI-enhanced photo editing and organization without subscription commitments.
Pricing
Perpetual license $99.99; annual subscription $89.99; 14-day free trial and upgrade discounts available.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedRAW photo editor excelling in DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments.
DeepPRIME XD AI denoising technology
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editor specializing in scientific image processing, with standout AI-driven tools for noise reduction and optical corrections. It excels at recovering details from high-ISO shots via DeepPRIME XD and automatically corrects lens distortions, vignettes, and chromatic aberrations based on extensive lab data. The software supports non-destructive editing, local adjustments, HDR merging, and panorama stitching, prioritizing ultimate image fidelity over creative effects.
Pros
- Unmatched AI noise reduction with DeepPRIME XD preserves fine details
- Automated, database-driven lens corrections for thousands of lenses
- Powerful non-destructive local adjustments and batch processing
Cons
- Dated user interface lacks modern polish
- Steep learning curve for advanced tools
- Limited generative AI or creative effects compared to competitors
Best For
Professional photographers focused on RAW processing, high-ISO noise reduction, and precise corrections rather than broad creative editing.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses: Essential $139, Elite $229; upgrade options and bundles like PureRAW available.
Pixelmator Pro
creative_suiteMac-focused image editor with ML Super Resolution, ML Enhance, and automatic background removal for pro edits.
ML Super Resolution, which uses machine learning to upscale images up to 6x while preserving incredible detail and sharpness
Pixelmator Pro is a macOS-exclusive image editing application that leverages machine learning for AI-powered features like Super Resolution for upscaling, Enhance for automatic photo improvements, and precise background removal. It provides a full suite of professional tools including layers, masks, effects, and non-destructive editing in a streamlined, intuitive interface optimized for Apple Silicon. While strong in AI enhancements, it focuses more on traditional editing augmented by ML rather than generative AI creation.
Pros
- Exceptional ML Super Resolution for high-quality AI upscaling
- Intuitive, fast interface optimized for macOS and Apple Silicon
- Affordable one-time purchase with no subscriptions
Cons
- Limited to macOS only, no Windows or cross-platform support
- Lacks advanced generative AI like text-to-image or extensive inpainting
- Fewer collaboration and cloud features compared to Adobe ecosystem
Best For
Mac-based photographers and designers needing efficient AI-enhanced editing without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $49.99; includes all updates.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteAffordable professional editor with AI-powered selection refinement, live filters, and inpainting tools.
AI-powered Inpainting Brush for precise object removal and content-aware filling within a fully non-destructive editing pipeline
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster image editor that combines traditional photo editing tools with emerging AI capabilities for tasks like object removal, background erasure, and intelligent upscaling. It supports non-destructive workflows, layers, masks, and advanced adjustments, making it a strong Photoshop alternative. Recent updates in version 2.5 have introduced AI-powered features such as the Inpainting Brush and enhanced selection refinement, appealing to users seeking efficient AI-assisted editing without subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase model offers excellent long-term value
- AI tools like Inpainting Brush and Remove Background integrate seamlessly into pro workflows
- High performance with GPU acceleration and cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, iPad)
Cons
- AI features are newer and less advanced than dedicated tools like Adobe Firefly or Luminar Neo
- No native text-to-image generative AI or extensive model training options
- Learning curve for users new to layer-based editing despite intuitive interface
Best For
Professional photographers and graphic designers needing reliable AI-assisted editing tools in a subscription-free environment.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for Affinity Photo; $169.99 for the full Affinity Creative Suite (includes Designer and Publisher).
Corel PaintShop Pro
creative_suiteCost-effective editor with AI background replacement, upsampling, and style transfer for versatile editing.
AI Upsample for intelligently enlarging low-res images up to 4x without quality loss
Corel PaintShop Pro is a versatile raster graphics editor that combines traditional photo editing tools with emerging AI features like upsampling, denoising, artifact removal, and background replacement. It caters to users needing powerful layer-based editing without a subscription model, making it a cost-effective Photoshop alternative. While its AI capabilities enhance workflows for retouching and enhancements, it lags behind dedicated AI-first tools in generative creativity.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase with no subscription required
- Strong integration of AI tools like Denoise, Upsample, and Background Replacement alongside traditional editing
- Extensive brushes, layers, and RAW processing for comprehensive workflows
Cons
- User interface feels dated and cluttered compared to modern competitors
- AI features are enhancement-focused rather than generative or advanced like Adobe Firefly
- Windows-only with steeper learning curve for beginners
Best For
Budget-conscious photographers and hobbyists who want robust photo editing with practical AI enhancements without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $79.99 (Standard) or $99.99 (Ultimate); optional subscription at $59/year.
Picsart
general_aiMobile-first creative suite with AI replace, remove, and generate tools for social media image editing.
AI Replace tool for intelligently swapping objects or elements in images with context-aware generation
Picsart is a comprehensive creative platform offering AI-powered photo and video editing tools, including image generation, background removal, object erasure, and style transfers. It enables users to create professional-looking edits quickly through an intuitive interface available on web, mobile, and desktop. With a vast library of templates, stickers, and community assets, it's designed for both casual creators and social media enthusiasts seeking AI-enhanced visuals.
Pros
- Extensive suite of AI tools like text-to-image generation and magic eraser
- Highly intuitive interface ideal for mobile editing
- Rich library of templates, effects, and community-shared assets
Cons
- Intrusive ads and watermarks in the free version
- Many premium AI features require subscription
- Performance can lag on complex edits or lower-end devices
Best For
Social media creators and casual users needing quick, fun AI-powered image edits without advanced technical skills.
Pricing
Free tier with limitations; Gold premium starts at $11.99/month or $59.99/year for full AI access and no ads.
Conclusion
The top tools in AI image editing offer something for every user, with Adobe Photoshop leading as the clear choice, boasting advanced features like Generative Fill and seamless subject selection. Luminar Neo shines with its AI-driven portrait enhancements and sky replacement, while Topaz Photo AI excels in detail recovery, making both strong alternatives for specific editing needs.
Don’t miss out—dive into Adobe Photoshop to experience professional-grade AI editing that transforms creative ideas into striking visuals, or explore Luminar Neo or Topaz Photo AI to find your perfect fit.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
