Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Professional photo editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and object selection for seamless editing.
- 2#2: Luminar Neo - AI-powered photo editor specializing in sky replacement, relighting, portrait enhancement, and one-click transformations.
- 3#3: Topaz Photo AI - AI-driven tool for automatic noise reduction, sharpening, and upscaling of photos to recover details effortlessly.
- 4#4: Adobe Lightroom - AI-enhanced photo organizer and editor with adaptive masking, denoising, and lens corrections for efficient workflows.
- 5#5: DxO PhotoLab - RAW photo editor featuring DeepPRIME AI for superior noise reduction and outstanding optical corrections.
- 6#6: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo editor with AI masking, sky swap, enlarge, and effects for creative RAW processing.
- 7#7: Pixelmator Pro - Powerful image editor with ML Super Resolution, automatic background removal, and AI-driven enhancements.
- 8#8: Affinity Photo - Professional raster editor with AI-powered selection refinement and live filters for precise photo manipulation.
- 9#9: Canva Magic Studio - AI photo editing suite within Canva for background removal, object erasure, and generative expansions.
- 10#10: Picsart - Mobile-first AI photo editor with AI replace, enhance, and creative effects for quick social media edits.
We ranked tools based on the strength of their AI capabilities (including generative features, smart optimizations, and specialized enhancements), output quality, intuitive design, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse skill levels and creative goals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top AI-powered photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo, Topaz Photo AI, Adobe Lightroom, and DxO PhotoLab, providing readers with insights into core features, performance, and best-use scenarios to find their ideal tool.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Professional photo editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and object selection for seamless editing. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Luminar Neo AI-powered photo editor specializing in sky replacement, relighting, portrait enhancement, and one-click transformations. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Topaz Photo AI AI-driven tool for automatic noise reduction, sharpening, and upscaling of photos to recover details effortlessly. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Adobe Lightroom AI-enhanced photo organizer and editor with adaptive masking, denoising, and lens corrections for efficient workflows. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | DxO PhotoLab RAW photo editor featuring DeepPRIME AI for superior noise reduction and outstanding optical corrections. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo editor with AI masking, sky swap, enlarge, and effects for creative RAW processing. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Pixelmator Pro Powerful image editor with ML Super Resolution, automatic background removal, and AI-driven enhancements. | creative_suite | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 8 | Affinity Photo Professional raster editor with AI-powered selection refinement and live filters for precise photo manipulation. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Canva Magic Studio AI photo editing suite within Canva for background removal, object erasure, and generative expansions. | general_ai | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Picsart Mobile-first AI photo editor with AI replace, enhance, and creative effects for quick social media edits. | general_ai | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
Professional photo editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and object selection for seamless editing.
AI-powered photo editor specializing in sky replacement, relighting, portrait enhancement, and one-click transformations.
AI-driven tool for automatic noise reduction, sharpening, and upscaling of photos to recover details effortlessly.
AI-enhanced photo organizer and editor with adaptive masking, denoising, and lens corrections for efficient workflows.
RAW photo editor featuring DeepPRIME AI for superior noise reduction and outstanding optical corrections.
All-in-one photo editor with AI masking, sky swap, enlarge, and effects for creative RAW processing.
Powerful image editor with ML Super Resolution, automatic background removal, and AI-driven enhancements.
Professional raster editor with AI-powered selection refinement and live filters for precise photo manipulation.
AI photo editing suite within Canva for background removal, object erasure, and generative expansions.
Mobile-first AI photo editor with AI replace, enhance, and creative effects for quick social media edits.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteProfessional photo editor with advanced AI features like Generative Fill, Neural Filters, and object selection for seamless editing.
Generative Fill, which uses AI to intelligently fill selections with photorealistic content based on text prompts
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading photo editing software renowned for its comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that enable seamless image manipulation, generative creation, and intelligent enhancements. It leverages Adobe Sensei and Firefly AI to offer features like Generative Fill for expanding or inpainting images contextually, Neural Filters for automated effects such as skin smoothing or style transfer, and Content-Aware tools for effortless object removal and selection. As the gold standard for professionals, it combines decades of refinement with cutting-edge AI to handle everything from basic retouching to complex compositing.
Pros
- Unparalleled AI capabilities including Generative Fill and Neural Filters for professional-grade edits
- Extensive ecosystem integration with Lightroom, Illustrator, and cloud storage
- Regular updates with the latest AI advancements from Adobe Firefly
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- High system resource demands, requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists seeking the most advanced AI-driven photo editing tools.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for Photoshop alone or $59.99/month for the full Creative Cloud All Apps plan; free trial available.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-powered photo editor specializing in sky replacement, relighting, portrait enhancement, and one-click transformations.
GenErase: AI generative inpainting for seamless object removal and background filling
Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing software from Skylum that focuses on intelligent, one-click enhancements for portraits, landscapes, and general photography. It features tools like Sky AI for realistic sky replacement, Relight AI for dynamic lighting adjustments, GenErase for generative object removal, and Supersharp AI for noise reduction and upscaling. The software supports non-destructive layer-based editing and integrates an extensions marketplace for added functionality, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users seeking creative AI workflows.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like Sky Replacement, Relight AI, and GenErase deliver professional results with minimal effort
- Intuitive interface with templates and presets for quick edits
- Non-destructive editing and cross-platform support (Windows/Mac) with regular updates
Cons
- Resource-intensive, requiring a powerful GPU for optimal performance
- Extensions and some advanced features require additional purchases
- Subscription model may deter users preferring one-time buys
Best For
Photographers and hobbyists seeking fast, AI-driven enhancements for landscapes, portraits, and creative edits without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Annual subscription $79/year, lifetime license $149, with extensions sold separately ($29-$99 each).
Topaz Photo AI
specializedAI-driven tool for automatic noise reduction, sharpening, and upscaling of photos to recover details effortlessly.
Autopilot mode that intelligently combines upscaling, denoising, sharpening, and face enhancement in a single automated pass
Topaz Photo AI is a powerful AI-based photo editing software that specializes in enhancing image quality through upscaling, sharpening, noise reduction, and face recovery. It leverages specialized machine learning models trained on vast datasets to automatically detect and fix issues like blur, noise, and low resolution in photos. The tool supports batch processing, integrates as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and offers an Autopilot mode for one-click enhancements.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-powered upscaling up to 8x without artifacts
- Superior noise reduction and sharpening tailored to specific image types
- Batch processing and seamless plugin integration with major editors
Cons
- Processing can be slow without a powerful GPU
- Occasional over-sharpening or artifacts in complex scenes
- Steep upfront cost with no free tier
Best For
Professional photographers and enthusiasts who need to restore and enhance low-quality or noisy images from cameras or scans.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $199 for perpetual license; bundle options available with other Topaz products.
Adobe Lightroom
creative_suiteAI-enhanced photo organizer and editor with adaptive masking, denoising, and lens corrections for efficient workflows.
AI Denoise, which uses machine learning to remove noise from high-ISO images while preserving fine details and textures better than traditional methods
Adobe Lightroom is a professional photo editing and management application powered by Adobe Sensei AI, enabling seamless organization, raw processing, and advanced edits for photographers. It features AI-driven tools like automatic subject/sky masking, noise reduction, lens corrections, and adaptive presets that intelligently adjust to image content. With cloud sync across desktop, mobile, and web, it streamlines workflows for large photo libraries while supporting non-destructive editing.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools including Denoise, Select Subject/Sky masking, and adaptive presets for precise edits
- Excellent library organization, cataloging, and cross-device cloud sync
- Non-destructive editing with seamless integration into Adobe ecosystem like Photoshop
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steep learning curve for advanced AI and catalog features
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware and cloud dependency for full functionality
Best For
Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts managing large photo libraries who need robust AI-assisted editing within a comprehensive workflow.
Pricing
Starts at $9.99/month for Lightroom plan or $119.88/year; Photography plan (Lightroom + Photoshop) at $9.99/month or $119.88/year; 7-day free trial available.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedRAW photo editor featuring DeepPRIME AI for superior noise reduction and outstanding optical corrections.
DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editor specializing in AI-powered noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations using DxO's extensive database. It features DeepPRIME XD for superior denoising on high-ISO images, Smart Lighting for dynamic range enhancement, and tools like ClearView Plus for haze removal. Ideal for photographers prioritizing technical perfection over general creative editing, it supports non-destructive workflows and batch processing.
Pros
- Unmatched AI noise reduction with DeepPRIME XD preserving fine details
- Automatic, database-driven lens corrections and distortion fixes
- Excellent RAW processing and selective local adjustments
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited creative tools compared to Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop
- No built-in cloud sync or mobile companion app
Best For
Professional photographers and astrophotographers who need top-tier AI denoising and precise optical corrections for high-quality RAW files.
Pricing
Perpetual license: Essential $139, Elite $219; subscription option at $7.99/month or $89.99/year.
ON1 Photo RAW
general_aiAll-in-one photo editor with AI masking, sky swap, enlarge, and effects for creative RAW processing.
NoNoise AI, providing unmatched artificial intelligence-driven noise reduction that preserves details better than competitors
ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive photo editing software that combines RAW processing, layered editing, effects, and AI-powered tools into a single application for photographers. It excels in AI features like NoNoise AI for superior noise reduction, Sky Swap AI for automatic sky replacement, Portrait AI for skin retouching and eye enhancement, and intelligent masking with Super Select AI. Designed as an all-in-one workflow solution, it supports browsing, organizing, editing, and exporting photos, and can function as a plugin for Lightroom or Photoshop.
Pros
- Industry-leading AI tools like NoNoise AI and Sky Swap AI for targeted photo enhancements
- Perpetual license option avoids recurring subscriptions
- Non-destructive editing with layers and excellent plugin integration
Cons
- Busy interface with multiple modules can overwhelm beginners
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler editors
- Occasional slowdowns when handling very large photo libraries
Best For
Photographers wanting a powerful, AI-focused alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop without mandatory subscriptions.
Pricing
Perpetual license $99.99; annual subscription $89.99; 14-day free trial.
Pixelmator Pro
creative_suitePowerful image editor with ML Super Resolution, automatic background removal, and AI-driven enhancements.
ML Super Resolution for lossless 4x-16x image upscaling using Apple's Core ML
Pixelmator Pro is a professional-grade image editor designed exclusively for macOS and iPadOS, featuring integrated machine learning tools for AI-powered photo editing. It excels in tasks like upscaling images with ML Super Resolution, enhancing details and reducing noise via ML Enhance, and seamless object removal or selection using AI masks. While not solely an AI-focused tool, its Core ML integration provides efficient, on-device processing for natural-looking edits without subscriptions.
Pros
- Exceptional AI upscaling with ML Super Resolution up to 16x
- Intuitive, non-destructive editing workflow optimized for Apple Silicon
- One-time purchase with free lifetime updates
Cons
- Limited to macOS/iPadOS platforms only
- Fewer specialized AI tools compared to dedicated AI editors like Luminar
- No multi-platform or cloud collaboration support
Best For
Mac and iPad users who want a fast, powerful photo editor with reliable AI enhancements for professional workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $49.99 for macOS (separate $9.99 for iPadOS); includes free updates and 7-day trial.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional raster editor with AI-powered selection refinement and live filters for precise photo manipulation.
AI-powered Inpainting Brush for intelligent object removal and seamless content-aware fills
Affinity Photo is a professional raster graphics editor designed for photo manipulation, offering tools like layers, masks, brushes, and advanced adjustments comparable to Photoshop. It integrates AI-powered features including intelligent object selection, background removal, and inpainting brushes to streamline editing tasks. As a one-time purchase alternative to subscription models, it supports desktop (Mac/Windows) and iPad, making it accessible for serious hobbyists and pros without recurring costs.
Pros
- One-time purchase model offers excellent long-term value
- Robust AI tools for selection refinement, background removal, and inpainting
- Non-destructive editing with a familiar Photoshop-like interface
Cons
- Limited generative AI capabilities compared to dedicated tools like Luminar Neo
- Fewer AI-specific features and no native text-to-image generation
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive design
Best For
Photographers and designers who want powerful AI-assisted editing tools in a subscription-free professional environment.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 per platform (Mac/Windows/iPad); $169.99 for Universal License covering all.
Canva Magic Studio
general_aiAI photo editing suite within Canva for background removal, object erasure, and generative expansions.
Magic Edit, which uses generative AI to seamlessly replace or add photo elements via simple text prompts
Canva Magic Studio is an AI-powered toolkit integrated into the Canva design platform, offering photo editing features like Magic Eraser, Background Remover, Auto Enhance, and generative tools such as Magic Edit and Magic Expand. It enables users to quickly remove objects, replace elements with text prompts, upscale images, and generate visuals from descriptions, all within an intuitive browser-based interface. While not a standalone pro-level editor, it excels at streamlining edits for social media, marketing, and casual design workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface accessible to beginners
- Versatile AI tools for object removal, generative fills, and enhancements
- Seamless integration with Canva's vast template library and design ecosystem
Cons
- Limited advanced manual controls compared to pro tools like Photoshop
- Full AI features require Canva Pro subscription
- Processing times can lag on complex edits or large files
Best For
Beginners, marketers, and social media creators seeking quick AI-assisted photo edits without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free tier with basic AI tools; Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year for unlimited Magic Studio access.
Picsart
general_aiMobile-first AI photo editor with AI replace, enhance, and creative effects for quick social media edits.
AI Replace tool, which intelligently detects and swaps objects or elements in photos with generated alternatives
Picsart is a popular all-in-one photo and video editing app with robust AI capabilities, including background removal, object replacement, image enhancement, and generative AI for creating images from text prompts. It offers a vast library of templates, stickers, effects, and community-shared content, making it ideal for quick social media edits. Available on mobile, web, and desktop, it combines intuitive tools for beginners with advanced features for creators.
Pros
- Extensive AI toolkit including Magic Eraser, AI Replace, and text-to-image generation
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with drag-and-drop simplicity
- Massive library of free templates, stickers, and community assets
Cons
- Free version includes watermarks and ads on exports
- Full AI features locked behind subscription with aggressive upselling
- Occasional performance lags on complex edits or lower-end devices
Best For
Social media creators and casual users who want fun, quick AI-powered photo edits without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features and watermarks; Gold subscription from $11.99/month or $59.99/year for unlimited AI tools and ad-free experience.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 AI photo editing tools reveals Adobe Photoshop as the clear leader, with advanced AI features like Generative Fill and seamless object selection. Luminar Neo stands out for creative tasks such as sky replacement and portrait enhancement, while Topaz Photo AI excels in automatic detail recovery. Together, they represent the best of AI editing, each with unique strengths to suit different needs.
Try Adobe Photoshop for its comprehensive AI capabilities, or explore Luminar Neo or Topaz Photo AI if your focus is on creative tasks or detail recovery—either way, these tools elevate photo editing to new heights.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
