Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
- 2#2: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for photographers' workflows.
- 3#3: Affinity Photo - Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
- 4#4: Capture One - High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading and tethered shooting capabilities.
- 5#5: DxO PhotoLab - Advanced photo editor specializing in noise reduction, lens corrections, and RAW processing.
- 6#6: GIMP - Free open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo manipulation and graphic design.
- 7#7: Luminar Neo - AI-driven photo editor for quick sky replacements, enhancements, and creative effects.
- 8#8: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI-powered masking and resizing.
- 9#9: Corel PaintShop Pro - Affordable full-featured photo editor with layers, AI tools, and batch processing.
- 10#10: Darktable - Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and development.
These tools were selected for their ability to deliver exceptional edit quality, cater to varied workflows (from beginners to experts), balance ease of use with advanced features, and provide strong value across purchase models and pricing tiers.
Comparison Table
Navigating photo editing software can be challenging, as tools differ in features, workflow, and intended use. This comparison table explores key options like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Affinity Photo, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, and more, outlining their strengths, limitations, and ideal scenarios. Readers will gain clarity to choose software that aligns with their skill level, project needs, or creative preferences.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 10/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for photographers' workflows. | creative_suite | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Capture One High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading and tethered shooting capabilities. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | DxO PhotoLab Advanced photo editor specializing in noise reduction, lens corrections, and RAW processing. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | GIMP Free open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo manipulation and graphic design. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | Luminar Neo AI-driven photo editor for quick sky replacements, enhancements, and creative effects. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI-powered masking and resizing. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Corel PaintShop Pro Affordable full-featured photo editor with layers, AI tools, and batch processing. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 10 | Darktable Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and development. | other | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for photographers' workflows.
Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading and tethered shooting capabilities.
Advanced photo editor specializing in noise reduction, lens corrections, and RAW processing.
Free open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo manipulation and graphic design.
AI-driven photo editor for quick sky replacements, enhancements, and creative effects.
All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI-powered masking and resizing.
Affordable full-featured photo editor with layers, AI tools, and batch processing.
Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and development.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Generative Fill, an AI-powered tool that allows users to add, remove, or expand content in images intelligently using text prompts.
Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard in photo editing software, offering unparalleled tools for image manipulation, retouching, compositing, and creative design. It supports everything from basic adjustments like cropping and color correction to advanced techniques such as layer-based editing, content-aware fill, and AI-powered features like Generative Fill. As part of Adobe Creative Cloud, it integrates seamlessly with other apps for a complete workflow.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including AI tools like Generative Fill and Neural Filters
- Seamless integration with Adobe ecosystem and vast plugin support
- Professional-grade results with non-destructive editing via layers and masks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only model with recurring costs
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists needing the most advanced editing capabilities.
Pricing
Single-app plan at $22.99/month or included in Creative Cloud All Apps at $59.99/month (annual commitment).
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteComprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for photographers' workflows.
Catalog system enabling efficient organization, search, and non-destructive editing across massive photo libraries
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a professional-grade desktop application for photographers, excelling in photo organization, non-destructive editing, and workflow management through its powerful catalog system. It provides advanced raw processing, precise adjustments via the Develop module, lens corrections, and AI-driven tools like adaptive masking and noise reduction. Seamlessly integrates with Photoshop for complex edits and supports tethered shooting directly from cameras.
Pros
- Exceptional catalog-based library management for large photo collections
- Advanced non-destructive editing with AI-powered tools like Select Subject/Sky and Denoise
- Batch processing, presets, and seamless Photoshop integration
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to extensive features
- High system resource demands, especially for 4K+ displays and large catalogs
Best For
Professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts managing extensive photo libraries who require robust editing and organizational tools.
Pricing
Subscription via Creative Cloud Photography plan: $9.99/month or $119.88/year (includes Lightroom Classic, cloud Lightroom, and Photoshop).
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
Three specialized Personas (Develop for RAW, Photo for editing, Liquify for warping) streamlining complex workflows
Affinity Photo is a powerful raster graphics editor specializing in professional photo editing, retouching, compositing, and RAW processing. It provides a robust set of tools including layers, masks, live filters, precise selections, panorama stitching, and focus stacking, all within an intuitive multi-persona interface (Photo, Develop, Liquify). As a one-time purchase alternative to Adobe Photoshop, it delivers high performance across Windows, macOS, and iPad with no subscriptions required.
Pros
- One-time purchase with lifetime free updates
- Professional tools like non-destructive editing, macros, and HDR merging rival Photoshop
- Excellent performance with GPU acceleration and stability for large files
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for absolute beginners
- Lacks advanced AI features like generative fill in newer competitors
- No built-in cloud sync or multi-device collaboration
Best For
Professional photographers, retouchers, and designers seeking a high-performance, subscription-free Photoshop alternative.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $69.99 per platform (Windows/macOS or iPad); universal license bundles available; free trial offered.
Capture One
specializedHigh-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading and tethered shooting capabilities.
Industry-leading tethered capture with live view and instant adjustments for seamless studio shooting
Capture One is a professional photo editing software specializing in high-fidelity RAW processing, advanced color grading, and tethered shooting directly from supported cameras. It provides a robust cataloging system, layers for non-destructive editing, and customizable workspaces tailored for studio workflows. Renowned for its superior image quality and precise color management, it serves as a powerful alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for demanding photographers.
Pros
- Exceptional RAW processing and color accuracy
- Best-in-class tethered shooting for studio use
- Advanced layers, masking, and AI-powered tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Higher price point than competitors
- Limited mobile app and cross-device sync
Best For
Professional studio and product photographers needing precise tethered workflows and top-tier image quality.
Pricing
Capture One Pro: $24/month or $179/year subscription; $299 perpetual license; free versions for Fujifilm and Sony users.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedAdvanced photo editor specializing in noise reduction, lens corrections, and RAW processing.
DeepPRIME XD AI-powered noise reduction that preserves maximum detail
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editor specializing in advanced noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical corrections using DxO's extensive lab-tested database. It offers non-destructive editing with powerful local adjustment tools, excellent color management, and tools like ClearView for haze removal and Smart Lighting for exposure balancing. Ideal for technical refinement of images from high-ISO or challenging lighting conditions, it stands out for delivering superior detail and natural results without artifacts.
Pros
- Unmatched DeepPRIME XD noise reduction for high-ISO images
- Automatic, database-driven lens distortion and aberration corrections
- Fast processing and efficient handling of large RAW files
Cons
- Interface feels dated and less intuitive than competitors
- Limited cataloging and organization compared to Lightroom
- Steep upfront cost without free tier
Best For
Professional photographers and enthusiasts focused on RAW processing, noise reduction, and precise optical corrections rather than asset management or creative compositing.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Essential $139, Elite $219; annual subscription for Elite $90/year.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo manipulation and graphic design.
Unmatched extensibility through a vast ecosystem of free plugins and GEGL-based non-destructive editing framework
GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor available at gimp.org, designed for photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design tasks. It provides professional-level tools including layers, masks, brushes, filters, and advanced selection options, making it a robust alternative to paid software like Photoshop. Cross-platform compatibility ensures it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with strong support for plugins and scripts to extend functionality.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Comprehensive feature set rivaling professional tools like Photoshop
- Highly extensible via plugins, scripts, and custom brushes
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- UI feels dated and less intuitive compared to modern alternatives
- Occasional performance issues with large files or complex projects
Best For
Advanced hobbyists, budget-conscious professionals, and open-source enthusiasts needing powerful photo editing without subscription fees.
Pricing
100% free with optional donations; no paid versions or subscriptions.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-driven photo editor for quick sky replacements, enhancements, and creative effects.
Sky AI for instant, realistic sky replacements and atmospheric enhancements
Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing software from Skylum that delivers professional-grade results through intuitive, one-click tools for enhancing images. It specializes in features like Sky Replacement, Relight AI, Portrait Bokeh, and Supersharp AI, making complex edits accessible without deep technical knowledge. The software supports layers, masks, batch processing, and extensions for a versatile workflow, bridging the gap between beginners and pros.
Pros
- Exceptional AI tools for sky replacement, relighting, and portrait enhancements
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with templates for quick results
- Non-destructive editing with layers, masks, and extensible library support
Cons
- Subscription model required for full features and updates
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
- Batch processing and cataloging lag behind Lightroom
Best For
Landscape and portrait photographers seeking fast AI-driven edits without a complex learning curve.
Pricing
Subscription from $9.95/month or $79/year; one-time perpetual license for $149.
ON1 Photo RAW
creative_suiteAll-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI-powered masking and resizing.
Sky Swap AI for one-click, realistic sky replacements with perfect blending
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing solution that combines RAW processing, photo organization, layer-based editing, and creative effects into a single, high-performance application. It excels with AI-powered tools like NoNoise AI for superior noise reduction, Resize AI for upscaling, Portrait AI for retouching, and Sky Swap AI for environmental enhancements. Designed as an alternative to Lightroom and Photoshop, it supports non-destructive workflows, GPU acceleration, and plugin integration for professional photographers.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like NoNoise AI and Sky Swap AI that deliver professional results
- Perpetual license option with no mandatory subscription
- Fast performance with GPU acceleration and non-destructive layer editing
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- Photo organization and cataloging weaker than Lightroom
- Resource-intensive on mid-range hardware and occasional update bugs
Best For
Professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking a feature-packed, subscription-free alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Pricing
Perpetual license $99.99; annual subscription $89.99 for updates and new AI features.
Corel PaintShop Pro
otherAffordable full-featured photo editor with layers, AI tools, and batch processing.
Advanced scripting and automation capabilities for batch editing and custom workflows
Corel PaintShop Pro is a robust raster graphics editor designed for photo editing, retouching, and digital painting, offering tools comparable to Adobe Photoshop at a lower cost. It supports layers, masks, RAW file processing, and includes AI-powered features like background removal and upsampling. The software caters to both hobbyists and professionals with its extensive brush library, effects, and automation scripts for batch processing.
Pros
- One-time purchase model provides excellent long-term value
- Comprehensive toolset including AI enhancements and RAW support
- Extensive automation and scripting for efficient workflows
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steeper learning curve
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Occasional performance lags with large files
Best For
Budget-conscious photographers and hobbyists seeking powerful Photoshop alternatives without ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $79.99, with discounted upgrades for previous owners around $49.99.
Darktable
otherFree open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and development.
The highly flexible modular processing pipeline allowing complex, reorderable adjustments with infinite-depth parametric masks
Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer designed for non-destructive editing of RAW files. It offers a modular processing pipeline with tools for exposure correction, color grading, noise reduction, lens correction, and advanced masking. Users can manage large photo libraries in Lighttable mode, perform tethered shooting, and export in various formats, serving as a powerful alternative to commercial software like Lightroom.
Pros
- Exceptional RAW processing and non-destructive editing capabilities
- Vast array of professional-grade modules including advanced masking and AI noise reduction
- Completely free and open-source with active community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex, cluttered interface
- Slower performance with large libraries or high-resolution files
- Weaker cataloging and organization tools compared to paid competitors
Best For
Advanced photographers and enthusiasts who need powerful, customizable RAW editing without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free and open-source; optional donations encouraged.
Conclusion
The top 10 photo editing tools cater to diverse needs, with Adobe Photoshop leading as the industry benchmark for professional retouching and manipulation. Adobe Lightroom Classic and Affinity Photo excel as strong alternatives—Lightroom Classic for streamlined photography workflows, and Affinity Photo for robust, one-time-purchase features. Whatever the goal, these tools offer exceptional value, making the choice dependent on individual preferences and priorities.
Explore Adobe Photoshop to unlock its industry-leading capabilities; whether refining details, compositing, or enhancing photos, it remains a transformative tool for elevating your editing craft.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison