Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-standard raster graphics editor for advanced photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
- 2#2: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for RAW workflows and batch processing.
- 3#3: Affinity Photo - Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
- 4#4: Capture One Pro - High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading, tethering, and studio workflows.
- 5#5: DxO PhotoLab - Specialized RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations.
- 6#6: Luminar Neo - AI-powered photo editor for quick enhancements, sky replacement, and creative effects.
- 7#7: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI masking and noise reduction.
- 8#8: GIMP - Free, open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo retouching and graphic design.
- 9#9: Corel PaintShop Pro - Affordable Windows-based photo editor with layers, AI tools, and creative filters.
- 10#10: Adobe Photoshop Elements - User-friendly photo editor for hobbyists with guided edits and automated enhancements.
We selected these tools based on technical excellence—including precision in color, noise reduction, and layer management—user experience, and adaptability to varied needs, balancing power, accessibility, and value to deliver a comprehensive guide.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines a range of top photo editing software—including Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro, and DxO PhotoLab—to help readers navigate their options. It breaks down key features, workflows, and ideal use cases, making it easier to find software that aligns with skill level, project needs, and creative goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-standard raster graphics editor for advanced photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 10/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for RAW workflows and batch processing. | creative_suite | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model. | creative_suite | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Capture One Pro High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading, tethering, and studio workflows. | enterprise | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | DxO PhotoLab Specialized RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Luminar Neo AI-powered photo editor for quick enhancements, sky replacement, and creative effects. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI masking and noise reduction. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | GIMP Free, open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo retouching and graphic design. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 10/10 |
| 9 | Corel PaintShop Pro Affordable Windows-based photo editor with layers, AI tools, and creative filters. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Adobe Photoshop Elements User-friendly photo editor for hobbyists with guided edits and automated enhancements. | creative_suite | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
Industry-standard raster graphics editor for advanced photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for RAW workflows and batch processing.
Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
High-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading, tethering, and studio workflows.
Specialized RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations.
AI-powered photo editor for quick enhancements, sky replacement, and creative effects.
All-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI masking and noise reduction.
Free, open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo retouching and graphic design.
Affordable Windows-based photo editor with layers, AI tools, and creative filters.
User-friendly photo editor for hobbyists with guided edits and automated enhancements.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-standard raster graphics editor for advanced photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Generative Fill powered by Adobe Firefly AI, enabling text-prompt-based content generation, expansion, or removal within images
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading raster graphics editor renowned for its comprehensive tools in photo retouching, compositing, digital painting, and graphic design. It empowers users with advanced features like layers, masks, selection tools, and cutting-edge AI integrations such as Generative Fill and Neural Filters for seamless image manipulation. As part of Adobe Creative Cloud, it offers cloud storage, collaboration, and cross-app workflows for professionals worldwide.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of professional-grade tools and AI innovations like Generative Fill
- Seamless integration with Adobe ecosystem and extensive plugin support
- Regular updates with new features and robust community resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite improved onboarding
- Subscription-only 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 photo editing capabilities.
Pricing
Single-app subscription at $22.99/month or $239.88/year; included in Creative Cloud All Apps plan at $59.99/month.
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteComprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing software optimized for RAW workflows and batch processing.
Its industry-leading catalog system for seamless organization, searching, and batch processing of massive photo collections
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a professional-grade desktop application for photographers, focusing on photo organization, raw processing, and non-destructive editing within a powerful catalog system. It provides advanced tools for batch adjustments, precise color grading, lens corrections, and integration with Adobe Photoshop for complex edits. Ideal for workflows involving thousands of images, it supports tethered shooting and AI-enhanced features like masking and noise reduction.
Pros
- Exceptional catalog management for large libraries
- Non-destructive editing with robust raw processing
- Advanced AI tools for masking, healing, and presets
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High system resource demands
Best For
Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts managing high-volume photo workflows who need precise editing and organization.
Pricing
Included in Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan at $9.99/month (billed annually) with Lightroom, Photoshop, and 1TB cloud storage.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with a one-time purchase model.
Seamless Persona system for instant switching between Photo Edit, Develop, Liquify, and Paint modes in one app
Affinity Photo is a professional raster graphics editor designed for photo editing, retouching, and compositing, offering a robust alternative to subscription-based tools like Adobe Photoshop. It provides non-destructive editing, advanced layer management, RAW processing, and specialized tools for HDR merging, panorama stitching, and focus stacking. With seamless Persona switching for photo development, painting, and liquify effects, it caters to both hobbyists and professionals seeking high-performance editing on desktop and iPad.
Pros
- One-time purchase model eliminates recurring fees
- Exceptional performance with GPU acceleration and no lag on complex files
- Comprehensive toolset including Live Filters, macros, and astrophotography tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to dense interface similar to Photoshop
- Limited cloud integration and collaboration features
- Occasional platform-specific bugs and missing niche Adobe plugins
Best For
Photographers and digital artists who want pro-level editing power without subscriptions and prefer a perpetual license.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 per platform (Windows, macOS, or iPad); no subscriptions required.
Capture One Pro
enterpriseHigh-end RAW photo editor renowned for superior color grading, tethering, and studio workflows.
Superior tethered capture with real-time editing and high-speed transfer
Capture One Pro is a professional photo editing software specializing in high-fidelity RAW processing, color grading, and tethered shooting. It provides advanced tools like layers, precise masking, and catalog management for efficient workflow in studio and commercial photography. Renowned for its superior color accuracy and support for over 600 camera models, it empowers photographers to achieve exceptional image quality with non-destructive edits.
Pros
- Exceptional color science and RAW processing accuracy
- Best-in-class tethered shooting with live view adjustments
- Powerful layers and advanced masking tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription model can be pricey for casual users
- Interface feels cluttered compared to simpler alternatives
Best For
Professional studio photographers needing precise color control and seamless tethered workflows.
Pricing
Subscription at $24/month or $239/year; perpetual license $299.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedSpecialized RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations.
DeepPRIME XD noise reduction, which delivers unmatched detail retention in high-ISO images
DxO PhotoLab is a professional RAW photo editing software renowned for its exceptional noise reduction and automatic lens corrections based on an extensive optics database. It provides non-destructive editing with advanced tools like DeepPRIME XD for denoising, precise local adjustments, and superior color rendering. While powerful for achieving top-tier image quality, it focuses more on correction than comprehensive asset management.
Pros
- Industry-leading DeepPRIME noise reduction preserves details exceptionally well
- Automatic and precise lens distortion, CA, and vignette corrections
- Excellent RAW demosaicing and color science for high-fidelity results
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a steeper learning curve
- Limited built-in cataloging and organization compared to Lightroom
- Higher upfront cost without a free tier
Best For
Serious photographers and enthusiasts prioritizing maximum image quality from challenging RAW files over intuitive workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses: Essential $139, Elite $219; subscription from $7.49/month or $89.99/year.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-powered photo editor for quick enhancements, sky replacement, and creative effects.
Sky AI for realistic, one-click sky replacements with customizable weather and lighting
Luminar Neo is an AI-driven photo editing software from Skylum that excels in one-click enhancements for landscapes, portraits, and general imagery. It features powerful tools like Sky AI for automatic sky replacement, Relight AI for adjusting lighting, and Portrait Bokeh for professional subject isolation. The software supports non-destructive editing, layers, and extensions, making it suitable for hobbyists and semi-professionals seeking efficient workflows without a steep learning curve.
Pros
- Exceptional AI tools for sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and noise reduction
- Intuitive interface with one-click edits and non-destructive workflow
- Extensible with plugins and good performance on modern hardware
Cons
- Subscription model with extra costs for extensions
- Limited cataloging and batch processing compared to Lightroom
- Resource-intensive for older computers
Best For
Hobbyist photographers and content creators who prioritize quick AI-powered edits over complex organization.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $149 or subscription from $79/year; extensions sold separately.
ON1 Photo RAW
creative_suiteAll-in-one photo editor, organizer, and effects suite with AI masking and noise reduction.
All-in-one integration of Browse, Edit, and Effects modules for a streamlined, non-subscription workflow
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing software that combines RAW processing, photo organization, and creative effects into a single, high-performance application. It offers non-destructive layer-based editing, AI-powered tools like NoNoise AI, Sky Swap, and Portrait AI, and supports seamless workflows without subscriptions. Ideal for photographers seeking a faster alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, it emphasizes GPU acceleration and customizable presets.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools for noise reduction, sky replacement, and masking
- Perpetual license model provides excellent long-term value
- Fast GPU-accelerated performance and all-in-one workflow
Cons
- Cluttered interface can overwhelm beginners
- Steeper learning curve for advanced layer editing
- Some features lag behind Adobe in polish and integration
Best For
Enthusiast and professional photographers wanting a subscription-free alternative to Adobe with strong AI effects and organization.
Pricing
Perpetual license $99.99; annual subscription $89.99; discounted upgrades for previous owners.
GIMP
otherFree, open-source image editor providing powerful tools for photo retouching and graphic design.
Vast plugin ecosystem for unlimited customization and community-driven enhancements
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, serving as a powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and manipulation. It supports advanced features like layers, masks, channels, customizable brushes, filters, and scripting for batch processing. Ideal for retouching photos, creating digital art, and graphic design, GIMP's extensibility through plugins makes it highly versatile for professional and hobbyist use.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Extensive toolset rivaling paid software including layers, masks, and plugins
- Cross-platform compatibility and highly customizable interface
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Somewhat dated UI that feels less polished than modern competitors
- Occasional stability issues with large files or heavy plugin use
Best For
Budget-conscious photographers, hobbyists, and designers who need professional-grade photo editing tools without paying for software.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Corel PaintShop Pro
otherAffordable Windows-based photo editor with layers, AI tools, and creative filters.
AI-powered Elements and Graphics Designer for automated photo enhancements and creative composites
Corel PaintShop Pro is a full-featured raster graphics editor for Windows users, offering comprehensive photo editing tools including layers, masks, RAW processing, and a vast library of effects and brushes. It caters to hobbyists and semi-professionals with both manual precision editing and AI-powered automations for tasks like denoising, upsampling, and background removal. As a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, it emphasizes one-time purchases over subscriptions while delivering robust capabilities for everyday photo enhancement and manipulation.
Pros
- Perpetual license model with no ongoing fees
- Extensive AI tools for quick enhancements like style transfer and face recovery
- Wide format support including RAW and high-resolution editing
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Interface feels cluttered and overwhelming for beginners
- Performance can lag with large files or complex projects
Best For
Windows-based hobbyists and semi-pros seeking powerful photo editing without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license for $79.99; optional subscription at $59.99/year or $5.99/month.
Adobe Photoshop Elements
creative_suiteUser-friendly photo editor for hobbyists with guided edits and automated enhancements.
Guided Edits mode, which provides step-by-step tutorials for achieving professional results effortlessly
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a user-friendly photo editing software designed for hobbyists and beginners, offering powerful tools for editing, organizing, and enhancing images without the complexity of full Adobe Photoshop. It includes AI-powered features like automatic subject selection, background removal, and one-click enhancements, alongside a robust Organizer for managing photo libraries. The software supports layers, adjustments, effects, and creative projects like collages and slideshows, making it ideal for casual creative workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive guided edits that simplify complex tasks for beginners
- One-time purchase model with no subscription required
- Strong photo organization and batch processing capabilities
Cons
- Lacks advanced professional tools available in full Photoshop
- Limited cloud storage and collaboration features
- Can feel sluggish with very large files or high-resolution images
Best For
Hobbyist photographers and beginners seeking accessible, powerful editing tools without ongoing costs or a steep learning curve.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $99.99 for Photoshop Elements 2024; occasional bundles with Premiere Elements available.
Conclusion
Reviewing the top tools highlights Adobe Photoshop as the unrivaled leader, setting the bar for advanced editing and creative possibilities. Adobe Lightroom Classic closely follows, excelling in organization and non-destructive RAW workflows for dedicated photographers. Affinity Photo rounds out the top three, offering a one-time purchase with Photoshop-like features. Each tool caters to distinct needs, but Photoshop remains the ultimate choice for power and versatility.
Begin your editing journey with Adobe Photoshop to access industry-leading tools for retouching, compositing, and turning every photo into a masterpiece—where creativity meets precision.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison