Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-leading raster image editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, graphic design, and AI-powered generative features.
- 2#2: Affinity Photo - Professional-grade photo editing software offering advanced RAW processing, HDR merging, and panorama stitching with a one-time purchase model.
- 3#3: GIMP - Free open-source image manipulation program supporting layers, masks, plugins, and advanced retouching tools comparable to commercial alternatives.
- 4#4: Krita - Digital painting and 2D animation software featuring a powerful brush engine, layer-based editing, and illustration tools for artists.
- 5#5: Corel PaintShop Pro - Affordable all-in-one photo editor with AI enhancements, RAW support, and comprehensive tools for editing, organizing, and designing.
- 6#6: Photopea - Free browser-based editor fully compatible with Photoshop files, providing layers, filters, and vector tools without installation.
- 7#7: Paint.NET - Lightweight free image editor for Windows with unlimited layers, effects, plugins, and unlimited undo history.
- 8#8: Pixlr - Online photo editor with AI tools for background removal, auto-enhance, and quick edits available in free and premium versions.
- 9#9: Darktable - Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, tethering, and advanced color grading.
- 10#10: digiKam - Advanced open-source photo management tool with built-in RAW editing, face recognition, and batch processing capabilities.
Tools were evaluated based on performance, feature depth, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring a balanced mix of established leaders and innovative newcomers that deliver exceptional results for diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines prominent imaging software tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, GIMP, Krita, Corel PaintShop Pro, and others, to break down their key features and capabilities. Readers will learn to identify which tools suit their needs—from professional design to digital painting or casual photo editing—by comparing functionality, ease of use, and specialized workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-leading raster image editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, graphic design, and AI-powered generative features. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 10/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editing software offering advanced RAW processing, HDR merging, and panorama stitching with a one-time purchase model. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | GIMP Free open-source image manipulation program supporting layers, masks, plugins, and advanced retouching tools comparable to commercial alternatives. | other | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | Krita Digital painting and 2D animation software featuring a powerful brush engine, layer-based editing, and illustration tools for artists. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 5 | Corel PaintShop Pro Affordable all-in-one photo editor with AI enhancements, RAW support, and comprehensive tools for editing, organizing, and designing. | creative_suite | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 6 | Photopea Free browser-based editor fully compatible with Photoshop files, providing layers, filters, and vector tools without installation. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Paint.NET Lightweight free image editor for Windows with unlimited layers, effects, plugins, and unlimited undo history. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 8 | Pixlr Online photo editor with AI tools for background removal, auto-enhance, and quick edits available in free and premium versions. | general_ai | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Darktable Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, tethering, and advanced color grading. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | digiKam Advanced open-source photo management tool with built-in RAW editing, face recognition, and batch processing capabilities. | other | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
Industry-leading raster image editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, graphic design, and AI-powered generative features.
Professional-grade photo editing software offering advanced RAW processing, HDR merging, and panorama stitching with a one-time purchase model.
Free open-source image manipulation program supporting layers, masks, plugins, and advanced retouching tools comparable to commercial alternatives.
Digital painting and 2D animation software featuring a powerful brush engine, layer-based editing, and illustration tools for artists.
Affordable all-in-one photo editor with AI enhancements, RAW support, and comprehensive tools for editing, organizing, and designing.
Free browser-based editor fully compatible with Photoshop files, providing layers, filters, and vector tools without installation.
Lightweight free image editor for Windows with unlimited layers, effects, plugins, and unlimited undo history.
Online photo editor with AI tools for background removal, auto-enhance, and quick edits available in free and premium versions.
Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, tethering, and advanced color grading.
Advanced open-source photo management tool with built-in RAW editing, face recognition, and batch processing capabilities.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-leading raster image editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, graphic design, and AI-powered generative features.
Generative Fill with Adobe Firefly AI, enabling text-prompt-based content addition, removal, or expansion in images
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading raster graphics editor renowned for its comprehensive suite of tools for photo retouching, compositing, digital painting, and graphic design. It excels in advanced features like layers, masks, precise selections, and AI-driven enhancements such as Generative Fill and Neural Filters. Used by professionals worldwide, it supports everything from basic adjustments to complex artwork creation and integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Pros
- Unparalleled depth of professional-grade tools and AI innovations like Generative Fill
- Seamless workflow integration with Adobe ecosystem and vast plugin support
- Extensive tutorials, community resources, and cross-device cloud syncing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only pricing with no perpetual license option
- High CPU/RAM demands on hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists requiring the most advanced imaging capabilities.
Pricing
Adobe Creative Cloud subscription: $22.99/month for Photoshop alone or $59.99/month for the full suite; free trial available.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional-grade photo editing software offering advanced RAW processing, HDR merging, and panorama stitching with a one-time purchase model.
Persona-based workflow (Photo, Develop, Liquify, and Tone Mapping Personas) for seamless switching between editing modes
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster image editor for Windows, macOS, and iPad, offering comprehensive tools for photo editing, retouching, compositing, and RAW processing. It supports non-destructive editing with layers, masks, live filters, and advanced features like panorama stitching, focus stacking, and HDR merging. Designed as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, it delivers high performance via GPU acceleration and handles large files efficiently.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no subscription required
- Exceptional performance and stability with GPU acceleration
- Comprehensive professional tools including RAW development and computational photography
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense interface
- Lacks built-in digital asset management or cataloging
- Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to Photoshop
Best For
Professional photographers and digital artists seeking a powerful, affordable Photoshop alternative without ongoing costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for desktop (Windows/macOS), $18.99 for iPad; free trial available.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image manipulation program supporting layers, masks, plugins, and advanced retouching tools comparable to commercial alternatives.
Vast open-source 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. It provides comprehensive tools for image manipulation, including layers, masks, brushes, filters, and selection tools for tasks like photo retouching, compositing, and digital painting. With extensive plugin support and scripting via Script-Fu and Python, GIMP enables customization and automation for complex workflows. Regularly updated by a global community, it handles high-resolution images and various formats without licensing costs.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no restrictions
- Professional-grade features like layers, masks, and advanced filters
- Highly extensible through plugins, scripts, and themes
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- Lacks some polished automation and AI tools found in commercial rivals
- Occasional performance issues with very large files or complex projects
Best For
Budget-conscious hobbyists, students, and professionals needing a full-featured image editor without subscription costs.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Krita
creative_suiteDigital painting and 2D animation software featuring a powerful brush engine, layer-based editing, and illustration tools for artists.
Advanced brush engine with stabilizers and texture simulation for natural, pressure-sensitive drawing
Krita is a free, open-source raster graphics editor primarily designed for digital painting and illustration. It provides professional-grade tools including a vast library of customizable brushes, advanced layer management, color management, and animation support for creating concept art, comics, and animations. While not optimized for photo editing like Adobe Photoshop, it excels in artistic workflows with features like brush stabilizers and wrap-around mode for seamless painting.
Pros
- Extensive customizable brush library with realistic painting tools
- Full animation timeline and onion skinning support
- Completely free with no subscriptions or watermarks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense interface
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
- Limited photo retouching tools compared to general imaging software
Best For
Digital artists, illustrators, and animators seeking a powerful, cost-free painting application.
Pricing
100% free and open-source, with optional donations.
Corel PaintShop Pro
creative_suiteAffordable all-in-one photo editor with AI enhancements, RAW support, and comprehensive tools for editing, organizing, and designing.
AI Upscale and Remove Background tools for effortless high-quality enhancements
Corel PaintShop Pro is a robust raster graphics editor for Windows users, offering professional-grade photo editing, manipulation, and graphic design tools. It supports layers, masks, RAW file processing, and advanced AI features for tasks like automatic background removal, image upsampling, and facial recovery. As a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, it caters to hobbyists and semi-pros with extensive brushes, effects, and batch processing capabilities.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set including AI tools and RAW support rivaling Photoshop
- One-time perpetual license option for long-term value
- Fast performance with GPU acceleration and batch processing
Cons
- Windows-only, no macOS or mobile support
- Cluttered interface with a steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited cloud integration and collaboration features
Best For
Hobbyist photographers and semi-professionals seeking powerful, affordable desktop photo editing without subscriptions.
Pricing
Perpetual license $79.99; subscription $69/year or $4.99/month.
Photopea
otherFree browser-based editor fully compatible with Photoshop files, providing layers, filters, and vector tools without installation.
Fully functional Photoshop clone running entirely in the browser with native PSD editing support
Photopea is a free, web-based image editor that emulates Adobe Photoshop's interface and tools, enabling professional-grade photo editing, graphic design, and manipulation directly in any modern browser. It supports a wide range of file formats including PSD, AI, RAW, and more, with features like layers, masks, adjustment tools, brushes, and scripting. No installation is required, making it accessible across devices, though it relies on an internet connection for optimal performance.
Pros
- Exceptional Photoshop compatibility and feature set for a free tool
- No installation required; works on any device with a browser
- Supports advanced formats like PSD, AI, and RAW files natively
Cons
- Requires stable internet connection; offline mode limited
- Free version includes ads that can be intrusive
- Performance may lag with very large or complex files
Best For
Users seeking a free, no-install Photoshop alternative for web-based photo editing and graphic design on any device.
Pricing
Free with ads; Premium ad-free version at $5/month or $30/year.
Paint.NET
otherLightweight free image editor for Windows with unlimited layers, effects, plugins, and unlimited undo history.
Extensive plugin architecture enabling thousands of community-developed extensions for effects, tools, and file formats
Paint.NET is a free, lightweight raster graphics editor for Windows, offering advanced features like layers, unlimited undo history, and a wide array of effects and adjustments. It serves as a powerful upgrade from basic tools like Microsoft Paint, supporting tasks such as photo retouching, digital painting, and simple graphic design. With extensive plugin support, users can extend its capabilities far beyond the core offering, making it suitable for hobbyists and semi-professionals.
Pros
- Completely free with no ads or subscriptions
- Lightweight and fast even on older hardware
- Rich plugin ecosystem for extensive customization
Cons
- Windows-only (no native Mac or Linux support)
- No vector graphics or RAW file editing
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Windows users needing a free, intuitive image editor for casual photo editing, digital art, and basic graphic design without professional-level complexity.
Pricing
Entirely free (open-source with optional donations)
Pixlr
general_aiOnline photo editor with AI tools for background removal, auto-enhance, and quick edits available in free and premium versions.
Full-featured Photoshop-like editor (Pixlr E) running entirely in the browser with layers, masks, and adjustments
Pixlr is a free, web-based photo editing suite that provides accessible image manipulation tools for beginners and pros alike. It features Pixlr X for simple, template-driven edits and Pixlr E for advanced Photoshop-like capabilities including layers, masks, brushes, and AI enhancements. No downloads are required, making it perfect for quick edits on any device via browser.
Pros
- Completely free tier with powerful editing tools
- No installation needed; works in any browser
- AI features like auto background removal and object removal
Cons
- Ads and watermarks in free version
- Performance slows with large or complex files
- Limited offline functionality and storage
Best For
Social media creators, hobbyists, and casual users needing quick, accessible photo edits without software downloads.
Pricing
Free plan with ads; Premium at $4.90/month or $29.99/year for ad-free experience, unlimited AI credits, and HD exports.
Darktable
specializedOpen-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, tethering, and advanced color grading.
Sophisticated module-based pipeline for non-destructive, parametric edits that emulate a traditional film darkroom workflow
Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW image developer designed for non-destructive editing. It provides a comprehensive digital darkroom experience, allowing users to import, organize, edit, and export high-quality images with modules for exposure correction, color grading, lens distortion fixes, noise reduction, and more. Similar to Adobe Lightroom, it supports tethered shooting and advanced masking tools, making it ideal for professional-grade post-processing on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Extremely powerful RAW processing tools rivaling paid software
- Non-destructive parametric editing with GPU acceleration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and overwhelming interface for beginners
- Limited built-in organization and cataloging compared to Lightroom
- Occasional stability issues on non-Linux platforms
Best For
Advanced photographers and RAW shooters who need a professional, no-cost alternative to Lightroom and are willing to invest time in learning.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, donations encouraged).
digiKam
otherAdvanced open-source photo management tool with built-in RAW editing, face recognition, and batch processing capabilities.
Advanced AI-powered face recognition and automatic tagging for effortless photo organization
digiKam is a free, open-source digital photo management application designed for importing, organizing, viewing, and editing large collections of images. It supports RAW formats, advanced metadata handling, face recognition, geotagging, and batch processing tools for efficient workflow. The software uses a robust database backend for fast searching and non-destructive editing, making it suitable for photographers handling extensive libraries.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including face recognition, geotagging, and RAW support
- Powerful batch processing and database-driven organization
- Completely free and open-source with cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- Complex, cluttered interface with a steep learning curve
- Performance issues with massive libraries on lower-end hardware
- Requires configuration for optimal use and occasional bugs
Best For
Photographers and enthusiasts managing large photo libraries who prioritize free, powerful organization over simplicity.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source (no paid tiers or ads).
Conclusion
The top 3 imaging tools showcase a mix of innovation and reliability, with Adobe Photoshop leading as the top choice, boasting industry-leading raster editing and AI-powered features. Affinity Photo follows closely, offering advanced RAW processing and a one-time purchase model, while GIMP stands out as a free, robust open-source option for those seeking commercial-level capabilities without cost. Together, these tools cater to diverse needs, ensuring there’s a solution for every user, from professionals to hobbyists.
Unlock your creative potential by exploring Adobe Photoshop—the top-ranked tool for stunning image editing, compositing, and beyond.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison