Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-standard raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation with advanced AI tools.
- 2#2: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Comprehensive photo workflow software for organizing, editing, and batch-processing RAW images with non-destructive adjustments.
- 3#3: Affinity Photo - Professional-grade photo editor offering layer-based editing, RAW development, and panorama stitching in a one-time purchase model.
- 4#4: Capture One Pro - High-end RAW photo editor optimized for color grading, tethered capture, and studio workflows with exceptional image quality.
- 5#5: DxO PhotoLab - Advanced RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments using AI-powered DeepPRIME technology.
- 6#6: Luminar Neo - AI-driven photo editor that automates sky replacement, portrait retouching, and relighting for quick creative enhancements.
- 7#7: GIMP - Free open-source image editor providing Photoshop-like tools for raster graphics editing, layers, and plugins.
- 8#8: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo suite for editing, organizing, and effects with AI masking, sky replacement, and modular workflow.
- 9#9: Corel PaintShop Pro - Affordable layer-based photo editor with AI enhancements, creative filters, and RAW support for hobbyists and prosumer users.
- 10#10: Darktable - Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, masking, and color grading similar to Lightroom.
We selected and ranked these tools based on performance metrics, feature depth (including AI capabilities and traditional workflows), usability, and overall value, prioritizing options that deliver consistent quality across varied skill levels and use cases.
Comparison Table
Navigating photo-editing software can be challenging, with tools ranging from general-purpose to specialized. This comparison table evaluates key features, workflows, and strengths of popular options like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro, DxO PhotoLab, and more, guiding you to the best fit for your editing goals—from professional retouching to raw processing.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-standard raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation with advanced AI tools. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Comprehensive photo workflow software for organizing, editing, and batch-processing RAW images with non-destructive adjustments. | creative_suite | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editor offering layer-based editing, RAW development, and panorama stitching in a one-time purchase model. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Capture One Pro High-end RAW photo editor optimized for color grading, tethered capture, and studio workflows with exceptional image quality. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | DxO PhotoLab Advanced RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments using AI-powered DeepPRIME technology. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Luminar Neo AI-driven photo editor that automates sky replacement, portrait retouching, and relighting for quick creative enhancements. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | GIMP Free open-source image editor providing Photoshop-like tools for raster graphics editing, layers, and plugins. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo suite for editing, organizing, and effects with AI masking, sky replacement, and modular workflow. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Corel PaintShop Pro Affordable layer-based photo editor with AI enhancements, creative filters, and RAW support for hobbyists and prosumer users. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Darktable Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, masking, and color grading similar to Lightroom. | other | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-standard raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation with advanced AI tools.
Comprehensive photo workflow software for organizing, editing, and batch-processing RAW images with non-destructive adjustments.
Professional-grade photo editor offering layer-based editing, RAW development, and panorama stitching in a one-time purchase model.
High-end RAW photo editor optimized for color grading, tethered capture, and studio workflows with exceptional image quality.
Advanced RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments using AI-powered DeepPRIME technology.
AI-driven photo editor that automates sky replacement, portrait retouching, and relighting for quick creative enhancements.
Free open-source image editor providing Photoshop-like tools for raster graphics editing, layers, and plugins.
All-in-one photo suite for editing, organizing, and effects with AI masking, sky replacement, and modular workflow.
Affordable layer-based photo editor with AI enhancements, creative filters, and RAW support for hobbyists and prosumer users.
Free open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, masking, and color grading similar to Lightroom.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-standard raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation with advanced AI tools.
Generative Fill powered by Adobe Firefly AI, allowing users to add, remove, or expand content in images using text prompts with stunning realism
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading raster graphics editor renowned for its comprehensive suite of tools for photo manipulation, digital painting, and compositing. It supports advanced features like layers, masks, adjustment layers, and AI-powered tools such as Generative Fill and Neural Filters for seamless editing. Used by professionals worldwide, it excels in everything from basic retouching to complex artistic creations and high-end production workflows.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of professional-grade tools and AI integrations like Generative Fill
- Seamless integration with other Adobe apps and cloud syncing
- Vast ecosystem of plugins, tutorials, and community resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license
- High system resource demands and expensive for casual users
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists requiring the most powerful and versatile photo-editing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for Photoshop alone or $59.99/month for the full Creative Cloud All Apps plan; 7-day free trial available.
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteComprehensive photo workflow software for organizing, editing, and batch-processing RAW images with non-destructive adjustments.
The robust catalog database enabling lightning-fast organization, search, and non-destructive editing of tens of thousands of images
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a professional desktop application for photo editing, organization, and workflow management, excelling in handling large volumes of RAW images with non-destructive edits. It features a powerful catalog system for searching, rating, and batch processing photos, alongside advanced tools for color correction, retouching, and AI-driven enhancements like adaptive masking and noise reduction. Ideal for tethered shooting and integration with Adobe Photoshop, it supports end-to-end professional photography pipelines.
Pros
- Unmatched library cataloging and organization for massive photo collections
- Professional RAW editing tools with AI-powered masking, healing, and lens corrections
- Seamless workflow integration with Photoshop and tethered camera support
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive interface
- High CPU and storage demands on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts managing high-volume shoots who prioritize cataloging and non-destructive batch editing.
Pricing
Included in Adobe Photography plan at $9.99/month (annual) or $19.99/month; requires internet for initial activation and updates.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional-grade photo editor offering layer-based editing, RAW development, and panorama stitching in a one-time purchase model.
Three-persona workflow (Photo, Develop, Liquify) for seamless switching between raster editing, RAW development, and distortion tools
Affinity Photo is a professional raster graphics editor designed as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering comprehensive tools for photo editing, RAW processing, compositing, and retouching. It features non-destructive editing, layers, masks, panorama stitching, focus stacking, and HDR merging, all within a high-performance environment optimized for modern hardware. Available on Windows, macOS, and iPad with full file compatibility across platforms, it emphasizes speed and perpetual ownership over subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase model with excellent long-term value
- Professional-grade tools matching Photoshop in most areas
- Lightning-fast performance, especially on Apple Silicon
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to dense interface
- No built-in digital asset management or cloud sync
- Limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to Adobe
Best For
Professional photographers and graphic designers seeking a powerful, subscription-free Photoshop alternative for desktop and tablet workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for desktop (Windows/macOS), $18.49 for iPad; full suite bundle $169.99.
Capture One Pro
specializedHigh-end RAW photo editor optimized for color grading, tethered capture, and studio workflows with exceptional image quality.
Superior tethered shooting with instant capture, live view, and real-time adjustments
Capture One Pro is a professional photo editing software specializing in high-fidelity RAW processing, advanced color grading, and tethered shooting for studio workflows. It provides layer-based editing, AI-powered masking, and customizable tools that deliver exceptional image quality and detail retention. Ideal for photographers seeking precision over simplicity, it supports over 600 camera models with industry-leading color science.
Pros
- Exceptional RAW conversion and color accuracy
- Best-in-class tethered shooting with live adjustments
- Advanced layers, masking, and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Expensive compared to consumer alternatives
- Limited cloud sync and mobile integration
Best For
Professional studio photographers and retouchers who demand maximum image quality and precise tethered control.
Pricing
Perpetual license $299 or subscription $24/month (Pro plan); free Express version available for select cameras.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedAdvanced RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and local adjustments using AI-powered DeepPRIME technology.
DeepPRIME XD AI noise reduction
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editing software specializing in advanced noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise image processing. It uses DxO's vast database of camera and lens profiles for automatic optical corrections like distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration removal. The software excels in non-destructive editing with tools for local adjustments, color grading, and HDR merging, making it a go-to for high-fidelity results from challenging shots.
Pros
- Superior DeepPRIME XD noise reduction preserves details in high-ISO images
- Automated and highly accurate lens corrections via extensive optics database
- Excellent RAW demosaicing and detail recovery for professional workflows
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive than competitors
- Limited built-in asset management or cataloging compared to Lightroom
- Full Elite features require higher-tier pricing
Best For
Professional photographers specializing in low-light, astrophotography, or scenarios needing precise technical corrections over creative layering.
Pricing
Essential: $144.99/year or $229 perpetual; Elite: $219.99/year or $349 perpetual.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-driven photo editor that automates sky replacement, portrait retouching, and relighting for quick creative enhancements.
Sky AI for one-click, hyper-realistic sky replacement and weather effects
Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing software designed to deliver professional-grade results with minimal effort, featuring tools like Sky AI for seamless sky replacement, Relight AI for dynamic lighting adjustments, and Portrait Bokeh AI for subject enhancement. It supports non-destructive editing, layers, batch processing, and extensions for specialized tasks. While it excels in creative enhancements, it serves as a more accessible alternative to traditional editors like Photoshop or Lightroom.
Pros
- Exceptional AI tools for quick sky replacement, relighting, and portrait enhancements
- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners and pros alike
- Non-destructive editing with layers and strong performance on RAW files
Cons
- Weaker cataloging and library management than Lightroom
- Many advanced features locked behind paid extensions
- Can be resource-heavy on lower-end hardware
Best For
Hobbyist and semi-pro photographers seeking fast, AI-driven creative edits without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $79 (often discounted), subscription $79/year or $9.95/month; extensions $20-69 each.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image editor providing Photoshop-like tools for raster graphics editing, layers, and plugins.
Unmatched extensibility through a huge community-driven library of plugins and Python scripting for tailored workflows
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 image manipulation. It provides professional-grade tools including layers, masks, selection tools, brushes, filters, and scripting support for tasks like retouching, compositing, and graphic design. With extensive plugin compatibility and high-bit-depth editing via GEGL, it's highly extensible for advanced workflows.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Professional-level tools rivaling paid software like Photoshop
- Vast plugin ecosystem and scripting for customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Less intuitive workflow compared to modern commercial apps
- Can be resource-intensive with large files or many layers
Best For
Advanced hobbyists, budget-conscious professionals, and open-source enthusiasts needing powerful photo-editing capabilities without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Entirely free with optional donations; no paid plans or tiers.
ON1 Photo RAW
otherAll-in-one photo suite for editing, organizing, and effects with AI masking, sky replacement, and modular workflow.
Seamless AI integration across modules, including NoNoise AI and Resize AI, for one-click professional enhancements in a layer-based system
ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing software that combines RAW processing, photo organization, effects application, and layer-based editing in a single, non-destructive workflow. It excels with AI-powered tools for noise reduction, sky replacement, portrait retouching, and super-resolution upscaling, making it a strong alternative to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. The modular interface allows seamless switching between browsing, effects, and editing tasks, with plugin support for other popular software.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like NoNoise AI, Sky Swap, and Portrait AI deliver professional results quickly
- Perpetual license option offers excellent long-term value without subscriptions
- Layer-based non-destructive editing with modular workflow for efficiency
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- Organizational tools lag behind dedicated cataloging software like Lightroom
- Performance inconsistencies on Windows compared to macOS
Best For
Photographers seeking a subscription-free, AI-enhanced all-in-one editor for RAW processing and creative effects.
Pricing
Perpetual license $99.99; annual subscription $89.99; ON1 MAX bundle $119.99/year.
Corel PaintShop Pro
creative_suiteAffordable layer-based photo editor with AI enhancements, creative filters, and RAW support for hobbyists and prosumer users.
Integrated AI tools like Upsample AI and Remove Object for quick, intelligent photo enhancements
Corel PaintShop Pro is a robust Windows-based raster graphics editor offering comprehensive photo editing, manipulation, and design tools as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It supports layers, masks, RAW processing, vector drawing, and a growing suite of AI-powered features like object removal, upsampling, and sky replacement. With regular updates and a one-time purchase model, it caters to users seeking professional-grade capabilities without subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no subscription fees
- Extensive toolset including AI enhancements and RAW support
- Strong performance for batch processing and automation
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve
- Windows-only, lacking cross-platform support
- Slower development pace compared to competitors
Best For
Hobbyist photographers and semi-pros who want powerful photo editing on Windows without recurring costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase at $79.99 for new users; $49.99 upgrade for previous owners.
Darktable
otherFree open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing, masking, and color grading similar to Lightroom.
The fully non-destructive, parametric module-based editing pipeline that enables infinite experimentation and precise control over image development
Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW image editor designed as a digital darkroom for non-destructive editing. It provides a complete pipeline from RAW import and tethering to advanced color grading, masking, noise reduction, and export options. Highly modular and customizable, it rivals commercial tools like Lightroom for professional photographers seeking powerful, cost-free alternatives.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Exceptional RAW processing and advanced local adjustments
- Highly customizable modular pipeline with GPU acceleration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and overwhelming interface for beginners
- Performance issues with large libraries on lower-end hardware
- Less polished UI and occasional stability quirks compared to paid alternatives
Best For
Advanced photographers and enthusiasts who need powerful RAW editing tools and are comfortable with a complex, customizable workflow.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase a spectrum of strengths, with Adobe Photoshop leading as the unrivaled industry standard, offering advanced AI tools and versatile manipulation for professional needs. Adobe Lightroom Classic follows closely, excelling in workflow efficiency and non-destructive RAW processing, while Affinity Photo differentiates with its one-time purchase model and robust layer-based editing, catering to distinct user preferences. Together, they highlight the diversity of options, ensuring every photographer finds a tool to elevate their craft.
Dive into the top-ranked Adobe Photoshop to unleash your creative potential—whether it's retouching, compositing, or exploring AI-driven effects, it remains the cornerstone of professional photo editing.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison