Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
- 2#2: Affinity Photo - Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with one-time purchase and non-destructive editing.
- 3#3: Capture One Pro - Advanced RAW photo editor optimized for tethered shooting, color grading, and studio workflows.
- 4#4: DxO PhotoLab - Elite RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations for photographers.
- 5#5: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing tool for professional workflows and batch processing.
- 6#6: Luminar Neo - AI-powered photo editor for sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and creative effects with one-click tools.
- 7#7: ON1 Photo RAW - All-in-one photo editor combining RAW processing, effects, and AI masking for efficient professional editing.
- 8#8: Corel PaintShop Pro - Affordable raster editor with layers, AI tools, and extensive filters for professional photo manipulation.
- 9#9: GIMP - Free open-source image editor providing advanced retouching, compositing, and plugin extensibility.
- 10#10: Darktable - Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and advanced color grading.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (e.g., precision, workflow integration), output quality, user-friendliness across skill levels, and value, prioritizing versatility and performance to address the varied demands of professional photographers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key professional photo editor software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro, and DxO PhotoLab, outlining their distinct features, workflows, and ideal use cases. Readers will discover how to align software with their skills, project requirements, and editing priorities, from advanced retouching to raw image optimization.
| # | 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 | 9.8/10 | 10/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Affinity Photo Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with one-time purchase and non-destructive editing. | creative_suite | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Capture One Pro Advanced RAW photo editor optimized for tethered shooting, color grading, and studio workflows. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | DxO PhotoLab Elite RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations for photographers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing tool for professional workflows and batch processing. | creative_suite | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Luminar Neo AI-powered photo editor for sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and creative effects with one-click tools. | general_ai | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | ON1 Photo RAW All-in-one photo editor combining RAW processing, effects, and AI masking for efficient professional editing. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Corel PaintShop Pro Affordable raster editor with layers, AI tools, and extensive filters for professional photo manipulation. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | GIMP Free open-source image editor providing advanced retouching, compositing, and plugin extensibility. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 10 | Darktable Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and advanced color grading. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Professional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with one-time purchase and non-destructive editing.
Advanced RAW photo editor optimized for tethered shooting, color grading, and studio workflows.
Elite RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations for photographers.
Comprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing tool for professional workflows and batch processing.
AI-powered photo editor for sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and creative effects with one-click tools.
All-in-one photo editor combining RAW processing, effects, and AI masking for efficient professional editing.
Affordable raster editor with layers, AI tools, and extensive filters for professional photo manipulation.
Free open-source image editor providing advanced retouching, compositing, and plugin extensibility.
Open-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and advanced color grading.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-leading raster graphics editor for professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation.
Generative Fill with Adobe Firefly AI, enabling text-prompt-based content generation and editing directly in images
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading professional photo editing software, renowned for its comprehensive toolkit that enables precise image manipulation, compositing, retouching, and creative enhancements. It offers advanced features like layers, masks, selection tools, and AI-powered innovations such as Generative Fill and Neural Filters for seamless editing workflows. Widely used by photographers, designers, and artists, it supports raster graphics editing at the highest level, from basic adjustments to complex digital art projects.
Pros
- Unrivaled depth of features including AI tools like Generative Fill and Content-Aware Fill
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem and file formats
- Regular updates with cutting-edge innovations and professional-grade performance
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant time investment
- Subscription-only pricing model with no perpetual license option
- High CPU/RAM demands that may strain lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists who need the most powerful and versatile photo editing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for Photoshop standalone; $59.99/month for full Creative Cloud All Apps plan (annual commitment).
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteProfessional-grade photo editor offering Photoshop-like features with one-time purchase and non-destructive editing.
Persona-based workflow with dedicated interfaces for Photo editing, RAW Develop, and Liquify tools for intuitive, context-specific professional editing
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster graphics editor that serves as a powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop for photo editing, retouching, compositing, and RAW processing. It features a non-destructive workflow with tools like adjustment layers, live filters, macros, and specialized Personas for Develop, Photo, and Liquify editing. Available on desktop (Windows/macOS) and iPad, it emphasizes speed, stability, and a one-time purchase model with perpetual updates.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no subscription required, excellent long-term value
- Comprehensive professional tools including RAW development, HDR merging, panorama stitching, and astrophotography stacking
- Lightning-fast performance with GPU acceleration and seamless cross-platform support including iPad
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users new to its Persona-based interface
- Lacks advanced AI features like Photoshop's generative fill or neural filters
- Smaller plugin ecosystem and community compared to Adobe
Best For
Professional photographers and digital artists seeking a cost-effective, full-featured Photoshop alternative without recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for desktop (Windows/macOS), $19.99 for iPad, or $169.99 Universal License for all Affinity apps across platforms.
Capture One Pro
enterpriseAdvanced RAW photo editor optimized for tethered shooting, color grading, and studio workflows.
Industry-leading tethered shooting with real-time adjustments and custom camera profiles
Capture One Pro is a high-end professional photo editing software specializing in RAW image processing, tethered shooting, and precise color grading. It provides robust asset management, layers, advanced masking, and cataloging tools that rival Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Renowned for its superior image quality and customizable workflows, it's a favorite among studio photographers and those prioritizing color accuracy.
Pros
- Exceptional RAW conversion and color science for accurate, lifelike results
- Powerful tethered shooting with live view adjustments
- Advanced layers, masking, and local editing tools for precise control
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- Higher price point compared to competitors like Lightroom
- Limited ecosystem integration and mobile app support
Best For
Professional studio photographers and retouchers who need top-tier tethered capture and color accuracy in demanding workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual license at $299 or subscription at $24/month / $179/year (with free Express version for select cameras).
DxO PhotoLab
specializedElite RAW processor excelling in noise reduction, lens corrections, and optical optimizations for photographers.
DeepPRIME XD AI-powered noise reduction that preserves details better than any competitor
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editor specializing in noise reduction, lens corrections, and precise adjustments for high-quality image processing. It leverages advanced algorithms like DeepPRIME XD for superior denoising, automatic optical corrections from an extensive lens database, and tools like Smart Lighting for dynamic range optimization. Ideal for technical editing workflows, it supports non-destructive edits and local adjustments but lacks the broad creative toolkit of full raster editors.
Pros
- Unmatched DeepPRIME noise reduction for high-ISO and astrophotography
- Precise automatic lens corrections and distortion fixes
- Powerful local adjustment tools with U-Point technology
Cons
- Interface feels dated and less intuitive than competitors
- Limited cataloging and workflow management compared to Lightroom
- Fewer creative retouching tools like layers or advanced compositing
Best For
Professional photographers focused on low-light, high-ISO, or lens-corrected RAW processing who prioritize technical image quality over creative editing.
Pricing
Elite perpetual license $229; Essential $149; subscription from $139/year or $7.42/month.
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteComprehensive photo management and non-destructive editing tool for professional workflows and batch processing.
The intelligent catalog system for organizing, searching, and keywording tens of thousands of images with smart collections and facial recognition.
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a powerful desktop application for professional photographers, specializing in RAW photo editing, catalog management, and non-destructive adjustments. It offers advanced tools for color correction, noise reduction, lens corrections, and AI-driven features like adaptive masking and subject selection. The software excels in handling large photo libraries with robust organization, batch processing, and seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop.
Pros
- Exceptional cataloging and library management for large photo collections
- Advanced non-destructive editing with AI-powered tools like masking and denoising
- Efficient batch processing and tethering support for studio workflows
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive interface updates
- High CPU and RAM demands on complex edits and large catalogs
Best For
Professional photographers and studios needing robust asset management and precise batch editing for high-volume workflows.
Pricing
Part of Creative Cloud Photography plan ($9.99/month annual) or All Apps plan ($59.99/month annual); no standalone purchase.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-powered photo editor for sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and creative effects with one-click tools.
Sky AI for realistic, one-click sky replacement and atmospheric enhancements
Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing software from Skylum designed for photographers seeking intelligent, one-click enhancements. It excels in tools like Sky AI for sky replacement, Relight AI for dynamic lighting adjustments, and Portrait Bokeh AI for subject isolation, making complex edits accessible. As a standalone app or plugin for Lightroom/Photoshop, it supports non-destructive editing but focuses more on creative AI workflows than full professional compositing.
Pros
- Exceptional AI tools like Sky AI and Relight AI deliver professional results with minimal effort
- Intuitive interface ideal for quick edits and beginners transitioning to pro workflows
- Non-destructive editing and strong performance on Apple Silicon hardware
Cons
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware, leading to slowdowns
- Limited layer blending and advanced selection tools compared to Photoshop
- Extensions and full feature access require additional purchases
Best For
Landscape and portrait photographers who want fast AI-driven enhancements as a complement to traditional editors like Lightroom.
Pricing
Perpetual license from $79-$149; subscription $9.95/month or $79/year; extensions sold separately ($39-$99 each).
ON1 Photo RAW
otherAll-in-one photo editor combining RAW processing, effects, and AI masking for efficient professional editing.
AI Sky Swap for intelligent, seamless sky replacement in outdoor photography
ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive all-in-one photo editing software that combines RAW processing, photo organization, layered editing, and creative effects into a single application for professional photographers. It features non-destructive editing tools, advanced masking, and AI-powered enhancements like NoNoise AI for noise reduction, Sky Swap AI for landscape retouching, and Resize AI for upscaling images. The software also includes a robust Browse module for cataloging and a vast library of presets, filters, and LUTs to streamline workflows without needing multiple apps.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like Sky Swap, NoNoise, and Portrait AI for quick professional results
- Non-destructive layered editing with excellent masking and blending options
- One-time purchase model offers exceptional long-term value without subscriptions
Cons
- User interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for complex edits
- Performance lags with very large photo libraries or catalogs
- Limited advanced color grading and tethering compared to top competitors like Capture One
Best For
Professional photographers seeking a subscription-free all-in-one editor for RAW processing, AI enhancements, and creative effects in landscape, portrait, and general editing workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase for $99.99; optional ON1 360 subscription at $90/year includes all ON1 apps and updates.
Corel PaintShop Pro
otherAffordable raster editor with layers, AI tools, and extensive filters for professional photo manipulation.
Perpetual license model allowing indefinite use without subscriptions
Corel PaintShop Pro is a comprehensive raster graphics editor designed for photo editing, retouching, and compositing on Windows platforms. It offers a wide range of tools including layers, masks, RAW processing, and AI-powered features like background removal and upsampling. While positioned as a professional alternative to Adobe Photoshop, it emphasizes affordability with a perpetual license model.
Pros
- Perpetual license eliminates ongoing subscription costs
- Extensive toolset including AI enhancements and RAW editing
- Strong performance for batch processing and scripting
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility limits accessibility
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve than competitors
- Lacks advanced collaboration and cloud integration features
Best For
Budget-conscious professional photographers and hobbyists seeking Photoshop-like capabilities without recurring fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $79.99 for the standard edition, with upgrade pricing around $49.99 for existing users.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image editor providing advanced retouching, compositing, and plugin extensibility.
Unmatched extensibility through a vast open-source plugin and scripting system (e.g., Script-Fu, Python)
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor available at gimp.org, designed for advanced image editing tasks like photo retouching, compositing, and graphic design. It offers a wide array of tools including layers, masks, filters, brushes, and selection tools, with extensive support for plugins and scripts to extend functionality. Cross-platform and highly customizable, GIMP serves as a powerful, no-cost alternative to professional software like Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation workflows.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscription or licensing fees
- Extensive plugin and script ecosystem for customization
- Robust layer, mask, and non-destructive editing support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and cluttered interface for beginners
- Slower performance on large files and complex projects
- Lacks native advanced AI tools like content-aware fill
Best For
Budget-conscious professionals, freelancers, or advanced hobbyists seeking powerful editing without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Darktable
otherOpen-source RAW photo workflow application for non-destructive editing and advanced color grading.
Modular non-destructive editing pipeline with infinite-depth masking for precise local adjustments
Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW image editor designed for professional photographers. It provides non-destructive editing tools including exposure correction, color grading, noise reduction, lens corrections, and advanced masking capabilities. The software supports tethering, batch processing, and manages large image libraries with styles for consistent workflows.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Extremely powerful RAW processing and advanced modules
- Highly customizable interface and GPU acceleration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Less intuitive than commercial alternatives like Lightroom
- Occasional performance issues with very large libraries
Best For
Professional photographers specializing in RAW workflows who value free, customizable open-source tools over polished ease-of-use.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged)
Conclusion
While each tool brings unique strengths, Adobe Photoshop solidifies its spot as the top choice, excelling in professional photo retouching, compositing, and manipulation. Affinity Photo impresses with its Photoshop-like features at a one-time cost, and Capture One Pro stands out for its advanced RAW processing and studio workflows, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.
Dive into Adobe Photoshop to unlock its industry-leading capabilities—whether for fine-tuning details or crafting complex projects, it remains a cornerstone for serious photo editing.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison