Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Photoshop - Industry-standard professional image editing software with advanced AI-powered tools for precise retouching, healing, cloning, and compositing.
- 2#2: Affinity Photo - High-performance photo editor offering Photoshop-level retouching tools like inpainting, frequency separation, and non-destructive layers at a one-time price.
- 3#3: Capture One - Professional RAW editor optimized for tethered shooting, superior color grading, and layer-based retouching for studio photographers.
- 4#4: Adobe Lightroom Classic - Comprehensive photo management and editing software with AI masking and localized adjustment brushes for efficient non-destructive retouching.
- 5#5: PortraitPro - Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching, including skin smoothing, facial reshaping, and digital makeup application.
- 6#6: Retouch4me - AI plugin suite for Photoshop that automates skin retouching, dodge & burn, healing, and clean background tasks with professional results.
- 7#7: Luminar Neo - AI-driven photo editor featuring portrait bokeh, relight AI, and skin enhancer tools for quick and creative retouching workflows.
- 8#8: DxO PhotoLab - Advanced RAW processor renowned for unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and selective adjustments ideal for clean retouching foundations.
- 9#9: Topaz Photo AI - AI-powered tool that enhances images through upscaling, sharpening, noise removal, and face recovery to prepare for detailed retouching.
- 10#10: GIMP - Free open-source image editor providing robust retouching features like clone tool, heal selection, and customizable brushes.
Tools were ranked based on feature richness (including advanced AI and manual control precision), consistent quality, user-friendliness across skill levels, and value alignment with both casual and professional workflows.
Comparison Table
Retouching software caters to diverse needs, from professional edits to quick enhancements, with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Capture One, Adobe Lightroom Classic, PortraitPro, and more varying significantly in features and workflow. This comparison table simplifies evaluation, outlining key strengths and use cases to help readers find the right fit for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Photoshop Industry-standard professional image editing software with advanced AI-powered tools for precise retouching, healing, cloning, and compositing. | creative_suite | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 2 | Affinity Photo High-performance photo editor offering Photoshop-level retouching tools like inpainting, frequency separation, and non-destructive layers at a one-time price. | creative_suite | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | Capture One Professional RAW editor optimized for tethered shooting, superior color grading, and layer-based retouching for studio photographers. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Adobe Lightroom Classic Comprehensive photo management and editing software with AI masking and localized adjustment brushes for efficient non-destructive retouching. | creative_suite | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | PortraitPro Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching, including skin smoothing, facial reshaping, and digital makeup application. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 6 | Retouch4me AI plugin suite for Photoshop that automates skin retouching, dodge & burn, healing, and clean background tasks with professional results. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Luminar Neo AI-driven photo editor featuring portrait bokeh, relight AI, and skin enhancer tools for quick and creative retouching workflows. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | DxO PhotoLab Advanced RAW processor renowned for unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and selective adjustments ideal for clean retouching foundations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Topaz Photo AI AI-powered tool that enhances images through upscaling, sharpening, noise removal, and face recovery to prepare for detailed retouching. | general_ai | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | GIMP Free open-source image editor providing robust retouching features like clone tool, heal selection, and customizable brushes. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 10/10 |
Industry-standard professional image editing software with advanced AI-powered tools for precise retouching, healing, cloning, and compositing.
High-performance photo editor offering Photoshop-level retouching tools like inpainting, frequency separation, and non-destructive layers at a one-time price.
Professional RAW editor optimized for tethered shooting, superior color grading, and layer-based retouching for studio photographers.
Comprehensive photo management and editing software with AI masking and localized adjustment brushes for efficient non-destructive retouching.
Specialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching, including skin smoothing, facial reshaping, and digital makeup application.
AI plugin suite for Photoshop that automates skin retouching, dodge & burn, healing, and clean background tasks with professional results.
AI-driven photo editor featuring portrait bokeh, relight AI, and skin enhancer tools for quick and creative retouching workflows.
Advanced RAW processor renowned for unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and selective adjustments ideal for clean retouching foundations.
AI-powered tool that enhances images through upscaling, sharpening, noise removal, and face recovery to prepare for detailed retouching.
Free open-source image editor providing robust retouching features like clone tool, heal selection, and customizable brushes.
Adobe Photoshop
creative_suiteIndustry-standard professional image editing software with advanced AI-powered tools for precise retouching, healing, cloning, and compositing.
Neural Filters for AI-driven, one-click retouching effects like skin smoothing, smart portrait, and photo restoration
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-leading image editing software, excelling in professional retouching with tools for skin smoothing, blemish removal, dodge and burn, frequency separation, and liquify reshaping. It integrates AI-powered features like Neural Filters, Generative Fill, and Content-Aware tools to automate and enhance complex retouching workflows. As the gold standard for photographers and retouchers, it supports layers, masks, and non-destructive editing for pixel-perfect results.
Pros
- Unmatched depth of retouching tools including Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and advanced selection AI
- AI innovations like Neural Filters and Generative Fill revolutionize skin and portrait retouching
- Vast ecosystem with plugins, presets, and integration with Lightroom/Bridge
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive updates
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for optimal performance
Best For
Professional photographers, retouchers, and digital artists demanding the most precise and feature-rich retouching capabilities.
Pricing
$22.99/month for Photoshop single-app plan or included in Creative Cloud All Apps at $59.99/month, with 7-day free trial.
Affinity Photo
creative_suiteHigh-performance photo editor offering Photoshop-level retouching tools like inpainting, frequency separation, and non-destructive layers at a one-time price.
Liquify Persona for intuitive, real-time mesh-based distortions and retouching
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster image editor renowned for its robust retouching capabilities, serving as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It provides advanced tools like the Inpainting Brush, Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, Liquify Persona, and frequency separation workflows for precise skin retouching, object removal, and compositing. The software supports non-destructive editing through Live Filters and Adjustment Layers, making it ideal for detailed post-production work.
Pros
- Perpetual license with no subscription fees
- Professional retouching tools rivaling Photoshop
- Non-destructive workflows with Live Filters and masks
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for Photoshop newcomers
- Limited third-party plugin ecosystem
- Performance can lag with very large files on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional retouchers and photographers seeking a powerful, one-time-purchase alternative to subscription-based software like Photoshop.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 (Windows/Mac), $18.49 (iPad); free trial available, no subscription required.
Capture One
enterpriseProfessional RAW editor optimized for tethered shooting, superior color grading, and layer-based retouching for studio photographers.
Advanced layer system with opacity, blending modes, and process recipes for professional-grade non-destructive retouching
Capture One is a professional RAW photo editor with robust retouching capabilities, including layers, healing brushes, clone tools, and AI-powered masking for precise skin and object removal. It excels in delivering superior color accuracy and non-destructive local adjustments, making it a favorite among studio photographers. While not as compositing-focused as Photoshop, its tools support complex retouching workflows with high fidelity.
Pros
- Exceptional color science and skin tone tools for natural retouching
- Unlimited layers with blending modes for non-destructive edits
- Powerful AI masking and healing for efficient blemish/object removal
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Higher cost compared to subscription alternatives
- Less specialized for heavy compositing than Photoshop
Best For
Professional photographers and retouchers needing precise color grading and layered adjustments in a tethered workflow.
Pricing
Subscription from $24/month or $239/year; perpetual license $299 (upgrades extra).
Adobe Lightroom Classic
creative_suiteComprehensive photo management and editing software with AI masking and localized adjustment brushes for efficient non-destructive retouching.
AI-powered adaptive masking that automatically selects and refines subjects, faces, skies, and backgrounds for effortless professional retouching.
Adobe Lightroom Classic is a comprehensive digital asset management and photo editing software designed for professional photographers, offering non-destructive editing workflows ideal for retouching large volumes of images. It features advanced tools like AI-powered masking for subjects, faces, skies, and backgrounds, along with precise brushes, healing clones, and local adjustments for skin retouching, color correction, and detail enhancement. While excelling in catalog organization and batch processing, it integrates seamlessly with Photoshop for more intricate pixel-level work.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-driven masking tools for quick, accurate subject and facial retouching
- Non-destructive editing with unlimited history and batch processing for efficiency
- Robust catalog system for managing and organizing extensive photo libraries
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Steeper learning curve for advanced local adjustment and masking features
- Less suited for ultra-precise pixel-level cloning compared to Photoshop
Best For
Professional photographers and retouchers handling high-volume workflows who need powerful, non-destructive tools for portrait and landscape enhancements.
Pricing
Subscription via Adobe Photography Plan at $9.99/month (includes Lightroom Classic, Lightroom mobile, and Photoshop).
PortraitPro
specializedSpecialized AI software for automatic portrait retouching, including skin smoothing, facial reshaping, and digital makeup application.
Advanced AI facial recognition with predictive sliders for realistic sculpting and enhancement
PortraitPro is an AI-powered retouching software designed specifically for portrait enhancement, automatically detecting facial features to streamline skin smoothing, eye brightening, teeth whitening, and slimming. It offers intuitive sliders for precise control over enhancements, delivering natural-looking results in minutes. While excels in automated portrait workflows, it integrates as a standalone app or Photoshop plugin for professional photographers.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-driven facial detection and automated retouching
- Intuitive sliders for quick, natural enhancements
- Batch processing for efficient workflows
Cons
- Limited to portraits, not general retouching
- High upfront cost with limited free trial
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional portrait photographers needing fast, automated facial retouching without extensive manual editing.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $199.95 (Standard) to $299.95 (Studio Max); annual subscription $119.95.
Retouch4me
general_aiAI plugin suite for Photoshop that automates skin retouching, dodge & burn, healing, and clean background tasks with professional results.
Adaptive AI that automatically detects and retouches specific facial features like skin texture and imperfections across diverse portraits
Retouch4me is a suite of AI-powered plugins for Adobe Photoshop that automate professional retouching tasks, including skin smoothing, blemish healing, dodge and burn, and eye enhancement. Each plugin is specialized for a specific retouching need, using machine learning to detect facial features and apply natural-looking corrections with minimal user input. It significantly speeds up portrait workflows while maintaining high-quality, non-destructive results.
Pros
- AI automation delivers fast, natural-looking retouching results
- Precise feature detection for skin, eyes, teeth, and more
- One-time purchase model with seamless Photoshop integration
Cons
- Requires Adobe Photoshop (no standalone app)
- Full functionality requires buying multiple plugins, increasing cost
- Occasional need for manual tweaks on complex images
Best For
Professional portrait photographers and retouchers using Photoshop who need to accelerate repetitive editing tasks without sacrificing quality.
Pricing
Individual plugins at $99 one-time purchase; bundles like the Complete Collection at $399; free trial available for some plugins.
Luminar Neo
general_aiAI-driven photo editor featuring portrait bokeh, relight AI, and skin enhancer tools for quick and creative retouching workflows.
Skin AI for intelligent, one-click skin retouching that smooths imperfections while preserving natural texture and details
Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing software from Skylum that specializes in quick, automated enhancements and retouching, making complex edits accessible without deep technical knowledge. It offers specialized tools like Skin AI for natural skin smoothing and texture preservation, Face AI for detailed facial enhancements, and Relight AI for realistic lighting adjustments. Additionally, features like GenErase enable seamless object removal, positioning it as a modern retouching solution for portraits and general photo refinement.
Pros
- Powerful AI tools like Skin AI and Face AI for effortless portrait retouching
- Intuitive, one-click interface ideal for fast workflows
- Non-destructive editing with excellent automation for natural results
Cons
- Limited advanced manual controls and layer-based editing compared to Photoshop
- Performance can lag with large files or multiple extensions
- Many pro features locked behind paid extensions
Best For
Amateur and semi-pro photographers seeking quick AI-driven portrait retouching without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license from $79 (often on sale up to $149), subscription at $11.95/month or $79/year; extensions $49-$99 each.
DxO PhotoLab
specializedAdvanced RAW processor renowned for unmatched noise reduction, lens corrections, and selective adjustments ideal for clean retouching foundations.
DeepPRIME XD AI-powered noise reduction that outperforms competitors on RAW files at extreme ISOs
DxO PhotoLab is a professional-grade RAW photo editor focused on superior image quality enhancement, featuring unmatched noise reduction, automatic lens corrections, and precise local adjustments. It excels in preparing high-quality bases for retouching through tools like DeepPRIME XD and selective control points, rather than traditional layer-based compositing. Ideal for photographers needing technical precision over creative manipulation, it supports non-destructive editing and batch processing for efficient workflows.
Pros
- Best-in-class DeepPRIME noise reduction for clean high-ISO images
- Automatic and highly accurate lens distortion, CA, and vignette corrections
- Powerful local adjustment tools with U Point technology for targeted retouching
Cons
- Limited layer support and no advanced compositing like Photoshop
- Interface can feel cluttered and dated for beginners
- Repair/healing tool is basic compared to dedicated retouchers
Best For
Photographers specializing in RAW processing and technical corrections who need precise local retouching for landscapes, architecture, or product photography.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses: Essential edition $139, Elite $219; annual subscription $99 for Elite features.
Topaz Photo AI
general_aiAI-powered tool that enhances images through upscaling, sharpening, noise removal, and face recovery to prepare for detailed retouching.
AI Face Recovery model that intelligently reconstructs and smooths facial details even in low-quality images
Topaz Photo AI is an AI-powered photo enhancement tool that specializes in sharpening, noise reduction, upscaling, and automated retouching features like face recovery and skin smoothing. It leverages machine learning models to automatically improve image quality, recover lost details in faces, and enhance portraits with minimal user input. While not a full manual retouching suite, it excels in batch processing raw or JPEG files for quick professional-grade enhancements.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-driven face enhancement and skin retouching
- Fast batch processing for multiple images
- Seamless integration as a plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop
Cons
- Lacks manual retouching tools like clone or healing brushes
- Processing times can be long without a powerful GPU
- Limited customization options compared to dedicated retouchers
Best For
Photographers seeking automated AI retouching for portraits and enhancements without extensive manual editing.
Pricing
$199 one-time perpetual license with lifetime updates.
GIMP
otherFree open-source image editor providing robust retouching features like clone tool, heal selection, and customizable brushes.
Open-source architecture enabling unlimited community plugins and custom scripts for tailored retouching workflows
GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor available at gimp.org, serving as a powerful alternative to commercial software like Photoshop for image retouching and manipulation. It offers essential retouching tools such as the clone stamp, healing brush, perspective clone, curves, levels, and dodge/burn for precise photo editing. The software supports layers, masks, selections, and non-destructive editing via GEGL, along with extensive plugin support for customization. Ideal for detailed skin retouching, object removal, and color correction, it handles high-resolution images effectively.
Pros
- Completely free with no feature limitations or subscriptions
- Comprehensive retouching toolkit including advanced healing and cloning tools
- Highly extensible via plugins, scripts, and community resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to non-intuitive interface
- Dated UI lacks modern polish and workflow efficiency of competitors
- Missing AI-powered features like automatic object removal or smart inpainting
Best For
Budget-conscious hobbyists, students, and semi-professionals needing robust retouching capabilities without ongoing costs.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers or restrictions)
Conclusion
The array of top retouching tools highlights a mix of professional power and specialized features, catering to varied skill levels and needs. Leading the pack is Adobe Photoshop, celebrated for its unmatched AI-driven precision in editing tasks, which secures its spot as the top choice. Complementing it, Affinity Photo stands out with its one-time purchase model and robust, Photoshop-like tools, while Capture One excels for studio use with advanced color grading and layer-based retouching—each offering unique strengths to suit different workflows.
Begin your retouching journey with Adobe Photoshop; its industry-proven tools and versatility make it an ideal starting point to explore and master professional image editing.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison