Adobe Photoshop has long set the industry standard for image editing. However, its subscription model and steep learning curve have pushed many users to explore top 10 alternatives to Photoshop. Whether you’re looking for a free open-source editor, a browser-based solution that works on any device, or a one-time purchase program packed with professional features, there are plenty of options on the market. This guide covers top 10 alternatives to Photoshop that offer a range of capabilities—from traditional photo retouching to advanced AI-driven enhancements.
Top 10 Alternatives to Photoshop: Every Designer Must Try
1. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a professional-grade raster graphics editor available on Windows, macOS, and iPadOS. It is one of the top 10 alternatives to Photoshop that you can use. It provides a comprehensive set of tools—including RAW processing, non-destructive editing, and full PSD file compatibility—without requiring an ongoing subscription.
Pros:
- One-time purchase with excellent long-term value
- Highly responsive and polished interface
- Robust feature set that rivals Photoshop, including advanced layer management and editing tools
Cons:
- Slightly overwhelming for complete beginners due to its extensive toolset
- Only available on desktop and iPad (no browser-based version)
Best For:
Professional photographers, graphic designers, and users looking for a powerful Photoshop replacement without recurring fees.
Advice:
If you work in a cross-platform environment and need advanced editing features, invest time in learning Affinity Photo’s workflow. Numerous online tutorials and an active user community make the learning process smoother.
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP is a free, open-source image editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. With a rich array of features—from layer masks to customizable plugins—GIMP is a versatile tool ideal for users on a budget.
Pros:
- Completely free and open source
- Extensible through plugins and custom scripts
- Supports a wide range of file formats, including PSD (with some limitations)
Cons:
- The interface can feel cluttered and less intuitive than Photoshop
- Steeper learning curve if you’re new to advanced image editing
Best For:
Hobbyists, students, and professionals who prefer a free solution and are willing to invest time in learning a more technical interface.
Advice:
Experiment with GIMP’s customizable workspace and take advantage of online communities and tutorials to overcome its initial complexity.
3. Photopea
Photopea is a web-based photo editor that closely mimics the layout and functionality of Photoshop. Accessible directly through a modern web browser, it supports PSD files, layers, and various file formats without any software installation. It is one of the top 10 alternatives to Photoshop that you can use online.
Pros:
- Runs in any browser—no downloads required
- Intuitive interface for those familiar with Photoshop
- Free version available with an optional premium plan for ad-free use
Cons:
- Dependent on a stable internet connection for smooth operation
- Performance may vary on older hardware or slower networks
Best For:
Users who need a lightweight, on-the-go solution or who work on multiple platforms and don’t want to install dedicated software.
Advice:
Keep a secondary local backup of your work, as browser-based apps can sometimes be affected by session timeouts. Explore Photopea’s keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
4. Paint.NET
Paint.NET is a free image and photo editing software exclusively for Windows. Originally developed as an improved version of MS Paint, it has evolved into a capable editor that supports layers, blending, and a host of additional plugins.
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface ideal for beginners
- Lightweight and fast with a minimal system footprint
- Expandable functionality through community-created plugins
Cons:
- Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use
- Lacks some of the advanced features of professional editors
Best For:
Casual users and beginners on Windows who need a straightforward editor for everyday tasks.
Advice:
Download additional plugins to extend Paint.NET’s capabilities. Its simplicity makes it a great tool for quick edits and learning basic image editing techniques.
5. Krita
Krita is a free, open-source digital painting program that has grown into a competent photo editor as well. Originally designed for illustrators and concept artists, it offers extensive brush customization, layer management, and support for high-resolution canvases.
Pros:
- Excellent for digital painting and illustration with a natural brush engine
- Customizable user interface suited to creative workflows
- Free and regularly updated by a passionate community
Cons:
- Although it supports photo editing, it is more optimized for painting than for complex retouching tasks
- Can be resource-intensive on older systems
Best For:
Artists and illustrators who want a tool that bridges both painting and basic photo editing.
Advice:
Take advantage of Krita’s extensive brush library and tutorials to tailor your creative process. It’s especially useful if you mix photo manipulation with digital painting.
6. Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is a modern photo editing application that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify complex editing tasks. Its AI-powered tools, such as sky replacement and portrait enhancement, help you achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface with AI-driven editing tools that speed up workflow
- Non-destructive editing and comprehensive RAW support
- Regular updates and excellent customer support
Cons:
- Primarily available for Windows and macOS (and mobile versions with limited features)
- May be overkill for users who need only basic edits
Best For:
Photographers who want to enhance images quickly using AI and for those who prefer a more streamlined editing process without the complexity of traditional editors.
Advice:
Experiment with Luminar Neo’s presets and AI tools to rapidly improve your photos. It’s especially useful if you have a large volume of images to edit and need consistent, high-quality results.
7. Corel PaintShop Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro is a powerful, Windows-only photo editor that offers a rich feature set similar to Photoshop. It comes with advanced retouching tools, effects, and a robust interface that caters to both beginners and professionals.
Pros:
- One-time purchase with no recurring subscription
- Extensive range of features including batch processing and creative effects
- Strong community support and comprehensive tutorials
Cons:
- Only available on Windows
- The interface may feel less modern compared to some competitors
Best For:
Windows users who need a comprehensive editing suite without committing to a subscription model.
Advice:
Explore PaintShop Pro’s batch processing and creative filter options if you often work with large volumes of images. It’s a solid choice for both advanced editing and quick fixes.
8. Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a pared-down version of Photoshop designed for amateur photographers and hobbyists. It focuses on simplifying the photo editing process while retaining many powerful features like guided edits, facial recognition, and creative effects.
Pros:
- User-friendly with a guided workflow for beginners
- One-time purchase without ongoing subscriptions
- Integrates well with other Adobe tools and services
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features found in full Photoshop or other professional editors
- May not satisfy high-end professional needs
Best For:
Hobbyists, beginners, and casual photographers who want the essence of Photoshop in a more accessible format.
Advice:
Use the guided tutorials to quickly learn new techniques and explore the creative effects. It’s ideal for personal projects and basic photo organization.
9. Pixlr
Pixlr is a free, browser-based photo editor with mobile apps that offer a range of tools from basic adjustments to more advanced retouching. It comes in two versions—Pixlr X for quick edits and Pixlr E for a more advanced toolset.
Pros:
- Accessible on any device with a web browser
- Intuitive interface and a good balance between simplicity and functionality
- Offers both free and premium plans
Cons:
- Free version includes ads and daily save limits
- Dependent on internet speed and browser performance
Best For:
Users needing a quick, no-installation solution for basic to moderate photo edits, especially when working from different devices.
Advice:
If you require mobility and convenience, use Pixlr’s web app or mobile version. Consider upgrading if you often exceed the free version’s limits.
10. SumoPaint
SumoPaint is a web-based graphics editor that provides a surprisingly comprehensive set of tools, including brushes, filters, and layer support. It’s designed with a familiar layout that eases the transition for those accustomed to Photoshop.
Pros:
- Works directly in the browser with no installation
- Intuitive layout similar to Photoshop’s, easing the learning curve
- Free version available, with affordable paid options for more advanced features
Cons:
- Limited file format support compared to desktop applications
- May lack some advanced editing functions needed by professionals
Best For:
Casual users and beginners who need a lightweight online editor for quick edits and creative projects.
Advice:
SumoPaint is best when you need to make swift adjustments or create basic designs. Use it as a supplementary tool for when you’re away from your main workstation.
Final Recommendation
After weighing the features, cost, and usability of all the alternatives to Photoshop, Affinity Photo emerges as our top recommended option. It strikes an excellent balance between professional-grade capabilities and an accessible, one-time purchase model. Affinity Photo’s comprehensive feature set—including non-destructive editing, robust layer management, and extensive file compatibility—makes it suitable for both seasoned professionals and ambitious beginners looking to grow their skills without the ongoing costs of a subscription. Its polished interface and responsive performance have earned high praise in numerous reviews, making it a compelling choice for anyone serious about photo editing.
Key advice:
Before making a final decision, consider your specific needs—whether you require the portability of a browser-based app like Photopea or the advanced features of a desktop solution like Affinity Photo. Try out free trials where available, and explore user communities and tutorials to accelerate your learning curve.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to replacing Photoshop. Whether you choose a free, open-source solution like GIMP or a professional tool like Affinity Photo, each alternative has its unique strengths. Evaluate the features that matter most to you, experiment with demos, and align your choice with your workflow. Ultimately, for those who need a full-featured, cost-effective solution without the subscription burden, Affinity Photo stands out as the top 10 alternatives to Photoshop.
