Photoshop Alternatives (2026)
The top three Photoshop alternatives are Affinity Photo for professional-grade editing, GIMP for free open-source software, and Procreate for iPad users who want a powerful yet intuitive tool. Each caters to different needs: Affinity Photo offers advanced features for serious designers, GIMP is ideal for budget-conscious users, and Procreate is perfect for artists who prefer a touch-based interface.
Photoshop is renowned for its comprehensive suite of professional-grade photo editing and graphic design tools. However, its high subscription cost, complexity, and platform limitations drive many users to seek alternatives. Some users also prioritize privacy, open-source options, or specific feature sets that Photoshop doesn't provide. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or designer, there are numerous viable options available.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity Photo | Professional designers and photographers who need advanced editing capabilities. | iOS, Windows, Mac | Freemium |
| GIMP | Budget-conscious users and those who prefer open-source software. | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free / freemium |
| Procreate | Artists and illustrators who prefer a touch-based interface. | iOS | Freemium |
| Krita | Artists and illustrators looking for a free, feature-rich tool. | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free / freemium |
| Photopea | Users who need a Photoshop-like experience without installing software. | Web | Free / freemium |
| Pixlr | Casual users and those who need basic to intermediate editing capabilities. | Web, iOS, Android | Free / freemium |
| Corel PHOTO-PAINT | Professional designers and photographers who need advanced editing tools. | Windows, Mac | Freemium |
| Fotor | Users who need basic photo editing and creative effects without a steep learning curve. | Web, iOS, Android | Free / freemium |
The best Photoshop alternatives
Affinity Photo
Best for Professional designers and photographers who need advanced editing capabilities.A professional-grade photo editing tool that rivals Photoshop in features.
Affinity Photo provides a robust set of features that closely match Photoshop's capabilities, including advanced layer support, retouching tools, and RAW processing. However, its one-time purchase model may require a higher upfront cost compared to Photoshop's subscription.
- Comprehensive set of tools for photo editing and graphic design.
- One-time purchase model offers long-term savings over subscription.
- Excellent performance with large files and complex projects.
- No free tier or trial version available.
- Less integration with other Adobe products if you use them.
GIMP
Best for Budget-conscious users and those who prefer open-source software.A free, open-source image editor with a strong community and extensive plugin support.
GIMP offers a powerful set of tools that can handle most photo editing tasks, though it may lack some of the more advanced features found in Photoshop. Its open-source nature ensures it remains free and customizable, but it may require more effort to master.
- Completely free with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins and scripts.
- Active community for support and continuous development.
- Steeper learning curve for new users.
- Interface is less polished compared to commercial alternatives.
Procreate
Best for Artists and illustrators who prefer a touch-based interface.A popular digital painting app designed specifically for iPad users.
While it doesn't match Photoshop's photo editing capabilities, it excels in digital painting and illustration.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Rich set of brushes and tools for digital painting.
- Excellent performance optimized for iPad.
- Limited to iPad users only.
- No free tier or trial version available.
Krita
Best for Artists and illustrators looking for a free, feature-rich tool.An open-source painting program with a focus on digital illustration and animation.
Krita is a strong choice for artists, offering a comprehensive set of tools for digital painting and illustration. While it doesn't match Photoshop's photo editing capabilities, it provides a robust platform for creative work.
- Rich set of brushes and tools for digital painting.
- Support for animation and vector graphics.
- Active community and continuous updates.
- Interface can be overwhelming for new users.
- Less focus on photo editing compared to other alternatives.
Photopea
Best for Users who need a Photoshop-like experience without installing software.A web-based image editor that closely mimics Photoshop's interface and features.
Photopea offers a surprisingly complete Photoshop-like experience, making it an excellent choice for users who need advanced features but prefer a web-based tool. However, its reliance on a web browser may limit its performance with very large files.
- Free to use with no subscription fees.
- Closely mimics Photoshop's interface and tools.
- Works directly in a web browser without installation.
- Requires a stable internet connection.
- May not handle very large files as efficiently as desktop alternatives.
Pixlr
Best for Casual users and those who need basic to intermediate editing capabilities.A versatile, web-based photo editor with both free and premium versions.
Pixlr is a great option for users who need basic to intermediate photo editing capabilities. While it doesn't match Photoshop's depth, it offers a user-friendly interface and a good balance of features for casual users.
- Free to use with no subscription fees.
- Wide range of tools and effects for photo editing.
- Available as both a web app and mobile app.
- Less advanced features compared to Photoshop.
- Free version includes ads.
Corel PHOTO-PAINT
Best for Professional designers and photographers who need advanced editing tools.A professional-grade photo editing tool that is part of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.
Corel PHOTO-PAINT offers a robust set of features that can compete with Photoshop, particularly for professional users. Its integration with other Corel products is a strong advantage, though it may require a higher upfront cost.
- Comprehensive set of tools for photo editing and graphic design.
- Integration with other Corel products.
- One-time purchase option available.
- Less integration with Adobe products if you use them.
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
Fotor
Best for Users who need basic photo editing and creative effects without a steep learning curve.A web-based photo editor with a focus on quick, easy edits and creative effects.
Fotor is an excellent choice for users who need basic photo editing and creative effects. While it doesn't match Photoshop's depth, it offers a user-friendly experience and a good balance of features for casual users.
- Free to use with no subscription fees.
- User-friendly interface with a focus on quick edits.
- Wide range of creative effects and filters.
- Less advanced features compared to Photoshop.
- Free version includes ads.
How we picked
We selected these alternatives based on their feature sets, user reviews, platform availability, and pricing models. We prioritized tools that offer a balance of advanced features, ease of use, and affordability, while also considering niche options for specific use cases.
Our verdict
For a complete Photoshop replacement, Affinity Photo is the best overall choice due to its comprehensive feature set and one-time purchase model. For a free alternative, GIMP is the top pick, offering a robust set of tools and an active community.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Photoshop?
Yes, GIMP and Photopea are both free and offer a wide range of features that can compete with Photoshop.
Which alternative is best for privacy?
GIMP is a strong choice for privacy-conscious users as it is open-source and does not collect user data.
What is the best free alternative to Photoshop?
GIMP is the best free alternative, offering a comprehensive set of tools and an active community.
Which alternative is the closest match to Photoshop?
Affinity Photo is the closest match to Photoshop, offering a similar set of features and a user-friendly interface.
Can I switch/export my data easily?
Most alternatives support common file formats, making it easy to import and export your data. However, some advanced features may not be fully compatible.
Is it safe to use these alternatives?
Yes, all the alternatives listed are from reputable sources and are safe to use. Be sure to download from official websites or app stores.
Which is better for iOS vs Android?
Procreate is the best choice for iOS, while Fotor and Pixlr offer strong options for Android users.