Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop

The Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives

Looking for a Photoshop replacement? We compare the best photo editing software for professionals and casual users, covering price, features, and ease of use.

5 alternatives comparedUpdated May 24, 2026Independent · No paid placements

Adobe Photoshop remains the industry standard for professional photo editing, but its subscription model and complexity can be daunting. Fortunately, many powerful alternatives are available.

This article reviews several compelling Photoshop alternatives, ranging from free and open-source options to premium, professional-grade software. We'll break down the pros and cons of each, helping you find the best fit for your needs and budget. We've focused on tools that offer similar functionality to Photoshop—layer-based editing, advanced retouching, and support for a wide range of file formats—and also considered ease of learning and system requirements.

The ranked list

  1. Top pick · Editor’s choice
    1

    Affinity Photo

    A professional-grade photo editor offering a one-time purchase, packed with features comparable to Photoshop.

    Visit Affinity Photo →
    Best forProfessional photographers and graphic designers needing a powerful, affordable Photoshop replacement.

    Pros

    • Offers a comprehensive feature set rivalling Photoshop, including non-destructive editing, RAW processing, and HDR merging.
    • One-time purchase price is significantly cheaper than Adobe’s subscription model.
    • Supports CMYK color mode for professional print workflows.
    • Provides a highly customizable user interface.

    Cons

    • Steeper learning curve compared to simpler alternatives.
    • Fewer online tutorials readily available compared to Photoshop.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. Affinity Photo is the strongest overall alternative to Photoshop, offering a powerful and feature-rich experience without the ongoing cost of a subscription. It’s a fantastic choice for professionals making the switch.

  2. 2

    Photopea

    A surprisingly capable online photo editor that closely mimics Photoshop’s interface and functionality.

    Visit Photopea →
    Best forUsers needing a Photoshop-like experience without installation, or for quick edits on any device.

    Pros

    • Runs entirely in your web browser, requiring no installation.
    • Highly compatible with PSD files, making it easy to open and edit existing Photoshop projects.
    • Interface is very similar to Photoshop, minimizing the learning curve for existing users.
    • Offers a free tier with ads, and a premium subscription to remove ads and increase storage.

    Cons

    • Relies on an internet connection.
    • Performance can be slower than dedicated desktop applications, especially with large files.
    • Contains ads in the free version.
    PricingFREEMIUM

    Verdict. Photopea is an impressive online editor that provides a surprisingly robust Photoshop-like experience. Its accessibility and PSD compatibility make it an excellent choice for quick edits or for users who can’t install desktop software.

  3. 3

    Krita

    A free and open-source painting program geared toward digital artists, but also capable of photo editing.

    Visit Krita →
    Best forArtists and illustrators, or users seeking a cost-free alternative with a focus on digital painting.

    Pros

    • Completely free and open-source, with a vibrant community.
    • Offers a wide range of brushes and painting tools.
    • Supports layer management and filtering.
    • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).

    Cons

    • Interface can be less intuitive for users accustomed to Photoshop's layout.
    • Photo editing features aren't as polished as dedicated photo editors.
    • Performance can be resource-intensive with large images.
    PricingOPEN_SOURCE

    Verdict. Krita is a solid choice for artists and those seeking a free alternative to Photoshop, particularly if digital painting is a priority. While it can perform photo editing tasks, it's not as specialized as some other options.

  4. 4

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

    A longstanding, free, and open-source image editor with a wide range of features.

    Visit GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) →
    Best forUsers committed to open-source software and needing a versatile image editor for a variety of tasks.

    Pros

    • Free and open-source, offering extensive customization options.
    • Supports layers, masks, filters, and other advanced features.
    • Large and active community providing support and plugins.
    • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).

    Cons

    • User interface can feel dated and less intuitive than Photoshop.
    • Steeper learning curve for beginners.
    • Performance can be slower compared to commercial alternatives.
    PricingOPEN_SOURCE

    Verdict. GIMP is a powerful, free alternative to Photoshop, but its user interface and performance can be drawbacks. Its customizability and active community make it a worthwhile option for those willing to invest the time to learn it.

  5. 5

    Pixelmator Pro

    A Mac-exclusive image editor known for its ease of use and integration with macOS technologies.

    Visit Pixelmator Pro →
    Best forMac users looking for a streamlined, user-friendly photo editing experience.

    Pros

    • Intuitive and easy-to-learn interface.
    • Leverages Apple’s Core Image technology for fast and efficient editing.
    • Seamless integration with macOS and iCloud.
    • Non-destructive editing workflow.

    Cons

    • Only available for macOS and iPadOS.
    • Fewer advanced features compared to Photoshop or Affinity Photo.
    • Limited compatibility with certain file formats.
    PricingPAID

    Verdict. Pixelmator Pro is a great choice for Mac users who prioritize ease of use and integration with the Apple ecosystem. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Photoshop, it offers a powerful and enjoyable editing experience.

At a glance

Side-by-side comparison of the alternatives ranked above.

ToolBest ForStarting PriceFree PlanPSD SupportCMYK Support
Affinity PhotoProfessional EditingPAIDNoYesYes
PhotopeaQuick Edits/PSD EditingFREEMIUMYes (with ads)YesNo
KritaDigital PaintingOPEN_SOURCEYesLimitedNo
GIMPVersatile EditingOPEN_SOURCEYesYesNo
Pixelmator ProMac UsersPAIDNoYesNo

Frequently asked questions

Can Photopea replace Photoshop entirely?

For many users, yes. Photopea offers incredible PSD compatibility and a similar interface. However, demanding professionals may find it lacks some advanced features and performance optimization.

Is Affinity Photo a one-time purchase?

Yes, Affinity Photo is a one-time purchase, eliminating the ongoing costs associated with Adobe's subscription model. Updates are included for a specific version number

Which option is best for beginners?

Pixelmator Pro (for Mac users) is generally considered the easiest to learn. Photopea is also relatively accessible due to its Photoshop-like interface.

The verdict

What to pick

The ideal Photoshop alternative depends heavily on your individual needs and budget. Affinity Photo emerges as the strongest all-around replacement for professionals, while Photopea provides a surprisingly capable online solution. Krita and GIMP are excellent free options, and Pixelmator Pro shines for Mac users prioritizing simplicity and integration. Carefully consider your priorities—cost, features, ease of use, and operating system compatibility—when making your decision. If you are interested in more graphic design software, explore related topics on graphic design and illustration tools.