9 Best Photoshop Alternatives in 2025

Adobe Photoshop has dominated the photo editing landscape for decades, but its hefty subscription price, now $22.99/month for the single app or $59.99/month for the full Creative Cloud suite, has many users searching for alternatives. Here's the plot twist: what if you could get the Adobe Creative Cloud suite for just $269/year instead of the usual $719.88?

Before we dive into alternatives, let's address the elephant in the room. While Adobe's regular pricing pushes many users toward competitors, a legitimate 63% discount on Creative Cloud All Apps changes the equation entirely. Get Adobe Creative Cloud for $269/year here - that's less than many single alternative software packages cost.

But should you grab this discount or explore alternatives? That depends on your specific needs, and I'll help you decide. Whether you're a professional photographer, small business owner, or hobbyist, this guide will show you both the best alternatives AND help you determine if discounted Adobe might be your best bet.

In this comprehensive analysis, I'll walk you through the 9 best Photoshop alternatives available today, plus a honest comparison with discounted Adobe Creative Cloud. Each option has been tested and evaluated based on features, ease of use, pricing, and long-term value.

Quick Comparison: Top Photoshop Alternatives at a Glance

Software	Price	Platform	Rating	Best For
1. Affinity Photo	$69.99 one-time	Mac, Windows, iPad	9.5/10	Professional photographers
2. GIMP	Free	Mac, Windows, Linux	9/10	Budget-conscious power users
3. Photopea	Free (ad-supported)	Web browser	8.5/10	Quick PSD editing
4. Photoshop Elements	$99.99 one-time	Mac, Windows	8/10	Casual Adobe users
5. Corel PaintShop Pro	$79.99 one-time	Windows	7.5/10	Windows enthusiasts
6. Procreate	$12.99 one-time	iPad only	7.5/10	Digital artists
7. Pixlr	Free/$4.90/month	Web, mobile	7/10	Web-based editing
8. Canva	Free/$15 lifetime	Web, mobile	6.5/10	Social media graphics
9. Photoshop Express	Free	Mobile, web	6/10	Mobile photo editing
Adobe CC (Discounted)	$269/year	Mac, Windows, Mobile	10/10	Everything

The Adobe Creative Cloud Discount: Game Changer or Trap?

let's address the discounted Adobe option before exploring alternatives. At $269/year, Creative Cloud All Apps costs less than Affinity Photo + Corel PaintShop Pro combined, yet includes:

• Full Photoshop + Lightroom
• Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro
• After Effects, Audition, Dimension
• 100GB cloud storage
• Adobe Fonts library
• Regular updates and new features

The Math: Regular Creative Cloud costs $719.88/year. The discount saves you $450.88 annually—that's more than most alternative software packages cost entirely.

The Catch: It's still a subscription. Miss a payment, lose access to your tools. Some users prefer ownership over renting software, even at great prices.

👉 Grab the Adobe Creative Cloud discount here if you want the full Adobe ecosystem for less than most single alternatives cost.

What to Look for in a Photoshop Alternative

Before diving into the alternatives, it's important to understand what makes a good Photoshop replacement. Not every photo editor will meet your specific needs, so consider these key factors:

Essential Features: Look for non-destructive editing, layers support, selection tools, color correction capabilities, and format compatibility. Professional work typically requires RAW file support, advanced masking, and precise color management.

Pricing Models: Consider whether you prefer one-time purchases or subscription models. While subscriptions often provide regular updates, one-time purchases offer better long-term value for stable workflows.

Learning Curve: Some alternatives closely mimic Photoshop's interface, while others take entirely different approaches. Consider how much time you're willing to invest in learning new software.

File Format Compatibility: Ensure your chosen alternative can handle the file formats you work with regularly, especially if you need to open existing PSD files or export to specific formats for clients.

The 9 Best Photoshop Alternatives

1. Affinity Photo - The Professional's Choice

Rating: 9.5/10
Price: $69.99 one-time purchase
Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad

Affinity Photo stands as the closest thing to a true Photoshop replacement available today. Developed by Serif, this professional-grade photo editor offers nearly all of Photoshop's core functionality without the subscription burden.

Key Features:

• Professional RAW processing with extensive camera support
• Advanced layer management with blend modes and adjustments
• Sophisticated selection tools including refined edge detection
• HDR merging and focus stacking capabilities
• Extensive retouching and healing tools
• Professional color management with ICC profiles
• Macro recording for automated workflows

What Sets It Apart:
Affinity Photo's interface will feel familiar to Photoshop users, but it's been thoughtfully redesigned for modern workflows. The software operates in different "personas" - Photo, Liquify, and Develop - each optimized for specific tasks. This approach reduces clutter and helps users focus on their current editing phase.

The RAW processing capabilities are particularly impressive, often matching or exceeding Lightroom's quality. The software handles high-resolution files smoothly, even on modest hardware, thanks to its efficient codebase built from the ground up for modern systems.

Pros:

• One-time purchase with no subscription fees
• Excellent performance and stability
• Professional-grade features at consumer pricing
• Regular updates with new features
• Strong community and tutorial resources

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• No cloud sync between devices
• Limited template library compared to Adobe

Best For: Professional photographers, graphic designers, and serious hobbyists who want professional capabilities without ongoing subscription costs.

💡 Quick Decision Point: If you only need Photoshop-level photo editing, Affinity Photo at $69.99 is excellent. But if you occasionally need Illustrator, Lightroom, or video editing, the discounted Creative Cloud at $269/year gives you everything for just $200 more annually.

2. GIMP - The Free Powerhouse

Rating: 9/10
Price: Free (open-source)
Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) remains the gold standard for free photo editing software. While its interface might seem dated compared to modern alternatives, the software's capabilities are genuinely impressive for a free solution.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive selection and masking tools
• Advanced layer system with blend modes
• Customizable brush system with dynamics
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Color management and ICC profile support
• Batch processing capabilities
• Support for numerous file formats

Recent Improvements:
GIMP 2.10 introduced significant improvements including high bit-depth editing, improved color management, and a more intuitive user interface. The upcoming GIMP 3.0 promises even better performance and modern UI elements.

What Makes It Special:
GIMP's open-source nature means it's constantly evolving with community contributions. The software supports an incredible array of plugins, from simple filters to complex AI-powered tools. Advanced users can customize virtually every aspect of the interface and workflow.

The learning curve is admittedly steep, but the payoff is substantial. GIMP offers features that some paid alternatives lack, including advanced scripting capabilities and extensive automation options.

Pros:

• Completely free with no limitations
• Incredibly powerful for advanced users
• Extensive customization options
• Strong community support
• Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Interface can feel overwhelming
• Limited built-in templates
• Slower development cycle than commercial alternatives

Best For: Budget-conscious users, Linux enthusiasts, and power users who don't mind investing time in learning complex software.

💰 Budget Reality Check: GIMP is free but requires significant time investment to master. If your time is valuable, spending $269/year for Adobe Creative Cloud might actually be more cost-effective than the learning curve and productivity loss.

3. Photopea - The Browser-Based Surprise

Rating: 8.5/10
Price: Free (ad-supported) or $5/month premium
Platforms: Any web browser

Photopea represents a remarkable achievement in web-based photo editing. Created by a single developer, this browser-based editor closely mimics Photoshop's interface while running entirely in your web browser.

Key Features:

• Full PSD file support with layers intact
• Familiar Photoshop-style interface
• Advanced selection and masking tools
• Layer styles and blend modes
• Vector shape tools
• RAW file support for major camera formats
• No installation required

The Convenience Factor:
Photopea's greatest strength is accessibility. Whether you're on a Chromebook, using a friend's computer, or need to make quick edits on a tablet, Photopea is always available. The software even works offline once loaded, making it surprisingly versatile.

The PSD compatibility is particularly impressive, often handling complex Photoshop files better than some dedicated desktop applications. This makes it invaluable for receiving client files or collaborating with Photoshop users.

Performance Considerations:
While Photopea performs admirably for a web application, it's limited by browser capabilities. Large files or complex operations may slow down, especially on older devices. However, for most typical photo editing tasks, performance is surprisingly good.

Pros:

• No installation required
• Excellent PSD compatibility
• Familiar interface for Photoshop users
• Works on any device with a web browser
• Regular updates with new features

Cons:

• Performance limitations with large files
• Requires internet connection (though works offline once loaded)
• Limited compared to desktop applications
• Ad-supported free version

Best For: Users who need occasional access to Photoshop-like editing, students, and anyone working across multiple devices.

🌐 Web vs. Desktop Reality: Photopea is fantastic for occasional use, but if you're editing photos regularly, browser limitations become frustrating. For consistent professional work, consider either Affinity Photo for one-time ownership or discounted Adobe Creative Cloud for the complete ecosystem.

4. Adobe Photoshop Elements - Simplified Adobe Experience

Rating: 8/10
Price: $99.99 one-time purchase
Platforms: Mac, Windows

Adobe Photoshop Elements offers a streamlined version of Photoshop designed for consumer use. While it lacks some professional features, it provides a gentler introduction to Adobe's ecosystem without the subscription burden.

Key Features:

• Guided editing with step-by-step instructions
• AI-powered automated adjustments
• Organizer for photo management
• Creative effects and filters
• Basic RAW processing
• Social sharing integration
• Simplified layer management

The Guided Approach:
Elements' guided editing feature sets it apart from other alternatives. These step-by-step tutorials help beginners achieve professional-looking results while learning fundamental editing concepts. The software strikes a good balance between automation and manual control.

Recent versions have incorporated AI features from the full Photoshop, including content-aware fill, automatic colorization, and intelligent cropping suggestions. These features make complex edits accessible to casual users.

Limitations to Consider:
Elements deliberately omits advanced features like CMYK color mode, advanced paths, and complex automation. While this keeps the interface clean, it may frustrate users who occasionally need professional capabilities.

Pros:

• Familiar Adobe interface and workflow
• Excellent guided learning features
• One-time purchase option
• Good integration with other Adobe products
• AI-powered automation features

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Windows/Mac only
• Simpler than full Photoshop
• No mobile version

Best For: Casual users who want Adobe's ecosystem without complexity, families organizing photos, and beginners learning photo editing.

5. Corel PaintShop Pro - The Windows Specialist

Rating: 7.5/10
Price: $79.99 one-time purchase
Platforms: Windows only

Corel PaintShop Pro has been a Windows staple for decades, offering a comprehensive photo editing and digital art solution. While it may not have Photoshop's market recognition, it provides excellent value for Windows users.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive RAW processing
• Advanced selection and masking tools
• Digital painting capabilities
• AI-powered upsampling and noise reduction
• HDR and panorama creation
• Extensive creative effects library
• Vector illustration tools

Unique Strengths:
PaintShop Pro excels in areas where other alternatives fall short. Its digital painting tools rival dedicated art software, and the AI features often produce superior results to competitors. The software also includes useful utilities like batch processing and format conversion.

The interface can be customized extensively, allowing users to create workspace layouts that match their workflow. The learning curve is moderate, with most Photoshop users adapting quickly.

AI-Powered Features:
Recent versions have emphasized AI enhancements, including intelligent upscaling, artifact removal, and automatic photo enhancement. These features work surprisingly well and can save significant time in routine editing tasks.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Strong AI-powered features
• Good digital painting capabilities
• Comprehensive feature set
• Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

• Windows only
• Interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives
• Smaller user community
• Less third-party support

Best For: Windows users seeking comprehensive editing capabilities, digital artists, and users who want good value without subscriptions.

6. Procreate - The iPad Artist's Dream

Rating: 7.5/10
Price: $12.99 one-time purchase
Platforms: iPad only

Procreate has revolutionized digital art on mobile devices, offering an incredibly intuitive touch-based interface optimized for Apple Pencil. While primarily designed for illustration, it includes capable photo editing features.

Key Features:

• Intuitive touch and Apple Pencil support
• Extensive brush library with customization
• Layer system with blend modes
• Time-lapse recording of artwork
• Animation capabilities (Procreate Dreams)
• Import and export various formats
• Gesture-based interface

The Touch Advantage:
Procreate's touch interface feels natural in ways that desktop applications cannot match. The software makes excellent use of iPad's capabilities, including pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and multi-touch gestures. This creates a more intuitive creative experience.

The community around Procreate is vibrant, with countless tutorials, brush sets, and artwork shared daily. This ecosystem makes learning and finding inspiration easier than with many desktop alternatives.

Photo Editing Capabilities:
While Procreate excels at digital art, its photo editing features are somewhat limited compared to dedicated photo editors. Basic adjustments, filters, and retouching tools are available, but complex masking and color correction require workarounds.

Pros:

• Incredibly intuitive touch interface
• Excellent Apple Pencil integration
• Vibrant community and resources
• One-time purchase
• Regular feature updates

Cons:

• iPad only
• Limited traditional photo editing features
• Cannot handle very large files
• Requires Apple Pencil for best experience

Best For: Digital artists, illustrators, iPad users, and anyone who prefers touch-based creative workflows.

7. Pixlr - The Web-Based Workhorse

Rating: 7/10
Price: Free with ads or $4.90/month for premium
Platforms: Web browser, iOS, Android

Pixlr offers both simple and advanced photo editing tools through web browsers and mobile apps. The platform has evolved significantly, now offering AI-powered features and professional-grade capabilities.

Key Features:

• Dual interface options (simple and advanced)
• AI-powered background removal and enhancement
• Template library for social media
• Layer support with blend modes
• Advanced selection tools
• Batch processing capabilities
• Cloud storage integration

The Dual Approach:
Pixlr's strength lies in its flexibility. Pixlr X offers a simplified interface for quick edits, while Pixlr E provides advanced features for serious work. This allows users to choose the appropriate tool for their current task.

The AI features are particularly impressive, with background removal and object detection that rivals dedicated AI tools. These features make complex edits accessible to users without advanced skills.

Subscription Considerations:
While Pixlr offers free access, the premium subscription removes ads and unlocks advanced features. The pricing is reasonable compared to Photoshop, but the subscription model may not appeal to users seeking one-time purchases.

Pros:

• Accessible across multiple platforms
• Strong AI-powered features
• Flexible interface options
• Good template library
• Reasonable subscription pricing

Cons:

• Limited offline capabilities
• Premium features require subscription
• Interface can feel cluttered
• Performance varies by browser

Best For: Users who need flexibility across devices, social media content creators, and those who prefer web-based solutions.

8. Canva - The Template Champion

Rating: 6.5/10
Price: Free with limitations or $15 lifetime (discounted)
Platforms: Web browser, iOS, Android

Canva has transformed from a simple template platform into a comprehensive design tool with capable photo editing features. While not a traditional Photoshop alternative, it excels in specific use cases.

Key Features:

• Extensive template library
• Drag-and-drop interface
• Basic photo editing tools
• Brand kit for consistent designs
• Collaboration features
• Animation capabilities
• Print-on-demand integration

The Template Advantage:
Canva's greatest strength is its massive template library and design ecosystem. For users who need to create social media graphics, presentations, or marketing materials quickly, Canva is unmatched. The platform makes professional-looking designs accessible to non-designers.

Recent additions include background removal, advanced photo filters, and basic retouching tools. While these don't match dedicated photo editors, they're sufficient for most design projects.

Limitations for Photo Editing:
Canva's photo editing capabilities are intentionally limited. Complex masking, color correction, and detailed retouching require other tools. The platform is best viewed as a design tool with photo editing capabilities rather than a photo editor with design features.

Pricing Advantage:
While Canva's regular Pro subscription costs $14.99/month, the lifetime deal at just $15 represents incredible value. You get permanent access to Pro features for what you'd normally pay in a single month—making it accessible even for occasional users.

Pros:

• Massive template library
• Excellent for social media and marketing
• Collaborative features
• User-friendly interface
• Strong brand consistency tools

Cons:

• Limited traditional photo editing
• Subscription required for full features
• Template-centric approach may limit creativity
• Limited file format support

Best For: Social media managers, small business owners, marketers, and anyone who prioritizes design templates over detailed photo editing.

9. Adobe Photoshop Express - Mobile Convenience

Rating: 6/10
Price: Free with premium features available
Platforms: iOS, Android, web browser

Adobe Photoshop Express brings basic photo editing to mobile devices and web browsers. While limited compared to desktop alternatives, it offers convenience and Adobe ecosystem integration.

Key Features:

• Basic photo adjustments
• Filters and effects
• Simple retouching tools
• Creative Cloud integration
• Social sharing capabilities
• Collage creation
• Text overlay tools

Mobile Optimization:
Photoshop Express is designed for quick, on-the-go editing. The interface works well on touchscreens, and the feature set is appropriately limited for mobile use. Basic adjustments, cropping, and filter application work smoothly.

The integration with Adobe Creative Cloud allows easy transfer of files to desktop applications, making it a useful part of a larger Adobe workflow.

Significant Limitations:
Photoshop Express lacks advanced features like layers, complex selections, or detailed retouching capabilities. It's best viewed as a mobile companion rather than a standalone photo editor.

Pros:

• Free basic version
• Good mobile interface
• Adobe ecosystem integration
• Regular updates
• Cross-platform availability

Cons:

• Very limited features
• Mobile-centric design
• Subscription required for advanced features
• Not suitable for professional work

Best For: Mobile users who need basic editing capabilities, Adobe ecosystem users, and casual photographers.

How to Choose the Right Photoshop Alternative (Or Get Adobe for Less)

Selecting the best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and workflow preferences. Here's an updated decision framework that includes the discounted Adobe option:

For Professional Photographers: Affinity Photo offers excellent value at $69.99 one-time. However, if you also need Lightroom for RAW processing and catalog management, Adobe Creative Cloud at $269/year provides both plus future updates.

For Budget-Conscious Users: GIMP remains unbeatable as a free option, though it requires patience. Photopea offers more accessibility for occasional use. Plot twist: The Adobe discount brings Creative Cloud to just $22.42/month—less than Netflix and Spotify combined.

For Multi-Discipline Creatives: If you need photo editing AND graphic design, video editing, or web design, alternatives require multiple software purchases. The discounted Creative Cloud provides everything in one ecosystem for less than buying 2-3 separate alternatives.

For Beginners: Adobe Photoshop Elements at $99.99 offers the gentlest Adobe learning curve. Alternatively, the full Creative Cloud discount provides access to simpler tools like Photoshop Express alongside professional versions as you grow.

For Digital Artists: Procreate (iPad) excels for touch-based art, while Corel PaintShop Pro serves Windows users well. However, if you also do digital design or video work, Creative Cloud's Photoshop + Illustrator + After Effects combination is hard to beat.

For Teams and Collaboration: Creative Cloud offers superior collaboration features, cloud sync, and consistent file compatibility across team members—crucial for professional workflows.

The 2-Year Test: Consider your needs over 2 years. Most one-time purchase alternatives ($70-100 each) require multiple tools for complete workflows. Adobe CC at $269/year provides everything for $538 over two years—often less than buying 3-4 individual alternatives.

Consider trying free trials or free versions before committing to paid software. Most alternatives offer enough functionality in their free versions to help you evaluate whether they fit your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these alternatives open PSD files?

Yes, several alternatives can open PSD files. Photopea offers the best PSD compatibility, while GIMP, Affinity Photo, and Corel PaintShop Pro also support PSD files with varying degrees of success. Complex files with advanced features may not translate perfectly.

Which alternative is closest to Photoshop's interface?

Photopea most closely mimics Photoshop's interface, followed by Affinity Photo. Both will feel familiar to experienced Photoshop users, though each has its unique workflow improvements.

Are there completely free options?

Yes, GIMP is completely free with no limitations, while Photopea offers full functionality with ads. Pixlr and Canva have free tiers with limited features.

What about mobile alternatives?

Procreate (iPad) offers the best mobile photo editing experience, while Photoshop Express provides basic editing across mobile platforms. Most other alternatives are desktop-focused.

How do they handle RAW files?

Affinity Photo, GIMP, Corel PaintShop Pro, and Photopea all support RAW files from major camera manufacturers. Photoshop Elements includes basic RAW processing; others may require plugins or converters.

Which is best for beginners?

Adobe Photoshop Elements offers the most guidance for beginners, followed by Pixlr's simplified interface. Canva is excellent for design-focused beginners, while GIMP has the steepest learning curve. 👉 Insider tip: Discounted Creative Cloud includes both beginner-friendly tools AND professional versions, letting you grow without switching software.

Conclusion: The Best Choice Might Surprise You

The photo editing landscape in 2025 offers excellent alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, but the decision isn't as straightforward as it once was. Here's the honest truth:

If you only need basic photo editing occasionally: Photopea (free) or GIMP (free) are excellent choices that cost nothing.

If you're a serious photographer who only edits photos: Affinity Photo at $69.99 one-time provides professional capabilities without subscriptions.

If you're a creative professional or aspiring professional: The discounted Adobe Creative Cloud at $269/year is likely your best bet. You get Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more for less than most professionals spend on coffee annually.

The Reality Check: Most creatives eventually need more than just photo editing. Web design requires code editors, video projects need editing software, and client work often involves multiple file formats and collaboration tools. Adobe's ecosystem handles all of this seamlessly.

The Math: At regular pricing ($719.88/year), Creative Cloud is expensive. At $269/year, it's a bargain that's hard to ignore—even for users who previously preferred alternatives.

My Recommendation: If you're on the fence, grab the Creative Cloud discount and try it for a year. You can always cancel and switch to alternatives, but you'll have a full year to explore professional-grade tools across photo editing, design, video, and web development.

The future of creative work is integrated workflows, cloud collaboration, and multi-platform consistency. While alternatives excel in specific areas, Adobe's discounted ecosystem provides the most comprehensive solution for modern creatives.

Don't let past pricing prejudices cloud your judgment. At $269/year, Creative Cloud isn't just competitive—it's the best value in creative software today.