Top Photoshop Alternatives in 2025

Photoshop Alternatives in 2025

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the best Photoshop alternatives in 2025, broken down by platform, AI features, target users, system requirements, and pricing.

Photoshop is undoubtedly the industry standard for photo editing, but not everyone needs (or can afford) its full suite of tools. Thankfully, several powerful alternatives offer great editing capabilities—with some even including AI-powered features. Whether you're a digital painter, casual user, or a professional photographer, there's a Photoshop alternative for you.

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the best Photoshop alternatives in 2025, broken down by platform, AI features, target users, system requirements, and pricing.

📊 Photoshop Alternatives Comparison Table

🔍 Deep Dive into Key 

Photoshop Alternatives

1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
AI Support: ❌ No built-in AI, but supports third-party plugins like G’MIC for basic automation
Best For: Open-source advocates, educators, budget-conscious designers
System Requirements: Very lightweight; runs well even on low-end systems
Price: ✅ 100% Free

Details:
GIMP is a powerful open-source raster graphics editor ideal for users who want full control over their projects without paying a dime. It offers advanced tools like layers, masks, filters, and scripting support. While it lacks native AI support, plugins such as G’MIC add limited AI-like effects. It’s widely used in educational institutions and by Linux users. However, the learning curve can be steep for beginners.

2. Photopea

Platform: Web-based (compatible with all OS)
AI Support: ⚠️ Basic AI tools like background remover and smart object selection
Best For: Students, freelance editors, people needing quick, on-the-go edits
System Requirements: Runs directly in browsers like Chrome and Firefox
Price: ✅ Free (Ad-supported)

Details:
Photopea emulates the Photoshop interface in a browser, supporting PSD, XCF, Sketch, and RAW files. It’s fantastic for users needing to edit quickly without installing software. AI features are basic but useful. It's the go-to for schools, quick freelance jobs, or Chromebook users. The interface mirrors Photoshop enough to help beginners transition to the full Adobe suite later.

3. Krita

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
AI Support: ❌ No AI support
Best For: Illustrators, concept artists, comic book creators
System Requirements: Moderate – needs a decent GPU for large brush workflows
Price: ✅ Free

Details:
Krita is designed specifically for digital painting, not photo editing. It supports complex brush engines, animation tools, perspective grids, and HDR painting. With its responsive UI and extensive brush customization, Krita rivals paid tools in digital art creation. While it lacks AI, artists love it for its "hand-drawn" control and creative freedom.

4. Pixlr E / Pixlr X

Platform: Web, Android, iOS
AI Support: ✅ Includes AI features like background remover, skin retouching, and object removal
Best For: Social media content creators, marketers, and hobbyists
System Requirements: Browser-based; Chrome is recommended for best performance
Price: ✅ Free (Pro version available with more tools)

Details:
Pixlr X (basic) and Pixlr E (advanced) are easy-to-use editors accessible from any device. It uses AI for tasks like one-click object removal and face retouching. It’s ideal for batch editing social media photos or creating YouTube thumbnails quickly. Pro plans unlock features like stock images, AI cutout, and overlays.

5. Adobe Express (Formerly Adobe Spark)

Platform: Web
AI Support: ✅ Offers AI features like text-to-image, content-aware layout, and background removal
Best For: Social media managers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners
System Requirements: Browser-based, works best in Chrome
Price: ✅ Free (Premium version for templates and stock assets)

Details:
Adobe Express is Adobe’s Canva competitor, focused on ease and speed. You can create Instagram posts, logos, posters, and reels using drag-and-drop templates. AI enhances productivity by recommending designs, colors, and layouts. It’s great for people who need professional-looking graphics without a design background.

6. Affinity Photo

Platform: Windows, macOS, iPad
AI Support: ⚠️ Some ML-powered tools (e.g., object selection, image clean-up)
Best For: Professional photographers, retouchers, graphic designers
System Requirements: 64-bit systems, 8GB+ RAM recommended for smooth use
Price: 💲 One-time payment (~₹5,500 / $69.99)

Details:
Affinity Photo is a serious Photoshop competitor with support for RAW editing, HDR, panorama stitching, PSD files, and frequency separation. It’s especially loved for high-end photo retouching and print design. While it doesn't have flashy AI tools, its performance and color handling are top-notch. It’s perfect for professionals wanting lifetime access without subscriptions.

7. Pixelmator Pro

Platform: macOS only
AI Support: ✅ Includes ML Enhance, Super Resolution, Quick Selection
Best For: Mac photographers, bloggers, and YouTubers
System Requirements: macOS 11+, works best with Apple Silicon
Price: 💲 One-time (~₹4,000 / $49.99)

Details:
Built exclusively for Mac, Pixelmator Pro takes full advantage of Apple’s Core ML technology. It features seamless integration with macOS, supports RAW editing, and uses AI to improve exposure, sharpen images, and upscale low-res photos. Great for users in the Apple ecosystem who want fast, intelligent editing tools with a simple UI.

8. Luminar Neo

Platform: Windows, macOS
AI Support: ✅ Extensive AI (Sky AI, Skin AI, Relight AI, Composition AI)
Best For: Wedding, portrait, and landscape photographers
System Requirements: High – 8GB+ RAM, SSD, and discrete GPU recommended
Price: 💲 Subscription ($59/year) or Lifetime ($79+)

Details:
Luminar Neo is the most AI-driven photo editor in this list. It’s capable of replacing skies, enhancing skin, lighting faces, and composing scenes—all automatically. Photographers use it to speed up batch workflows and elevate photo aesthetics. While it's not ideal for graphic design, it's a powerhouse for creative photo enhancements.

9. Photo Pos Pro

Platform: Windows, macOS
AI Support: ❌ None
Best For: Casual photographers and students
System Requirements: Lightweight – works on most computers
Price: ✅ Free (Pro version available)

Details:
Photo Pos Pro is like a stripped-down Photoshop alternative for entry-level users. It includes layers, masks, and filter effects. Though the UI feels a bit outdated, it’s effective for basic retouching, color correction, and effects. It’s well-suited for photographers on a tight budget.

10. Fotor Pro

Platform: Windows, macOS, Web, Mobile
AI Support: ✅ AI Enhance, Beauty Retouch, BG Remover
Best For: Bloggers, influencers, and casual designers
System Requirements: Very light – runs on older hardware
Price: ✅ Free (Pro version with additional templates and assets)

Details:
Fotor’s AI tools cater to those who want quick, automatic enhancements. It's beginner-friendly and includes one-click corrections, collage features, and design templates. Its cloud integration and mobile apps make it great for users creating content on the go.

💡 Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a free alternative to Photoshop, GIMP, Photopea, and Pixlr are excellent starting points. If you're a professional needing advanced editing with a one-time payment, Affinity Photo or Pixelmator Pro are smart investments. For those who want AI-powered automation, Luminar Neo or Fotor Pro shine.

✅ Which One Should You Choose?

• Beginners / Hobbyists: Fotor, Pixlr, Canva, Photopea

• Professional Photographers: Affinity Photo, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro

• Illustrators / Painters: Krita

• Designers on a Budget: GIMP, Photo Pos Pro

• Mac Enthusiasts: Pixelmator Pro