Top Photoshop Alternatives 2025: Best Free & Paid Editors
Best Photoshop Alternatives in 2025: Top Free & Paid Photo Editors Compared
Finding the right photo editing software is more important than ever in 2025. While Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard, many users are searching for photoshop alternatives that offer robust features without the recurring subscription. Whether you’re a beginner, a professional photographer, a business owner, or a digital artist, there are plenty of free photoshop alternatives and paid options to suit your needs.
What Makes a Great Photoshop Alternative?
Choosing the best photoshop alternative depends on your editing needs. The ideal photoshop substitute should offer essential image editing software features like layers, masking, RAW support, and AI-powered tools. Compatibility with PSD files, ease of use, and platform flexibility are also crucial. With the rise of AI photo editors, features like object removal and background replacement are now must-haves for any top photoshop replacement.
Key Features to Look For
When comparing programs like photoshop, look for:
- Layer-based editing for non-destructive changes
- AI tools for background removal, object erasing, and image upscaling
- RAW photo editing capabilities
- Support for custom brushes and advanced filters
- Batch processing for efficiency
- PSD file compatibility for seamless workflow
- Integration with cloud storage and e-commerce platforms
For e-commerce sellers, a photoshop alternative like SellerPic stands out for its AI-powered product image enhancement and video creation.
Types of Users: Beginners, Professionals, Businesses, Artists
Different users need different photo editing software. Beginners often prefer free photo editing apps with intuitive interfaces, like Canva or Fotor. Professionals and photographers might gravitate toward Affinity Photo, Capture One, or ON1 Photo RAW for advanced controls. Businesses and teams benefit from collaboration and automation features in Canva or SellerPic. Artists and illustrators usually favor Krita or Pixelmator for their creative flexibility.
How We Evaluated and Tested These Photo Editors
We spent dozens of hours testing and reviewing the best photoshop alternatives. Each photo editor was assessed for user interface, editing power, AI capabilities, PSD support, integration options, and overall value. Our hands-on approach ensures only the most reliable and feature-rich photoshop alternatives free or paid make this list.
Quick Comparison Table: Best Photoshop Alternatives at a Glance
Explore this snapshot of the top photoshop alternatives and their standout features:
Best Photoshop Alternatives in 2025
There’s never been a better time to try alternatives to photoshop. Here are the top picks for every user type and editing goal.
Best Overall Photoshop Alternative
Affinity Photo is a feature-rich adobe photoshop alternative for professionals who want a one-time purchase model. It supports advanced layers, RAW editing, PSD files, and non-destructive workflows, making it a powerful photoshop replacement for demanding users.
Best Free Photoshop Alternative
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is the most popular open source photoshop alternative. It offers a full suite of editing tools, layer support, and compatibility with PSD files. While its interface is less modern, GIMP is a free photoshop alternative that rivals paid options for many creative tasks.
Best Online Photoshop Alternatives
Photopea is a browser-based photoshop alternative free online that closely mimics Photoshop’s interface. It supports PSD, XCF, and Sketch files, and offers AI-powered background removal and smart object tools.
Pixlr X & E are great free photo editing apps for users who want photoshop similar free experiences in their browser. Pixlr X is beginner-friendly, while Pixlr E offers more advanced editing for experienced users.
Best for AI-Powered Editing & Object Removal
SellerPic is a top AI photoshop alternative free online, perfect for product photos, object removal, and background changes. Its AI features allow anyone to refine product images, models, and even create videos with AI. SellerPic is especially valuable for e-commerce sellers and marketers.
SellerPic’s Magic Eraser and AI enhancement tools make it a strong photoshop substitute for fast social media edits and creative effects.
MyEdit provides daily free AI credits for generative fill, upscaling, and background removal, making it suitable for occasional high-quality AI edits.
Best for Product Photos & Social Media
SellerPic stands out as the best photoshop alternative for e-commerce and social media content creation. Its batch editing, background removal, and ready-made templates are ideal for sellers needing polished visuals across platforms like Shopify and Amazon.
Best for Artists & Illustrators
Krita is a free photoshop alternative tailored for digital painting and illustration. It features advanced brushes, PSD compatibility, and a creative-focused interface, making it a favorite among artists.
Best for RAW Photo Editing
PhotoScape X offers robust RAW editing, batch processing, and intuitive controls. ON1 Photo RAW provides advanced filters, RAW support, and AI masking, making both excellent choices for photographers seeking a photoshop replacement.
Best for Professional Photographers
Capture One is renowned for its exceptional RAW processing and color grading, making it a leading adobe photoshop alternative for professionals. Luminar Neo uses AI for sky replacement and portrait enhancement, streamlining complex photo edits.
Best for Businesses & Teams
Canva’s collaborative features, brand kits, and cloud access make it a top photoshop alternative for teams. Photo Pos Pro offers scripting, batch editing, and both beginner and expert interfaces, catering to business needs.
Best for Enthusiasts & Intermediates
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate combines photo management, RAW processing, and advanced editing tools. Corel PaintShop Pro is a budget-friendly photoshop alternative with comprehensive editing features and PSD compatibility. CyberLink PhotoDirector offers AI-powered tools and guided edits for enthusiasts.
Best for Budget-Conscious Editors
Adobe Photoshop Elements is designed for hobbyists, providing guided edits and powerful tools at a one-time cost, making it a great photoshop substitute for casual users.
Other Noteworthy Photoshop Alternatives
- Acorn 5: A lightweight, Mac-only editor with strong performance.
- Pixelmator: User-friendly macOS image editing software for quick retouching.
- Appy Pie Design: Drag-and-drop, AI-powered design for non-coders seeking a free application for photo editing.
Integration Options With Popular Tools
Many photoshop alternatives offer seamless integration with popular platforms:
- Canva: Google Drive, Slack, Trello, Buffer
- Pixlr: Google Photos, Dropbox, WordPress
- Fotor: Google Drive, Dropbox, Instagram
- Photoroom: Shopify, Etsy, Google Drive
- GIMP: Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub
- Appy Pie Design: Google Drive, Slack, Trello
- SellerPic: Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce—ideal for e-commerce automation
How to Choose the Right Photoshop Alternative for You?
Selecting the right photo editing software free or paid depends on your needs:
1. Define your use case: Personal, professional, social, or business editing.
2. Set your budget: Free photoshop alternatives like SellerPic, GIMP, and Photopea offer robust tools at no cost.
3. Check platform compatibility: Ensure your choice works on your device (Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile).
4. Assess AI features: For one-click background removal or object erasing, SellerPic and Fotor are strong choices.
5. Consider integrations: If you use cloud storage or e-commerce platforms, pick an editor with relevant integrations.
Use Cases (Personal, Professional, Social, Business)
- Personal: Canva, Fotor, Pixlr for simple edits and sharing.
- Professional: Affinity Photo, Capture One, SellerPic for advanced workflows.
- Social: Canva, SellerPic, and Photoroom for creating branded content.
- Business: Canva, SellerPic, and Photo Pos Pro for team collaboration and automation.
Pricing Considerations
- Free: SellerPic, GIMP, Photopea, Pixlr, Canva (basic)
- One-Time Purchase: Affinity Photo, PhotoScape X, Corel PaintShop Pro
- Subscription: Adobe Photoshop, Capture One, Luminar Neo (optional for advanced features)
Platform Compatibility (Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Mobile)
Most leading photoshop alternatives support multiple platforms. SellerPic, Photopea, and Pixlr are web-based and work on any device. GIMP and Krita support Mac, Windows, and Linux. Canva, Fotor, and Photoroom are available as free photo editing apps for mobile.
AI Features and Automation
AI-driven editing is now standard in the best free photo enhancement software. SellerPic leads with AI-powered background removal, object erasing, and batch product enhancements. Canva, Fotor, and Pixlr also offer strong AI tools for fast, creative results.
Final Thoughts
The right photoshop alternative depends on your workflow and needs. For e-commerce and product images, SellerPic is a top choice as a free online AI photo editor. Artists will appreciate Krita, while professional photographers may favor Capture One or Luminar Neo. With so many free and affordable photoshop alternatives available, there’s never been a better time to find the best photo editing apps for your projects.
FAQs
What is the best alternative to Photoshop?
The best photoshop alternative varies by need. For advanced editing, Affinity Photo is excellent. For free AI-powered product photo editing, SellerPic is a standout choice. GIMP and Photopea are also top free photoshop alternatives.
Who is Photoshop's biggest competitor?
Affinity Photo and GIMP are considered the biggest adobe photoshop alternatives for professionals and open-source users. SellerPic is gaining traction for e-commerce and AI-driven editing.
How do you replace clothes in Photoshop AI?
To replace clothes using a photoshop alternative like SellerPic:
- Upload your image.
- Select the clothing area.
- Use the AI object removal or replacement tool.
- Adjust and refine the result as needed.
SellerPic makes this process accessible for non-designers.
What is the best free alternative to Adobe?
GIMP and SellerPic are highly rated as free photoshop alternatives. Both offer professional-grade editing tools and AI features at no cost.
Can Photoshop alternatives open PSD files?
Yes, many photoshop alternatives are free and paid—such as SellerPic, GIMP, Photopea, and Affinity Photo—support PSD files.
Which Photoshop alternative has the best AI features?
SellerPic stands out for its AI-powered editing, background removal, and object replacement. Fotor and Pixlr also offer advanced AI tools.
Are there Photoshop alternatives for Mac and Linux?
Yes, GIMP, Krita, and Affinity Photo are available for Mac and Linux users. SellerPic and Photopea work via any web browser.
Is there a Photoshop alternative for beginners?
Canva, Fotor, and SellerPic are user-friendly photoshop alternatives designed for beginners, with intuitive interfaces and guided edits.
Which Photoshop alternative is best for professional photographers?
Capture One and Luminar Neo are favorites among professional photographers for their RAW editing and color grading capabilities.
Are free Photoshop alternatives safe to use?
Yes, reputable free photoshop alternatives like SellerPic, GIMP, and Photopea are safe and widely trusted.
Can I use Photoshop alternatives for business or team collaboration?
Definitely. Canva, SellerPic, and Photo Pos Pro offer features for team collaboration, branding, and workflow automation.
What is the most user-friendly Photoshop alternative?
SellerPic and Canva are known for their straightforward interfaces and one-click AI tools, making them the best free photo editing app options for ease of use.
Do any Photoshop alternatives support RAW editing?
Yes, PhotoScape X, ON1 Photo RAW, Capture One, and GIMP all support RAW photo editing.
Which Photoshop alternative is best for digital artists?
Krita is the top open source photoshop alternative for digital painting and illustration, supporting advanced brushes and PSD files.
Are there mobile apps that can replace Photoshop?
Yes, Canva, Fotor, Photoroom, and SellerPic (web app) are top free photo editing apps for Android and iOS.
How do online Photoshop alternatives compare to desktop apps?
Online editors like SellerPic and Photopea offer many of the same features as desktop image editing software programs, without installation hassles.
Can I automate workflows with Photoshop alternatives?
Yes, many photo editing software free and paid like SellerPic, Canva, and Pixlr offer integrations for workflow automation.
Are there any open-source Photoshop alternatives?
GIMP and Krita are leading open source photoshop alternatives, offering extensive customization for free.
Is SellerPic a good alternative to Photoshop for e-commerce sellers?
SellerPic is a strong free online photoshop alternative for e-commerce, offering AI-powered product photo editing, background removal, and video creation.
What features make SellerPic stand out among Photoshop alternatives?
SellerPic’s AI-driven background removal, batch editing, and seamless integration with marketplaces make it a unique choice among photoshop alternatives.
What are the top online Photoshop alternatives?
SellerPic, Photopea, and Pixlr are the top online photoshop alternatives for 2025.
Is Photopea a good Photoshop alternative?
Photopea is a robust free photoshop alternative, especially for users who need to edit PSD files online.
How does Photopea compare to Photoshop for online editing?
Photopea closely mimics Photoshop’s interface and supports advanced features, making it a strong photoshop substitute for online editing.
Are there any free Photoshop alternatives recommended on Reddit?
GIMP, Photopea, and SellerPic are often recommended as good photoshop alternatives free by Reddit users.
What is the best Photoshop alternative for Android devices?
Canva, Fotor, and Photoroom are top photoshop alternative app choices for Android. SellerPic’s web app is also mobile-friendly.
Are there good Photoshop alternatives for Mac users?
Yes, Affinity Photo, GIMP, Krita, and SellerPic work well on Mac.
Is GIMP a reliable free alternative to Photoshop?
GIMP is a reliable free photoshop alternative with a robust set of features and active community support.
How does GIMP compare to Photoshop for beginners?
GIMP has a steeper learning curve than some photoshop apps, but offers powerful tools for free. Canva and SellerPic are easier for beginners.
Can I use GIMP as a Photoshop alternative on Mac or Linux?
Yes, GIMP is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows.
Which Photoshop alternative works best for quick online edits?
SellerPic and Pixlr are excellent for fast, free online photo edits.
Can I edit PSD files with free Photoshop alternatives like Photopea or GIMP?
Yes, both Photopea and GIMP allow editing of PSD files without needing Adobe Photoshop.
What are the best free Photoshop alternatives for digital art?
Krita is highly recommended for digital art. It offers a range of brushes and tools for painting, drawing, and even poster or flyer creation. Krita stands out for its focus on artists and illustrators, making it a top choice for those who want to create digital artwork without paying for Photoshop. If you want to enhance your product images or models with AI, SellerPic is a great free online AI photo editor that can help refine your visuals naturally.
Is there a free Photoshop alternative that works well for comic book creation?
Krita is also popular among comic book creators. Its interface and brush engine are tailored for illustration, making it suitable for comic and manga artists. If you need to further polish your comic panels or create AI-generated backgrounds, SellerPic can be a useful tool alongside Krita.
Which Photoshop alternative is most similar to Photoshop in terms of features and interface?
Photopea is a free online photo editor that closely mimics Photoshop’s interface and supports many of the same features, including layer management and advanced editing. This makes the transition from Photoshop easier for users. You can use SellerPic as a complementary tool to generate or refine images with AI for added creativity.
Can you recommend a Photoshop alternative that supports layers and advanced editing?
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an open-source editor that supports layers, masks, and advanced editing options. It’s a powerful alternative for those who need professional-level image manipulation. For AI-powered enhancements, SellerPic can be used to quickly improve your images before or after editing in GIMP.
Are there any free online photo editors that can replace Photoshop?
Photopea is a robust online photo editor that runs in your browser, supporting PSD files and advanced editing features. It’s a practical replacement for Photoshop if you need a free and accessible tool. SellerPic is another excellent option for online photo editing, especially if you want to refine product images or create videos with AI.
What is the best Photoshop alternative for beginners?
Krita and Photopea are both beginner-friendly. Krita’s straightforward layout is ideal for artists, while Photopea’s familiar interface eases the learning curve for those used to Photoshop. SellerPic is also easy to use, making it a good starting point for beginners who want to experiment with AI-generated images.
Are there any open-source Photoshop alternatives?
GIMP and Krita are both open-source and free to use. They receive regular updates from their communities and offer a wide range of features for photo editing and digital art.
Which free Photoshop alternative is best for drawing and illustration?
Krita is the top choice for drawing and illustration due to its artist-focused tools and customizable brushes. It’s designed to meet the needs of illustrators and digital painters. You can use SellerPic for additional AI enhancements to your artwork.
Do any free Photoshop alternatives support PSD files?
Photopea is known for its compatibility with PSD files, allowing you to open, edit, and save Photoshop documents directly in your browser. GIMP also supports PSD files, though with some limitations.
What is a good free option for editing product images and models?
Photopea and GIMP are both strong choices for editing product images. For a more AI-driven approach to refining product images, models, or even creating videos, SellerPic is a top free online AI image generator and photo editor that can streamline your workflow.
