As we move into 2025, the landscape of photo editing software is more diverse and capable than ever. Whether you’re a professional designer, a photographer on a budget, or a hobbyist exploring creative tools, here are the best Photoshop alternatives to consider this year.

1. Affinity Photo 2

Platform: Windows, macOS, iPad
Price: One-time purchase (~.99)

Affinity Photo 2 remains the strongest direct competitor to Photoshop. It offers a full suite of professional-grade tools including layers, masks, adjustments, and advanced retouching capabilities. Its performance is optimized for speed, and it supports PSD files with high fidelity. The one-time purchase model makes it a cost-effective choice for professionals who want a permanent license without recurring fees.

Key Features:
– Non-destructive editing with live filters and adjustments
– HDR merge, panorama stitching, and focus stacking
– Advanced color management and RAW processing
– Seamless integration with Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher

2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free and open-source

GIMP has matured significantly over the years and remains the most powerful free alternative to Photoshop. Its customizable interface and extensive plugin ecosystem allow users to replicate many Photoshop workflows. While its default UI can feel dated, third-party themes and community scripts greatly enhance usability.

Key Features:
– Full layer and mask support
– Advanced selection tools (foreground select, paths)
– Extensive plugin library (G’MIC, Resynthesizer)
– Scriptable via Python, Scheme, or C

Best for: Users who need a no-cost solution and are comfortable with a steeper learning curve.

3. Photopea

Platform: Web-based (browser)
Price: Free with ads; premium version removes ads (/month)

Photopea is an impressive browser-based editor that supports PSD, AI, Sketch, XD, and many other file formats. It mimics Photoshop’s interface remarkably well, making it an ideal tool for quick edits or when you don’t have access to your primary workstation. The premium version offers faster performance and removes advertisements.

Key Features:
– Full PSD compatibility with layer styles and smart objects
– Vector and raster editing in one workspace
– Batch processing and automation via scripts
– No installation required; works on any device with a modern browser

Best for: Remote work, quick edits, and cross-platform accessibility.

4. Pixelmator Pro

Platform: macOS only
Price: One-time purchase (.99)

Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-exclusive editor that combines powerful AI-driven tools with an intuitive interface. Its machine learning features—such as automatic background removal, denoising, and color matching—save significant time. The software excels in photo retouching, graphic design, and painting.

Key Features:
– ML-enhanced tools for selection, repair, and enhancement
– Full RAW support with non-destructive adjustments
– Vector and text tools integrated with raster editing
– Support for Photoshop plugins and PSD files

Best for: Mac users seeking a polished, native alternative with advanced AI features.

5. Corel PaintShop Pro 2025

Platform: Windows only
Price: One-time purchase (~.99) or subscription

Corel PaintShop Pro has reinvented itself with a modern interface and robust feature set. It offers a complete photo editing and graphic design suite, including RAW editing, HDR, and AI-powered upscaling. The latest version introduces improved selection tools and a more intuitive workspace.

Key Features:
– AI-driven upscaling and denoising
– Multi-photo compositing with automatic alignment
– Built-in screen capture and photo management
– Extensive library of effects, gradients, and templates

Best for: Windows users who want a comprehensive suite at a reasonable price.

6. Canva Pro

Platform: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Price: Free tier available; Pro subscription (.99/month)

While Canva is primarily a design tool, its photo editing capabilities have grown substantially. With layers, filters, effects, and a vast library of assets, it serves as a lightweight alternative for social media graphics, marketing materials, and quick photo touch-ups. The Pro version adds background removal, brand kits, and advanced resizing.

Key Features:
– Drag-and-drop interface with thousands of templates
– AI-powered background removal and magic eraser
– Collaborative editing and real-time commenting
– Extensive stock photo, video, and audio library

Best for: Non-designers, marketers, and teams needing fast, template-driven editing.

7. Darktable

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free and open-source

For photographers who prioritize RAW processing and non-destructive editing, Darktable is a powerful alternative to Adobe Lightroom (and Photoshop). It offers a comprehensive set of tools for color grading, noise reduction, and lens correction. Its modular architecture allows for extensive customization.

Key Features:
– Full RAW workflow with sidecar files
– Advanced color management and ICC profile support
– Tethering support for many camera models
– OpenCL acceleration for faster processing

Best for: Photographers who need a free, professional RAW editor with advanced color control.

8. Krita

Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Price: Free and open-source

Krita is best known as a digital painting application, but its photo editing capabilities should not be underestimated. It includes layers, masks, filters, and a powerful brush engine. For illustrators and concept artists who also need basic photo retouching, Krita is an excellent all-in-one solution.

Key Features:
– Industry-leading brush engine with brush stabilizers
– Layer groups, masks, and blending modes
– HDR and 16-bit/channel support
– Animation tools and storyboard features

Best for: Digital artists and illustrators who occasionally edit photos.

Comparison Table

| Software | Price | Platform | Best For |
|———-|——-|———-|———-|
| Affinity Photo 2 | One-time ~ | Win, Mac, iPad | Professionals seeking permanent license |
| GIMP | Free | Win, Mac, Linux | Budget-conscious users willing to learn |
| Photopea | Free / /mo | Web | Quick edits and cross-platform needs |
| Pixelmator Pro | One-time ~ | Mac only | Mac users wanting AI-enhanced tools |
| Corel PaintShop Pro | One-time ~ | Win only | Windows users wanting full suite |
| Canva Pro | .99/mo | Web, Mobile, Desktop | Marketers and team collaboration |
| Darktable | Free | Win, Mac, Linux | RAW photographers |
| Krita | Free | Win, Mac, Linux | Digital artists and illustrators |

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Are you editing photos, creating digital art, or designing marketing materials?

Free options like GIMP and Darktable are powerful but require time to learn.

Some tools are exclusive to Windows or macOS.

Do you need PSD compatibility or collaboration features?

Cloud-based tools like Photopea require stable internet, while native apps offer faster processing.

Conclusion

The best Photoshop alternative in 2025 depends on your specific needs, budget, and workflow. For professionals who want a permanent license, Affinity Photo 2 remains the top choice. Free users will find GIMP and Darktable incredibly capable, while photographers on macOS should not overlook Pixelmator Pro. Web-based Photopea offers unparalleled accessibility, and Canva Pro simplifies design for non-experts.

No single tool replaces Photoshop for every task, but the diversity of alternatives means there is a perfect fit for nearly every user. Evaluate your priorities, try a few options, and discover the software that empowers your creative vision without the burden of a subscription.