Top 10 Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

Adobe Photoshop has long been the industry standard for image editing software. However, 2025 has brought several robust alternatives that offer unique features and capabilities. Whether you seek cost-effective solutions, specialized tools, or better platform compatibility, this article explores the top 10 alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, comparing them on key data points like pricing, accessibility, use cases, and strengths.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Cost: Free and open-source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Features: Layers, masks, filters, extensive plugin support, customizable interface
Use Case: Suitable for both beginners and professionals needing a robust image editing tool without cost
Strengths: Highly expandable, packed with features, opens many image file formats
Learn more about GIMP

2. Affinity Photo

Cost: One-time purchase, no subscription
Platforms: macOS, Windows, iPadOS
Features: Layers, advanced color correction, RAW processing, HDR editing, focus stacking, panorama stitching
Use Case: Ideal for photographers and designers seeking a powerful alternative to Photoshop without a subscription
Strengths: Powerful, good value, and similar interface to Photoshop
Explore Affinity Photo

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3. Photopea

Cost: Free (ad-supported), with a premium option to remove ads
Platforms: Web browser (accessible on any OS)
Features: Supports PSD files, layers, masks, vector tools, custom brushes (ABR format)
Use Case: Best for users who need a Photoshop-like experience without installing software or those who use Photoshop brushes
Strengths: Fully browser-based, supports various file types, includes cloud storage
Check out Photopea

4. Capture One Pro

Cost: One-time purchase or subscription available
Platforms: macOS, Windows
Features: Excellent RAW processing, tethered shooting, advanced color editing, layer-based adjustments, cataloging
Use Case: Primarily used by professional studio photographers needing tethering and color accuracy
Strengths: Excellent RAW processing, fast tethering, and professional workflow
Discover Capture One Pro

5. Pixelmator Pro

Cost: One-time purchase
Platforms: macOS
Features: Machine learning-enhanced tools, vector editing, layer-based editing, Apple Pencil support, integration with Apple Photos
Use Case: Best for Mac users wanting a powerful and streamlined photo and graphic design tool that integrates well with Apple's ecosystem
Strengths: Sleek interface, AI tools, and good compatibility with Apple products
Explore Pixelmator Pro

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6. Krita

Cost: Free and open-source
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Features: Extensive brush engine, layer support, vector tools, animation support, color management
Use Case: Ideal for illustrators, digital painters, and artists, while also providing image editing tools
Strengths: User-friendly, many brush options, and suitable for digital artists
Learn more about Krita

7. Canva

Cost: Free version available, with paid options for more features
Platforms: Web browser, iOS, Android
Features: Pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop interface, stock photos, collaboration tools, basic photo editing
Use Case: Ideal for social media content, presentations, and small business marketing material creation, and for those needing basic edits with design options
Strengths: Easy to use, good for brand consistency, and great for collaboration
Discover Canva

8. Adobe Photoshop Elements

Cost: One-time purchase
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Features: Simplified interface, AI-powered tools, basic editing features, including background removal and text tools
Use Case: Good option for users seeking some Photoshop features without the full cost of the subscription
Strengths: Better price than Photoshop, includes many favorite tools, and good for beginners
Explore Adobe Photoshop Elements

9. Pixlr

Cost: Free version available, with paid subscription options for advanced features
Platforms: Web browser, iOS, Android
Features: AI-powered editing tools, layered editing, templates, and basic to advanced image manipulations
Use Case: Good for users looking for an affordable AI photo editor that is accessible through a web browser and mobile
Strengths: Affordable, AI-powered, and an authentic Photoshop experience
Learn more about Pixlr

10. Procreate

Cost: One-time purchase
Platforms: iPadOS
Features: Responsive to Apple Pencil, supports high-resolution canvases, layers, custom brushes, animation features
Use Case: Ideal for digital artists, illustrators and those who love to draw on the iPad
Strengths: Easy to use, affordable, and intuitive for drawing
Explore Procreate

These are 10 strong alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, each with its own strengths and unique selling points. Depending on your needs (budget, features, platform), one of these options should be a great fit.

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FAQ

1. What is a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop?

GIMP is a powerful free and open-source image editor suitable for both beginners and professionals. Learn more about GIMP

2. What is a good one-time purchase alternative to Photoshop?

Affinity Photo offers a professional-grade photo editing experience with a one-time purchase. Discover Affinity Photo

3. Is there a browser-based alternative to Photoshop?

Photopea is a free, browser-based image editor with an interface similar to Photoshop. Explore Photopea

4. Which alternative is best for professional studio photographers?

Capture One Pro is a high-end RAW processing and photo editing software ideal for studio photographers. Learn more about Capture One Pro

5. What is a good photo editor for macOS users?

Pixelmator Pro is a Mac-exclusive photo editor that integrates well with the Apple ecosystem. Discover Pixelmator Pro

6. What is an open-source alternative for digital artists?

Krita is a free and open-source digital painting software also capable of image editing. Explore Krita

7. What is a user-friendly online design tool alternative to Photoshop?

Canva is an online graphic design tool suitable for quick edits and design projects. Learn more about Canva

8. Is there a simplified version of Photoshop available for casual users?

Adobe Photoshop Elements is a pared-down version of Photoshop offered as a one-time purchase. Discover Adobe Photoshop Elements

9. Is there an affordable cloud-based photo editor with AI capabilities?

Pixlr is a cloud-based photo editor that provides a range of AI-powered tools. Explore Pixlr

10. What is a good digital illustration app for iPad users?

Procreate is a powerful and intuitive illustration app designed exclusively for the iPad. Learn more about Procreate

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.