Top 10 Alternatives to Affinity Photo in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

As Affinity Photo garners acclaim for its robust photo editing tools, 2025 introduces several powerful alternatives. Whether you're on the hunt for better pricing, unique features, or enhanced integration, this article delves into the top 10 Affinity Photo alternatives, comparing them based on essential data points like pricing, ease of use, key features, and target audience.

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1. Adobe Photoshop

Description: Industry-standard professional photo editing software with comprehensive tools for retouching, compositing, and digital painting. Utilizes Adobe Sensei AI for advanced features.
Key Features: Layer-based editing, advanced masking, extensive filter and effect library, AI-powered tools, seamless integration with other Adobe products.
Pricing: Subscription-based; part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (approx. $22.99/month or part of the photography plan at around $9.99/month with 20GB storage).
Ease of Use: Can be challenging for beginners due to its extensive features but has an intuitive and customizable interface.
Link: Adobe Photoshop
Source: [2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 20]

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Description: Photo management and editing software focused on non-destructive editing and workflow, making it ideal for photographers managing large catalogs.
Key Features: Image cataloging, RAW processing, precise adjustment tools, masking functions, cloud storage and syncing.
Pricing: Subscription-based; available standalone or as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (starting around $9.99/month).
Ease of Use: More beginner-friendly than Photoshop, emphasizing smooth and efficient editing.
Link: Adobe Lightroom
Source: [2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 16, 19]

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3. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: Free and open-source image editing software with a wide range of tools comparable to those found in expensive software.
Key Features: Layer management, extensive toolset, advanced filters and effects, color adjustments, compatibility with various image formats (including PSD files).
Pricing: Free
Ease of Use: Interface can be seen as clunky by some, yet it is fully functional and powerful.
Link: GIMP
Source: [1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 19, 20]

4. Luminar Neo

Description: AI-powered photo editing software known for ease of use and powerful tools, including one-click enhancements and creative effects.
Key Features: AI sky replacement, portrait bokeh AI, AI-powered composition, user-friendly interface, and various creative effects.
Pricing: One-time purchase or subscription options available (check website for current pricing).
Ease of Use: User-friendly, suitable for all skill levels, with advanced AI features simplifying complex edits.
Link: Luminar Neo
Source: [2, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19]

5. Capture One Pro

Description: Professional photo editing software with a focus on tethered shooting and advanced RAW processing, favored by studio photographers.
Key Features: Advanced color editing, layer-based editing, powerful RAW processing, tethered shooting capabilities, customizable workspace.
Pricing: Perpetual license or subscription (check website for current pricing); can be more costly.
Ease of Use: Intuitive and responsive interface, though requiring some expertise.
Link: Capture One Pro
Source: [2, 3, 7, 19]

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6. Pixlr

Description: Online photo editor offering a Photoshop-style experience directly in your browser, with a mobile app and AI-powered features.
Key Features: Layers, masks, various editing tools, and AI-powered enhancements. Pixlr E for advanced editing and Pixlr X for quick edits.
Pricing: Free version available, with premium subscription options (check website for current pricing).
Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly with a variety of tools, suitable for quick and professional edits.
Link: Pixlr
Source: [1, 3, 5, 6, 12, 17]

7. Fotor

Description: AI-powered online photo editor offering quick enhancements, featuring tools for object removal and other basic editing functions.
Key Features: AI object removal, photo and video editing tools, numerous filters and effects.
Pricing: Free version available, with paid subscriptions for premium features (check website for current pricing).
Ease of Use: Easy to use for quick edits and enhancements.
Link: Fotor
Source: [1, 5, 9, 12, 17, 18, 21]

8. ON1 Photo RAW

Description: Comprehensive photo editing software focusing on features and a one-time purchase option.
Key Features: Non-destructive editing, extensive masking tools, AI-powered noise reduction, luminosity and depth masks.
Pricing: One-time purchase (check website for current pricing).
Ease of Use: Suitable for those looking for a comprehensive toolset and an alternative to subscription-based software, though with a learning curve.
Link: ON1 Photo RAW
Source: [7, 15, 16]

9. Photopea

Description: A free, advanced online photo editor that supports custom Photoshop brushes, mimicking the look and feel of Adobe Photoshop.
Key Features: Supports PSD files, layer-based editing, a variety of selection tools, filters, and effects, custom brush support.
Pricing: Free, with optional premium subscription.
Ease of Use: An excellent option for those familiar with Photoshop.
Link: Photopea
Source: [1, 5]

10. ACDSee Photo Studio

Description: Photo editing and management software for Windows and Mac, offering multiple versions for different needs (Home, Professional, Ultimate).
Key Features: Photo management tools, RAW processing, layer-based editing, digital asset management.
Pricing: One-time purchase options, different versions at different prices (check website for current pricing).
Ease of Use: Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Link: ACDSee
Source: [3, 14, 15]

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FAQ

1. What is Adobe Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is an industry-standard professional photo editing software with tools for retouching, compositing, and digital painting, including Adobe Sensei AI features such as content-aware fill. Learn more about Adobe Photoshop

2. How does Adobe Lightroom differ from Photoshop?

Adobe Lightroom focuses on non-destructive photo management and editing, making it ideal for photographers managing large photo catalogs. Learn more about Adobe Lightroom

3. Is GIMP a free alternative to Affinity Photo?

Yes, GIMP is a free and open-source image editing software with a comprehensive range of tools similar to those found in expensive software. Explore GIMP

4. What makes Luminar Neo unique?

Luminar Neo stands out for its AI-powered photo editing features, such as sky replacement and portrait bokeh effects, and offers user-friendly one-click enhancements. Discover Luminar Neo

5. What is Capture One Pro best suited for?

Capture One Pro is favored by professional studio photographers for its advanced RAW processing, color editing, and tethered shooting capabilities. Explore Capture One Pro

6. How does Pixlr cater to online photo editing?

Pixlr offers a Photoshop-like experience directly in your browser with layers, masks, and AI-powered tools, available in both free and premium versions. Check out Pixlr

7. What features does Fotor offer?

Fotor is an AI-powered online photo editor that provides quick enhancements, object removal, and a range of basic editing tools. Learn more about Fotor

8. Is ON1 Photo RAW a subscription-based software?

No, ON1 Photo RAW offers a one-time purchase option and includes features like non-destructive editing and AI-powered tools. Explore ON1 Photo RAW

9. Can Photopea be used as a free Photoshop alternative?

Yes, Photopea is a free, advanced online photo editor that mimics the look and feel of Photoshop, supporting PSD files and custom brushes. Discover Photopea

10. What versions does ACDSee Photo Studio offer?

ACDSee Photo Studio provides multiple versions like Home, Professional, and Ultimate, tailored for different needs and includes photo management and editing tools. Check out ACDSee

References

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.