Top 10 Free Alternatives to Affinity Photo in 2025

As Affinity Photo continues to be a popular choice for photo editing, numerous free alternatives have emerged, offering competitive features and unique capabilities. This article explores the top 10 free alternatives to Affinity Photo in 2025, detailing their key features, cost, platforms, user reviews, and best use cases.

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1. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Description: A powerful, open-source image editor suitable for photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring.
Key Features:
Full suite of painting tools, including brushes, pencils, and airbrushes.
Layer support with blending modes.
Highly customizable interface.
Extensive plugin support for added functionality.
Supports a wide array of file formats.
Data Points:
Cost: Free, open-source.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
User Reviews: Generally positive, praised for its power and flexibility. (G2: 4.3/5 stars)
Learning Curve: Steeper than some simpler editors.
Best For: Users needing powerful editing tools without cost. Learn more about GIMP

2. Pixlr (Pixlr E and Pixlr X)

Description: A browser-based photo editor offering both basic and advanced editing features. Pixlr is split into two versions: Pixlr X for quick edits and Pixlr E for more complex tasks.
Key Features:
AI-powered tools for easy background removal, object removal, and more.
Layer support and blending modes in Pixlr E.
Intuitive interface with familiar Photoshop-like layout.
Mobile app availability.
Good selection of filters and effects.
Data Points:
Cost: Free version with optional paid upgrades.
Platforms: Web (browser), Windows, mobile apps.
User Reviews: Well regarded for ease of use and AI features. (G2: 4.4/5 stars)
Best For: Users who want Photoshop-like features without a software download.
AI Features: Text-to-image, generative transform and expand tools. Explore Pixlr

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3. Canva

Description: While more of a graphic design tool, Canva includes powerful photo editing features. It's especially useful for creating social media content and other marketing materials.
Key Features:
Large library of templates, design elements, and fonts.
Easy drag-and-drop interface.
Collaboration features for teams.
AI-powered features.
Background remover and basic editing tools.
Data Points:
Cost: Free version with paid subscription options for additional features.
Platforms: Web-based, mobile apps.
User Reviews: Highly rated for ease of use and versatility. (G2: 4.7/5 stars)
Best For: Users needing to combine photo editing with design for social media or marketing.
AI Features: AI-integrated graphic design tools. Learn more about Canva

4. Photopea

Description: An online photo editor that closely resembles Photoshop, offering many of the same features within a browser.
Key Features:
Supports PSD, XCF, and other file formats.
Layers, masks, and blending modes.
Customizable brushes and selection tools.
Completely free to use.
Advanced tools for graphic design.
Data Points:
Cost: Free with a paid option to remove ads.
Platforms: Web-based.
Best For: Users needing advanced Photoshop-like features in a web browser.
User Reviews: Praised for its capabilities as a free online tool.
Learning Curve: Lower learning curve compared to GIMP. Check out Photopea

5. Fotor

Description: An online photo editor that focuses on ease of use, with AI-powered tools for quick enhancements and object removal.
Key Features:
One-click photo enhancements.
AI-powered background removal and object removal tools.
Various filters and effects.
Generative AI features.
Basic graphic design capabilities.
Data Points:
Cost: Free version with paid upgrades for additional features and AI credits.
Platforms: Web-based, Windows, Mac, mobile apps.
User Reviews: Good reviews for user-friendliness and quick results. (G2: 4.6/5 stars)
Best For: Users who want fast and simple AI edits.
AI Features: AI-powered object removal, generative AI. Discover Fotor

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6. Krita

Description: A free and open-source painting program, but also offers excellent photo manipulation and retouching tools.
Key Features:
Designed primarily for digital painting and illustration.
Excellent brush engine with customization options.
Layer support and blending modes.
Non-destructive editing features.
Supports PSD files and other photo formats.
Data Points:
Cost: Free, open-source.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
User Reviews: Very well-regarded by artists and illustrators.
Best For: Creatives needing a balance of photo editing and digital art capabilities.
Learning Curve: Moderate learning curve. Learn more about Krita

7. PhotoScape X

Description: A free photo editor with a focus on batch editing and a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
Batch processing tools for efficient editing of multiple images.
RAW file support.
Collage maker, GIF creator and screen capture tool.
A good selection of filters and effects.
Image format conversion tools.
Data Points:
Cost: Free, with an optional Pro upgrade.
Platforms: Windows, macOS (via the App Store).
User Reviews: Generally positive for ease of use and batch processing capabilities.
Best For: Photographers needing basic edits and RAW processing. Explore PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X on Microsoft Store

8. YouCam Online Editor

Description: An online photo editor focused on generative AI photo editing and image generation.
Key Features:
Generative AI features for image creation and manipulation.
AI-powered photo enhancements.
Easy to use interface.
AI-driven background generation and changing.
Mobile Apps available.
Data Points:
Cost: Free online.
Platforms: Web-based and mobile apps.
Best For: Users looking for the latest generative AI photo editing features.
AI Features: Text to image, generative fill, AI image expansion. Discover YouCam Online Editor

9. Paint.NET

Description: A free and simple image editor with a good set of basic tools. It has a simple user interface and is easy to learn.
Key Features:
Layer support and blending modes.
Special effects and filters.
Simple user interface.
Plugin support for additional features.
History Tracking.
Data Points:
Cost: Free.
Platforms: Windows.
User Reviews: Good reviews for a simple yet capable free editor.
Best For: Users needing a basic yet robust photo editing program for Windows.
Learning Curve: Easy to learn with a simple layout. Check out Paint.NET

10. iFoto

Description: An online AI photo editor with multiple image editing features.
Key Features:
AI background changer, face swap, photo enhancer.
Object detection for precise erasing.
Fast editing and output.
Secure platform with data encryption.
Android and iOS applications available.
Data Points:
Cost: Free online.
Platforms: Web-based, Android and iOS apps.
User Reviews: User-friendly and high quality image outputs.
Best For: Users wanting a quick AI-powered online tool for various edits.
AI Features: AI background changer, face swap, photo enhancer, background remover. Learn more about iFoto

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FAQ

1. What is GIMP and how does it compare to Affinity Photo?

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, open-source image editor that is considered the closest free alternative to Photoshop. It offers a full suite of painting tools, layer support with blending modes, and extensive plugin support. Learn more about GIMP

2. What are the main features of Pixlr's free version?

Pixlr offers AI-powered tools for background removal and object removal, layer support with blending modes, an intuitive interface, and mobile app availability. Explore Pixlr

3. How does Canva differ from other photo editors?

Canva is a graphic design tool that includes photo editing features, making it ideal for creating social media content and marketing materials. It offers a large library of templates, an easy drag-and-drop interface, and collaboration features. Discover Canva

4. Can Photopea be used for professional photo editing?

Yes, Photopea is an online photo editor that closely resembles Photoshop and supports PSD and XCF formats, layers, masks, blending modes, and customizable brushes. Learn more about Photopea

5. What makes Fotor a good option for quick photo edits?

Fotor offers AI-powered tools for quick photo enhancements, background removal, and object removal. It provides an easy-to-use interface with various filters and effects. Explore Fotor

6. Is Krita suitable for photo manipulation and retouching?

While Krita is primarily a digital painting program, it also offers excellent photo manipulation and retouching tools, making it suitable for creatives. Learn more about Krita

7. What are the benefits of using PhotoScape X?

PhotoScape X provides batch processing tools, RAW file support, a collage maker, a GIF creator, a screen capture tool, and a good selection of filters and effects. Discover PhotoScape X

8. What AI features does YouCam Online Editor offer?

YouCam Online Editor focuses on generative AI editing with features such as AI-powered photo enhancements, background generation, and easy interface use. Explore YouCam Online Editor

9. Is Paint.NET a good option for simple photo editing tasks?

Yes, Paint.NET is a free and simple image editor with layer support, special effects, plugin support, and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for basic photo editing. Learn more about Paint.NET

10. What unique AI features does iFoto offer?

iFoto provides AI tools for background changing, face swaps, photo enhancement, object detection, and a user-friendly platform with fast editing capabilities. Discover iFoto

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.