Top 10 Alternatives to Corel PaintShop Pro in 2025

In 2025, the landscape for photo editing software has expanded significantly, offering users a variety of powerful alternatives to Corel PaintShop Pro. Whether you're a professional photographer, graphic designer, or just getting started, these top 10 alternatives provide robust features, flexible pricing, and user-friendly interfaces to meet your needs.

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1. Adobe Photoshop

Pricing: Subscription-based, starting at $22.99/month (can vary based on plan)
Ease of Use: Steep learning curve, but intuitive for experienced users
Features:
Comprehensive suite of tools for image manipulation, compositing, and painting.
Advanced AI-powered features like content-aware fill and neural filters.
Layer-based editing with extensive masking and blending options.
Support for a wide range of file formats, including RAW.
Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Link: Adobe Photoshop

2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Pricing: Subscription-based, starting at $9.99/month.
Ease of Use: Easier learning curve than Photoshop, geared towards photographers.
Features:
Non-destructive editing workflow for preserving original images.
Powerful tools for color correction, tone adjustment, and noise reduction.
Cataloging and organization features for managing large photo libraries.
Batch processing capabilities.
Integration with Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Link: Adobe Lightroom

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3. Affinity Photo

Pricing: One-time purchase of around $70
Ease of Use: Relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with Photoshop.
Features:
Professional-grade tools for retouching, compositing, and graphic design.
Support for RAW file processing.
Non-destructive editing with layers, masks, and filters.
Fast and efficient performance.
One-time purchase model.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Link: Affinity Photo

4. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

Pricing: Free
Ease of Use: Moderate learning curve, comparable to Photoshop.
Features:
Extensive toolkit for photo editing, retouching, and digital painting.
Support for layers, masks, and filters.
Customizable interface with plugins and extensions.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Support for various file formats.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Link: GIMP

5. Canva

Pricing: Free version available, paid plans start around $12.99/month.
Ease of Use: Very easy to learn, ideal for beginners and casual users
Features:
Drag-and-drop interface for easy design creation.
Large library of templates, graphics, and fonts.
Basic photo editing tools.
Collaboration features for teams.
Cloud-based storage and synchronization.
Platforms: Web-based, iOS, Android
Link: Canva

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6. DxO PhotoLab

Pricing: One-time purchase, around $200 (can vary depending on edition)
Ease of Use: Geared towards experienced photographers with a focus on technical precision.
Features:
Advanced noise reduction and optical corrections.
Powerful tools for color management and dynamic range optimization.
Sophisticated photo organization.
Batch processing and preset management.
Supports various camera models and lens profiles.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Link: DxO PhotoLab

7. Pixlr

Pricing: Free version available, premium plans from $4.99/month
Ease of Use: Pixlr X is very easy to use, Pixlr E has a moderate learning curve.
Features:
Web-based platform, accessible from any device with a browser.
Two main versions: Pixlr X (quick edits) and Pixlr E (advanced features).
Layer-based editing, filters, and effects.
AI-powered tools for background removal and other tasks.
Free and premium versions available.
Platforms: Web-based
Link: Pixlr

8. PhotoDirector 365

Pricing: Subscription-based
Ease of Use: User-friendly interface
Features:
Comprehensive set of tools for photo editing, organization and effects.
AI-powered features such as sky replacement, object removal, and style transfer.
Layer-based editing and support for multiple file formats.
Easy-to-use interface with tutorials and guides for beginners.
Subscription-based.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Link: PhotoDirector

9. Fotor

Pricing: Free version available, paid subscriptions start from $8.99/month
Ease of Use: Very user-friendly and intuitive.
Features:
Basic photo editing tools, including cropping, resizing, and filters.
AI-powered tools for object removal and image enhancement.
Templates for social media and other design projects.
Batch editing.
Cloud-based storage.
Platforms: Web-based, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Link: Fotor

10. Luminar Neo

Pricing: One-time purchase.
Ease of Use: Intuitive with a focus on AI-driven results.
Features:
AI-powered tools for enhancing skies, portraits, and overall image quality.
Non-destructive editing workflow.
Layer-based editing with extensive masking options.
Easy-to-use interface with a focus on quick results.
One-time purchase.
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Link: Luminar Neo

This list provides a variety of options ranging from free to professional-grade, subscription-based to one-time purchases, and different levels of complexity and features. Each tool has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

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FAQ

1. What are some of the top alternatives to Corel PaintShop Pro for advanced photo editing?

Adobe Photoshop is highly recommended for professional photo editing with its comprehensive suite of tools. Learn more about Adobe Photoshop

2. Which photo editing software is best for photographers focused on workflow and organization?

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is popular among photographers for its photo management and non-destructive editing workflow. Explore Adobe Lightroom

3. Is there a professional-grade photo editing software available as a one-time purchase?

Affinity Photo offers professional-grade tools for a one-time purchase. Discover Affinity Photo

4. Can I find a free alternative to Corel PaintShop Pro?

Yes, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image editor with a wide range of features. Check out GIMP

5. What is an easy-to-use graphic design platform with photo editing features?

Canva is a user-friendly, cloud-based platform that offers both graphic design and basic photo editing tools. Learn more about Canva

6. Which software specializes in RAW image processing and lens correction?

DxO PhotoLab is known for its advanced RAW image processing and optical corrections. Explore DxO PhotoLab

7. Is there a convenient online photo editor suitable for quick edits?

Pixlr is a free online photo editor that offers both basic and advanced editing tools. Discover Pixlr

8. What photo editing software offers AI-powered creative tools and an easy interface?

PhotoDirector 365 by CyberLink focuses on user-friendly editing with AI-powered features. Learn more about PhotoDirector

9. Is there an online photo editor with cloud-based storage and batch editing features?

Fotor provides an online photo editor with cloud-based storage, batch editing, and more. Check out Fotor

10. What is a good choice for AI-powered photo editing with a focus on quick results?

Luminar Neo offers AI-powered enhancements and an intuitive interface for fast results. Discover Luminar Neo

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.