Photo editing software is critical to a professional photographer’s workflow. Some types of image software focus on traditional edits, including tweaking exposure, contrast, grain, or adding bokeh effects. Others rely on artificial intelligence to enhance images or even generate them on your behalf. You can also download creative effect apps, combining art and photography.
Adobe apps are often considered the gold standard in photo editing, but they are far from the only options in the market. Whether you’re a professional, enjoy photography as a hobby, or want to dip your toe into the field, there is a photo editing suite out there for you.
What is the best photo editor right now?
My favorite photo editing software is Adobe Photoshop since it has all of the photo editing tools you could ever need for advanced image editing and workflow management. Subscriptions start at $23 per month, or you will need to sign up for a Creative Cloud plan.
If you would prefer a subscription-free photo editor, check out Affinity Photo 2. While it’s not available on Android, Affinity Photo 2 is an excellent photo editor available for a one-off payment of only $70, or only $19 on iPad.
Also: I’ve been testing AI image generators for years – and my new favorite surprised me
ZDNET has tested dozens of photo editing software solutions throughout the years, and we monitor the market to find the best solutions available.
To reduce your professional workload or to bring your photography to life, check out the rest of my top picks below.
The best photo editing software of 2025
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Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for many photography professionals and for good reason.
Why we like it: Adobe’s photo editing suite has dominated the market for years. It is well-known for its advanced and wide variety of tools and options for image creation and manipulation.
Photoshop can be used for color adjustment, resizing, masking, layering, and more. Every professional tool is at your disposal, from minor corrections to layer adjustments, color alterations, and generative fills to object removal.
New features added to the latest update include distracting object removal, background generation, and workflow enhancements.
In February, Photoshop launched an iOS app, and now, Android users can join in and experiment with Adobe’s free app for editing on the go.
Who is it for: Professional creatives who need a versatile suite of creative tools.
Customers consider Adobe Photoshop to be intuitive, fast, and one of the best options on the market. I’ve used Adobe Photoshop for everything from photo editing to creative projects for over a decade, and I agree.
You will pay $23 per month, or you can combine your plan with other apps through the $60/month Creative Cloud subscription. This option includes all of Adobe’s creative apps, such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month.
Who should look elsewhere: In the early days, Adobe Photoshop was standalone software, but it’s now offered on a subscription basis. This change is not exactly popular with long-term users. If you want an option without a tie-in contract, I have other recommendations.
Adobe Photoshop specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial
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Adobe Lightroom is specifically designed to reduce the workload during batch image editing.
Why we like it: When I need to edit photos taken at events, I always use this software to manage my workflow. It has handy tools including batch contrast and refinement tweaks, presets, and masking for applying effects like bokeh. These tools drastically reduce the amount of time you need to edit hundreds of photos.
Between the cloud-based system and the desktop-based Classic version, I find that the former works best for mass editing. But I prefer Classic’s wider range of tools, including brushes and editing effects.
Both are great when paired with a Loupedeck.
Recent updates include bug fixes, stability improvements, and an upgrade to landscape and background mask generation.
Who is it for: Professional photographers who need an editing solution that focuses on workflow management.
Subscriptions begin at $12 per month. Like Photoshop, you can opt for the full Creative Cloud plan for $60 per month to access all of Adobe’s creative apps. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month. A trial is available.
Who should look elsewhere: If you don’t frequently edit photos or you are just starting out, I would wait until you learn the fundamentals of image editing before you sign up for Lightroom.
It’s not as expensive as Photoshop, true, but it might be overkill unless you have consistent bookings for editing work. Or, you could try out Adobe’s free mobile apps, first.
Users say that Adobe Lightroom’s tools and efficiency are a bonus, but many report that customer service needs serious improvement.
Adobe Lightroom specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial
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Affinity Photo 2 is the best subscription-free alternative to Adobe’s Creative Cloud on my list.
Why we like it: Affinity Photo 2 supports raw image format (RAW) and comes with a wide range of user-friendly image editing tools. These include photo retouching functions, layering, cropping, object removal, color adjustments, brushes, and filters.
During testing, I found Affinity Photo 2 to be a powerful photo editor without the learning curve I experienced with Adobe products. Users say that Affinity Photo 2 is a reasonable editor but lacks some of the comprehensive tools of its rival.
Earlier this year, Affinity introduced two new features: Object Selection Tool and Select Subject, which are optional functions based on machine learning. As there is concern surrounding ML siphoning intellectual property, they require separate downloads, and they work on-device.
Who is it for: Anyone who wants to avoid a subscription to photo editing software. Instead, you can make a one-time payment — an attractive prospect if you want a photo editor but don’t plan on subscribing.
The price point is certainly likely to lure in photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Excluding tax, you will pay only $70 for a desktop lifetime license. Alternatively, you could opt to pay $165 plus tax for a universal license including access to Affinity Photo 2, Affinity Designer 2, and Affinity Publisher 2. iPad-only licenses are available for $18.49, alongside a seven-day trial.
I would recommend Affinity Photo 2 to anyone who likes editing photos and images as a hobby as well as photography professionals on a budget.
Who should look elsewhere: Android users. Unfortunately, this popular software is Mac, Windows, and iOS-only.
Affinity Photo 2 specs: Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad | Mobile? iPad only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: One-off, $70, trial
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Skylum’s Luminar NEO is an AI-first photo editor that focuses on usability.
Why we like it: It has a clean, easy-to-understand interface with photo editing tools that encourage experimentation and having fun with creative projects.
You can use simple sliders to enhance your images, play around with contrast, tweak an image’s composition, crop, tint, and change clarity. Ready-made filters are available to change everything from color selections to grain levels.
I find Luminar enjoyable to use, but it should be considered a compromise between basic photo editing tools and professional suites. It lacks some of the more intricate features used in professional editing, but the software shines for creative projects, quick editing, or beginning photographers.
Recent improvements have been made to the software’s body and face AI tools.
Who is it for: Creatives who want to explore how AI can be used in image manipulation. You can take advantage of the software’s 14-day free trial, too.
I like that you can choose between an ongoing subscription or a one-off payment for a perpetual license, although I’m not a fan of price scaling based on OS and platform support.
A one-year subscription costs $99. Alternatively, choose a lifetime license from $119, based on whether you want a desktop license or support for platforms including Android and iOS. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Who should look elsewhere: Users like how easy Luminar NEO is to learn and use as one of the few AI-first photo editing solutions on the market. It is not considered anything close to an Adobe alternative, and workflow management can be slow. If you want a photo editor for managing batch jobs, this might not be the best option for you.
Skylum Luminar NEO specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Manual only | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription or one-off payment, trial
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First published in 2018, Gimp is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program.
Why we like it: It’s free, open source, powerful, and customizable — from the plugins you can implement to the user interface. It’s available for download for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. You can perform various editing tasks such as retouching and photo enhancement. Gimp supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP.
If you want to work with raw image format (RAW), you’ll likely want to use a standalone editor or converter before opening the file in Gimp. The hardware support also includes USB and MIDI controllers, giving you more control over your workflow.
Its latest release, Gimp 3.0.4, include a number of bug fixes, including issues around pasting selections and text layering.
Who is it for: If you’re looking for a flexible, free option, Gimp could be the right choice. You will need to learn how to edit photos properly, but the team behind this software provides a set of how-to guides and tutorials.
Who should look elsewhere: Users say this solution is powerful and fast, but lags behind many paid options in terms of its user interface. You may need to demonstrate some patience while you learn how to use the software effectively or opt for another one of our recommendations.
GIMP specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android | Mobile? Android | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Minimal, plugin | Price: Free
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Procreate is image editing software for those who want to add artistic flair to their photographs rather than more traditional edits.
Why we like it: The software includes hundreds of brushes, numerous effects, and is suitable for use with a stylus and an iPad.
If you are looking for a solution that combines photo editing and art, Procreate is a fantastic, affordable option available with a lifetime license. While it doesn’t natively support RAW, it does handle file types, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and PDF.
Who is it for: Customers like Procreate as a polished, flexible, fast, and intuitive art and image editing app, especially for the iPad. I find the range of tools, brushes, and actions a lot of fun to work with, and so I would recommend Procreate for creative image editing and marketing work.
Who should look elsewhere: Android and Windows users, as this software is strictly for the Apple ecosystem. Plenty of users wish there were a fair Android alternative, but there doesn’t seem to be one on the market at the moment.
A benefit of this software is how cheap it is — a $13 one-off payment for the app. It’s a pity that Procreate is limited to the Apple ecosystem, though.
Procreate features: Platforms: MacOS, iOS | Mobile? iOS only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? No (major file types) | Price: One-off payment, $13
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Photo editing software |
Platforms |
Cloud services, backups? |
AI capabilities? |
Price |
|
Adobe Photoshop |
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online |
Yes |
Yes |
$23 per month+ |
|
Adobe Lightroom |
Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online |
Yes |
Yes |
$12 per month+ |
|
Affinity Photo 2 |
Mac, Windows, iPad |
Yes |
Limited |
$70 or $18.49 iPad-only |
|
Skylum Luminar NEO |
Windows, MacOS, app for iOS, Android, ChromeOS |
Manual |
Yes |
$99 per year or $119+ one-time payment |
|
Gimp |
Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android |
Yes |
No |
Free |
|
Procreate |
MacOS, iOS |
Yes |
No |
$13 one-time payment |
I’ve worked previously as a professional wedding and event photographer in the U.K.. I always take my setup abroad with me, and my interests have now evolved to include candid street photography and portraiture.
I have over a decade of experience in this field, so I understand that editing is just as important as shooting raw images. Personally, it’s my favorite part of the process.
It is worth investing in photo editing software that is frequently updated and developed if you’ll be using it professionally, and even more so when the software includes means to reduce the burden of editing workflows. If you are editing for fun or for small projects, a budget-friendly or free option could be just what you need to get started.
|
Choose this photo editing software… |
If you want… |
|
Adobe Photoshop |
The best photo editing software overall. Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard in image editing and has a variety of professional editing tools. There is a learning curve and a cost, but you can’t go wrong with this editor. |
|
Adobe Lightroom |
The best photo editing software for managing workflows. Adobe Lightroom has an impressive and intuitive user interface and makes batch editing easy. Whether you go for classic or the cloud, Lightroom is a fantastic solution for professionals. |
|
Affinity Photo 2 |
A powerful Adobe alternative. Affinity Photo 2 provides a good selection of editing and retouching tools in its suite and won’t rope you into a subscription, giving you more freedom. |
|
Skylum Luminar NEO |
To experiment with AI. Skylum Luminar NEO is an excellent option for exploring the capabilities of generative AI in photo editing. It’s simple to learn and has an attractive interface but won’t likely be the right choice for workflow-based professional work. |
|
Gimp |
A free option. There is a learning curve to using Gimp, but it is very customizable with different tools and plugins. Consider this option if you want to explore and learn about photo and image editing. |
|
Procreate |
To combine art and photography editing. Procreate is a popular and successful service with a massive variety of creative tools. Unfortunately, it is only available for MacOS and iOS. |
When you are deciding on what type of photo editing software to try out, consider the following factors:
- The learning curve: You might want to test out a beginner-friendly solution if you are new to the world of photo editing. If you dive straight into a professional suite such as Adobe Photoshop, it will be overwhelming.
- Plugins: This one is for professionals. If there are plugins you enjoy using to streamline your workflow or enhance your photos, check that the solution you choose supports their usage.
- Downloadable tools: Just like plugins, if downloadable styles, brushes, and layering tools are something you enjoy using, not every photo editing software solution will allow this. It’s worth checking, first.
- Synchronization, backups: You might want a solution that provides backup facilities, syncing, or cloud storage options. These features are not always available, especially if you use free software. If these functions are important to you, check that the solution you are interested in provides them.
- Free options: If you are a casual user and only want photo editing software for hobbies, a free solution might be enough. However, keep in mind that advanced editing features or cloud services might be locked behind paywalls.
- Platform: Do you want a more traditional photo editing suite for your desktop PC or do you want a compact mobile app? Check software compatibility before you buy.
- Price: You need to think about your budget and whether you want to sign up for a subscription to photo editing software. Many photo editing providers have made the transition from one-time purchase models to monthly or annual plans. This ensures you receive updates and improvements, but it’s still a cost to consider.
Photo editing solutions created by dominant players in the photography market, like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, have existed for years. However, there are also exciting developments and software options from younger vendors worth considering.
When I was compiling my top picks for the best photo editing software of 2025, I considered the following factors:
- Platforms: It’s important to us that our photo editing software recommendations support a wide range of operating systems, platforms, mobile types, and cloud services.
- Licensing: Subscription models are now standard, but not everyone wants to add yet another subscription to their monthly or yearly budget. We included a range of subscription and licensing options.
- Image file type support: We want to see photo editors able to process and handle different kinds of file types, including RAW, PNG, JPEG, and PSD.
- Workflows: Not everyone needs tools or features focused on improving image editing workflows. However, we ensured that some of our recommendations included these functions, as they can be crucial for professionals.
- AI use: We like to see photo editing software developers exploring new technologies and techniques for improving editing. AI is a buzzword for many industries, but we have seen some genuinely useful applications in the creative space.
- Free options: We included free options and alternatives that do not employ a subscription-based model for casual use. They may offer some paid premium features, but you won’t have to pay if you do not want to.
- Customer service: Customer service, on the whole, doesn’t appear to be all that impressive, and so I have highlighted where photo editors receive positive or negative feedback.
How to level up your photo editing fast
Embrace the Adobe Lightroom Community. It’s a free, safe space full of creatives willing to share more than just their final image.
You can discover and browse images transformed from a RAW source file into a polished end photo, tracking each stage of the editing process that will hopefully inspire you. You might even learn something new! You can also browse academy resources, follow tutorials teaching you about everything from photo composition to editing wedding images, or even participate in “remixing,” in which you edit other participants’ photos.
What’s the latest on photo editors in 2025?
In some of the latest news on photo editors this year:
- Adobe has brought its Photoshop app to Android, allowing users to edit images on the go.
- Website host Wix has launched Wixel, an online photo editor designed to take on rival firms including Canva.
- While ChatGPT image editing and generation are popular, a word of warning: divination might not be its strong suit. A Greek woman is reportedly on the road to divorcing her husband after ChatGPT made claims of infidelity after reading a coffee cup.
If you’re going to use photo editing software on a frequent basis or for business purposes, it’s worth subscribing to receive new updates and features. However, if you’re dipping your toe in editing to learn the trade, you might want to stick to a trial run or practice with free photo editing options first.
I’d also suggest you look at tutorials and guides on the photo editing software you are considering buying to see if its interface and tools are right for you.
While free photo editors offer solid tools and functions like tweaking contrast and brightness, resizing, and filter applications, most tend to lack:
- Advanced color management: You won’t likely find free editing suites with a complete color gamut or spectrum for you to experiment with.
- Large actions and styles libraries: There might be a handful of options, but they won’t be on par with Adobe.
- Application bridges, expansive plugin support: If workflow is key, a free photo editor — perhaps with the exception of Gimp — will have limited options for third-party application bridges and plugins.
Professional photographers, including myself, typically rely on Adobe editing software suites, including Photoshop and Lightroom. However, some of us may also use standalone RAW file processors — the gold standard for photo image types — or software designed for studio setups including CaptureOne Pro. While expensive, we will use subscription-based tools as they are crucial to our workflows.
Adobe Photoshop isn’t free and there is no free, legal version. However, you can access the software and try it out for free by signing up for its free seven-day trial. If you aren’t going to go ahead with subscribing to a plan, remember to cancel the trial before it ends.
Yes. Microsoft has a Photos app on the Windows operating system. However, this app is best used for viewing images and very basic editing, such as image rotation, tweaking brightness and contrast, adding filters, and cropping, rather than any advanced editing tasks.
As a design tool, Canva has real value, especially for small business owners. It provides a host of free and premium tools for design and marketing and includes a photo editor. However, I would say that Canva is best used for basic batch image work rather than intricate photo editing.
Microsoft Windows PCs and Apple MacBooks come with default photo editors, but they are very basic and don’t offer the same functionality you would expect from standalone, specialized editing software. You can also find a smaller selection of photo editors for the Linux operating system.
Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are fantastic photo editing solutions for those partial to Windows PCs. Procreate is an editor available for iOS only, but excels in quick, rapid editing and image creation. Take a look at Gimp for Linux systems.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are algorithms based on data sets that are now commonly integrated with creative applications.
These technologies can be used to make minor adjustments and improve consistency, thereby optimizing workflows. You may also be able to use AI to automatically optimize photos, alter backgrounds, or even fully create images based on a few prompts.
In my experience, AI can be a lot of fun to work with and can perform some fantastic editing, but alone it doesn’t replace traditional editing tools and techniques.
Yes, ChatGPT can edit photos. However, you are limited to very basic edits such as cropping, rotation, and minor adjustments. It can be handy in a pinch if you just need a small tweak, but it doesn’t replace standalone photo editing software. That said, one-sentence prompts can produce some entertaining results!
“” image-credit=”Charlie Osborne/ZDNET” image-alt-text=”chatgpt-online-photo-editing” image-filename=”q.jpg” image-date-created=”2025/06/06″ image-width=”1296″ image-height=”720″ image-do-not-crop=”false” image-do-not-resize=”false” image-watermark=”false” lightbox=”false” edition=”us”>
Most of these options I recommend have to be downloaded onto your device. However, there are great online photo editors.
Online photo editing is often free and caters well to beginners intent on learning the basics. Pixlr is one of my favorite one-size-fits-all online photo editors, whereas Fotor is a lot of fun for experimenting with AI.
Check out my favorites: The best online photo editors: Expert tested
Alternative photo editing software to consider
- In ZDNET’s June update, we wrote about the latest news concerning our recommendations and made minor editorial changes.
- In May, we performed extensive layout and copy changes.
