8 Best Photoshop Alternatives in 2024 (Free and Paid)
Aug. 18, 2018The tools mentioned in this list are added based on their price, how much value they offer for them, and their popularity within the image editing community. With that said, let us take a look at this list.
1. Photopea
Photopea is one of those tools that you don’t even need to download in order to use it. It offers an identical experience to Photoshop right from your web browser. And you don’t miss out on any of the essential features as it comes with layers, masks, and selection tools. It can even open and save files in PSD (Photoshop’s native format).
But you have to note that it does not feel as optimized as Photoshop which is apparent since it is running on top of your browser. Photopea is a free-to-use tool and yet does not feature any ads within the interface, at least to the extent that we have used it. However, I feel it is best suited for making quick online edits. But the number of features does let you do more if you want to.ProsConsFree online editing toolClosing the tab will result in loss of projectInterface similar to PhotoshopStarts too slow down while heavy editingSupports PSD file formatAlso lets you make vector art
Pricing:Free
Availability:Works from Web Browser
GNU Image Manipulation Program also known as GIMP, reigns supreme in the free photo editing world. This open-source software boasts a ton of features that rival Photoshop, like layers, masks, and professional-grade photo editing tools. You can even create your digital artwork from scratch using it. Plus, it offers a vast library of plugins allowing for plenty of customizations.
Pricing:Free
Availability:Windows, macOS, and Linux
Affinity Photo can be one of the good alternatives if you are switching from Photoshop but don’t want to start all over again with a new tool. It is a close alternative to Photopea which is popular among professional photographers and designers. This tool carries a lot of tools and features from Photoshop, even the interface to some extent, and runs overall smoother on lower-spec machines.
Pricing:One-time payment of $34.99
Availability:Windows and macOS
Skylum Luminar Neo caters to a different audience. Right off the bat, I want to make it clear that it is more of an image enhancement and refining tool instead of a full-fledged editing software like Photoshop. It can help you adjust the lightning of the sky, or fix blemishes using its AI-powered tools. You can also find advanced features here like masking tools, object removal, and portrait retouching.
Availability:Windows, macOS, and Plugin for Photoshop
If you are a Mac user then you should surely try out Pixelmator Pro. This tool is specifically designed for Mac users offering a streamlined Photoshop-like experience on the platform. It works well with the Photos app and lets you combine photo editing with illustration and painting tools in a single program. It also comes with some machine-learning features that automatically enhance your image as required.
The user interface is pretty clean and well thought out and it runs surprisingly well on Macs, even on the older models. Though as a professional you can use it, it is directed more towards casual or inexperienced users. The Pro version of this tool unlocks a lot of features however it also comes for $49.99 as a one-time purchase. It is a good option for photographers on Mac.
Pricing:One-time purchase price $49.99
Availability:macOS
For anyone who has been editing photos for a while now may have heard about Pixlr. This online tool, much like Photopea lets you edit images right from your browser. The tool has been quite popular among students for all the features it has, and all the adjustments it lets you make along with options like filters, overlays, and borders.
Pricing:Free and Paid, base plan starts at $1.99
Availability:Runs from a web browser
Before Photoshop, this was the tool that I used to use excessively daily. PhotoScape X is a standard photo editing tool that you can use to make minor adjustments and edits to an image. It doesn’t offer features like layers which is common with other Photoshop alternatives. Instead, it features a bunch of filters, frames, resizing, and other adjustment tools that you can use to refine your image.
Pricing:Free
Availability:Windows and macOS
Krita is a compelling alternative to Photoshop, especially for those focused on illustration and concept art. Developed by artists, for artists, it is a free and open-source painting program. It boasts over 100 different types of brushes, with multiple brush engines and a stabilizer that helps you get clean, natural strokes. It also supports layers, for complex art.
The interface is similar to that of Photoshop’s layout. However, it’s important to note that Krita lacks some of the advanced photo editing features found in Photoshop. So, if you’re a digital artist and want a free solution for creating art and illustrations then you should try out Krita.ProsConsVariety of different brush stylesDoes not feature advanced editing toolsAdvanced drawing toolsFree and open sourceOriented towards digital artists
Pricing:Free
Availability:Windows, Linux, and macOS
This brings us to the end of this list. There are a number of different image editing tools that you can find online, that are way more affordable compared to Photoshop. If you’re looking for tools to edit videos on your phone, then there are some options you can check from ourVideo Editing Apps for iPhoneandAndroidlists. In case you have any doubts regarding this list then let us know in the comments section.
As a tech journalist, I dive into the ever-evolving tech landscape with a particular interest for smartphones, apps, and gaming. With a passion for sharing insights, my articles blend expertise with a friendly touch—think of me as your friendly neighborhood tech support.
