Best Photo Editing Software
Compare the leading options
See the closest-ranked results side by side before choosing.
Affinity Photo 2 is a powerful, one-time-purchase alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering a comprehensive suite of professional editing tools. It features a fully non-destructive workflow, advanced RAW development in its dedicated Persona, and impressive live filter layers. Unique tools include its...
Why this score
Affinity Photo scores 9.6/10 due to its professional-grade tools, non-destructive workflow, and advanced RAW development features. However, the higher price point and limited community support are minor drawbacks.
Scoring methodology
DxO PhotoLab 7 is a RAW photo editor distinguished by its scientifically-derived optical corrections for hundreds of camera/lens combinations and its revolutionary DeepPRIME AI noise reduction. It automatically fixes distortions, vignetting, and chromatic aberrations. The unique U Point technology,...
Why this score
DxO PhotoLab 7 scores 8.7/10 due to its advanced AI noise reduction and automatic corrections, but it has a higher price point and limited availability of camera/lens profiles.
Scoring methodology
Darktable is a free, open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer. It operates as a non-destructive editor with powerful organizational capabilities and a comprehensive set of modules for color correction, tonal adjustments, and creative effects. Its strength lies in its scientific...
Why this score
Darktable scores 8.0/10 due to its powerful features, open-source nature, and scientific approach to color correction. However, the steep learning curve and limited hardware acceleration can be drawbacks for some users.
Scoring methodology
ON1 Photo RAW 2024 is an all-in-one application combining photo management, RAW processing, layered editing, and effects into a single program. It features a robust catalog, non-destructive editing, and a vast library of built-in presets and AI-powered masking tools. Key modules include HDR, Panoram...
Corel PaintShop Pro 2024 is a full-featured photo editor and graphic design suite for Windows, offered at a compelling one-time purchase price. It includes robust RAW editing, layer-based compositing, AI-powered tools for object removal and upscaling, and a suite of graphic design features like text...
Why this score
Corel PaintShop Pro 2024 scores 8.4/10 due to its comprehensive feature set and robust editing tools, but it falls short with a higher price point and some usability issues for beginners.
Scoring methodology
Exposure X7 is a unique RAW editor and organizer that combines professional editing tools with a legendary collection of authentic film simulations and creative presets. It offers non-destructive layers, advanced masking, and robust color grading. Its interface is designed to feel intuitive for phot...
Why this score
Exposure X7 scores 8.9/10 due to its powerful editing tools, extensive film simulations, and non-destructive editing capabilities. However, the steep learning curve and higher price point compared to competitors are notable weaknesses.
Scoring methodology
PicsArt is a versatile mobile photo editing app geared towards creative expression and social media sharing. It offers a vast library of filters, stickers, and effects, along with robust collage-making tools. While it also provides standard editing features, PicsArt truly shines in its ability to tr...
Why this score
PicsArt scores 7.5/10 due to its user-friendly interface and wide array of features, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals. However, the limited advanced tools and occasional crashes bring down the score.
Scoring methodology
Snappa is specifically designed for creating social media graphics and video thumbnails, offering a streamlined workflow and a focus on visual appeal. Its key strength lies in its extensive library of stock photos and templates, catering to a wide range of niches. The platforms automatic resizing f...
Why this score
Snappa scores 7.2/10 due to its user-friendly interface and wide array of features, making it suitable for beginners and professionals alike. However, the lack of advanced features and some limitations in customization options bring down the score.
Scoring methodology
Pixlr is a long-standing favorite for those who want a browser-based alternative to Photoshop. Its AI background removal tool is fast, accurate, and integrated into a full-featured photo editor. Unlike single-purpose tools, Pixlr allows you to perform complex post-removal edits, such as color correc...
Why this score
Pixlr scores 8.0/10 due to its user-friendly interface, wide array of features, and cross-platform compatibility. However, it lacks some advanced tools and can be slow with large files.
Scoring methodology
GIMP Touch is a mobile and cross-platform photo editing app based on the popular GIMP software. It offers basic to intermediate tools for enhancing, retouching, and creating images. It's known for its user-friendly interface and wide array of features, making it suitable for both beginners and profe...
Why this score
GIMP Touch scores 7.9/10 due to its user-friendly interface and wide array of basic to intermediate tools, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. However, the lack of advanced editing options and some limitations on free features bring down the score.
Scoring methodology
Darkroom is a highly acclaimed photo editor for iOS and macOS, known for its beautiful design and intuitive workflow. It is built specifically for Apple devices, making it incredibly fast and responsive. It handles RAW files with ease and offers a wide range of professional-grade color grading tools...
Why this score
Darkroom scores 9.0/10 due to its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and advanced editing features like layers and filters. However, it lacks some professional-grade tools that might be a limitation for more experienced users.
Scoring methodology
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate is a comprehensive workflow solution combining powerful digital asset management (DAM) with a layered photo editor and robust RAW development. Its DAM features include facial recognition, geotagging, and extensive metadata tools. The editor provides non-destructive layer...
Why this score
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate scores 8.2/10 due to its comprehensive DAM features and robust editing tools, but it suffers from a higher price point and limited mobile support.
Scoring methodology
Luminar Neo is a creative-focused, AI-powered photo editor built on a layered editing engine. It stands out with specialized AI tools for sky replacement, portrait bokeh, skin enhancement, and object removal. Its Extensions system allows for adding new AI features over time. Aimed at photographers a...
Why this score
Luminar Neo scores 8.7/10 due to its powerful AI tools and flexible Extensions system, but it is limited by a higher price point and a steep learning curve.
Scoring methodology
Pixlr X2 is a web and cross-platform photo editing tool that offers advanced tools for enhancing, retouching, and creating images. It's known for its user-friendly interface and wide array of features, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Why this score
Pixlr X2 scores 7.8/10 due to its user-friendly interface and wide array of features, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. However, the limited functionality in the free version and occasional performance issues on mobile devices bring down the score.
Scoring methodology
Adobe Lightroom is a professional photo editing application primarily used by photographers to organize, edit, and enhance their images using non-destructive techniques like color correction, exposure adjustments, and local retouching controls.
Why this score
Industry-standard workflow, excellent RAW processing and organization, broad professional acclaim; subscription pricing and performance remain common complaints.
Scoring methodology
Lightroom Mobile is a powerful, cross-platform application enabling users to adjust color, tone, and detail in photographs directly on their smartphones or tablets through non-destructive editing tools.
Why this score
Leading mobile RAW editor with powerful masking, synchronization, presets, and professional workflow continuity; subscription cost and feature gating attract criticism.
Scoring methodology
Snapseed is a free mobile application developed by Google that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for adjusting and enhancing photographs, including selective editing, healing, and perspective correction features.
Why this score
Exceptional free mobile editor with precise selective tools, RAW support, and lasting user acclaim; aging interface and sparse updates prevent best-in-class status.
Scoring methodology
Nik Collection is a suite of professional photo editing plugins for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, offering a range of vintage film effects and tonal adjustments based on classic camera technologies like Kodak and Nikon.
Why this score
Longstanding professional reputation for excellent monochrome, sharpening, noise reduction, and localized adjustments; high pricing and plugin-dependent workflow draw criticism.
Scoring methodology
Photomator is a macOS application developed by Apple that provides tools for adjusting and enhancing photographs, including levels, curves, color correction, and basic retouching capabilities within a straightforward interface.
Why this score
Acclaimed Apple-platform editor with strong RAW tools, nondestructive workflows, elegant design, and machine-learning features; ecosystem exclusivity limits reach.
Scoring methodology
RawTherapee is a free, open-source raw image processing software primarily focused on developing and enhancing RAW files from digital cameras, offering detailed control over color correction, noise reduction, and lens corrections without relying on proprietary algorithms.
Why this score
Highly respected free RAW processing, exceptional detail and color control; steep learning curve, dense interface, and weak asset management limit accessibility.
Scoring methodology
Paint.NET is a freeware raster graphics editor developed for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Originally created as a Washington State University student project by Rick Brewster, the software functions as a lightweight alternative to more complex image editing programs. It provides support f...
Why this score
Widely praised free Windows editor with layers, plugins, speed, and approachable design; Windows exclusivity and limited advanced RAW capabilities remain notable weaknesses.
Scoring methodology
Apple Photos is a software application available on macOS and iOS that allows users to organize, edit, and share their digital photographs and videos using features like face recognition, smart albums, and basic adjustments.
ON1 Photo RAW provides a comprehensive, non-destructive workflow for portrait photography, combining raw processing, retouching, and creative effects in a single application. Its Portrait AI tool simplifies common retouching tasks, while its robust layer management and organization features streamli...
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a consumer-friendly image editing software that offers tools for basic and advanced adjustments like cropping, retouching, and applying filters to photographs, streamlining common photo workflows.
Why this score
Well-regarded guided editing and approachable feature set; capable for enthusiasts, but limited control and upgrade value reduce expert enthusiasm.
Scoring methodology
VSCO is a mobile application primarily known for its film simulation presets and advanced editing tools used to process and enhance photographs, offering granular control over color grading, detail adjustments, and creative effects.
Why this score
Influential film presets, strong aesthetic reputation, and polished mobile workflow; subscription pressure, social-feature changes, and limited precision divide users.
Scoring methodology
Luminar AI is a photo editing software that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify complex editing tasks. It's designed for both beginners and experienced photographers, offering a user-friendly interface and powerful AI-driven tools for enhancing portraits, landscapes, and more. Features lik...
Corel PaintShop Pro is a raster and vector graphics editor developed exclusively for the Microsoft Windows operating system. The software provides a comprehensive suite of tools for photo retouching, digital painting, and graphic design, serving as a consumer-level alternative to industry-standard s...
Polarr is a cross-platform photo editor offering layer-based editing, masking tools, and advanced adjustment layers for both Mac and Windows users, allowing for precise control over image modifications.
Why this score
Strong filters, masking, customization, and cross-platform availability earned enthusiast praise; interface complexity, subscriptions, and inconsistent performance weakened broader adoption.
Scoring methodology
Skylum Luminar AI is an artificial intelligence-powered photo editing software that utilizes machine learning algorithms to automatically enhance images by adjusting elements like sky tone, portrait retouching, and overall color balance with user-adjustable parameters.
Why this score
Praised for fast AI enhancements and accessible results; inconsistent automation, performance issues, limited precision, and Skylum upgrade practices weakened its reputation.
Scoring methodology
Facetune is a mobile and desktop application that allows users to retouch photographs by adjusting parameters like skin tone, smoothing blemishes, whitening teeth, and altering facial features through a series of layered editing tools.
Why this score
Popular and effective portrait retouching with accessible controls; subscription pricing, artificial-looking results, ethical concerns, and aggressive monetization temper consensus.
Scoring methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Which photo editing software leads this ranking?
Lunoo's current ranking places Affinity Photo 2 first with a displayed score of 8.65/10. That is the result of Lunoo's scoring model, not a claim that one choice is best for every person.
How should I read the score and confidence label?
The 0 to 10 score is Lunoo's ranking judgment. Strong confidence means 10 or more recorded comparison checks, some means 2 to 9, and provisional means fewer than 2.
What supports this ranking?
Lunoo combines category fit, feature coverage, pricing and value signals, public reception, recency, and peer comparisons. Public source links support factual item details when available, but they are not required for membership in this 35-item ranking.
Can I compare the leading photo editing software?
Yes. The comparison links put adjacent leaders side by side so you can inspect differences that one ranking score cannot capture.
