emoji_events Best Photo Editing Software

Top-rated photo editing software ranked by our AI-powered scoring system.

50
Products Ranked
8.5
Avg Score
12
Rated Excellent
10
Top Score
Summary: The best photo editing software in 2026 is Affinity Photo 2 with a score of 10.0/10, followed by Adobe Photoshop CC (9.6) and Pixelmator Pro (9.6). This ranking is based on Lunoo's AI-powered scoring system which evaluates 50 photo editing software across quality, features, user satisfaction, and value. Rankings are updated daily.

table_chart Top 5 at a Glance

Rank Name Score Price Best For
#1 Affinity Photo 2 10.0 From $69.95 Professional photographers and graphic designers requiring a...
#2 Adobe Photoshop CC 9.6 From $20.99/mo Adobe Photoshop CC is ideal for professional photographers,... Visit
#3 Pixelmator Pro 9.6 From $49.99/mo or $299.99 one-time purchase Ideal for professional designers and photographers looking f... Visit
#4 Adobe Lightroom 9.5 Free / $9.99/mo Lightroom is ideal for professional and serious amateur phot... Visit
#5 Capture One 9.5 From $20/mo Professional studio photographers and commercial retouchers... Visit

leaderboard Full Photo Editing Software Rankings

Best 1 Affinity Photo 2
Affinity Photo 2
From $69.95

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 R...

10.0 Brilliant
2 Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CC
From $20.99/mo

Adobe Photoshop CC remains the industry standard for professional photo editing, offering unparalleled power and flexibility. Its non-destructive editing capabilities, extensive filter library, and ad...

9.6 Brilliant
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3 Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro
From $49.99/mo or $299.99 one-time purchase

Pixelmator Pro is a sleek, powerful image editor designed exclusively for macOS, blending photo editing with graphic design. It leverages machine learning for features like Super Resolution, Denoise,...

9.6 Brilliant
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4 Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom
Free Plan Available From $9.99/mo

Lightroom is the gold standard for photographers who need to manage and edit large volumes of images. It excels at non-destructive editing, allowing you to apply complex color grades and exposure adju...

9.5 Brilliant
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5 Capture One
Capture One
From $20/mo

Capture One is the preferred choice for high-end studio photographers and commercial retouchers. It is renowned for its industry-leading color science and superior tethering capabilities, allowing pho...

9.5 Brilliant
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6 Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic
From $9.99/mo (Photography Plan)

Lightroom Classic is a powerful photo editing software designed for managing and editing large photo libraries. It offers advanced raw processing, batch editing, and non-destructive editing features....

9.4 Excellent
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7 Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro
From $249.00/mo or $1,395.00 one-time

Capture One Pro is a high-end RAW processing and tethered shooting software renowned for its exceptional color science and detail rendering. It is a favorite among studio and commercial photographers...

9.4 Excellent
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8 DxO PhotoLab 8
DxO PhotoLab 8

DxO PhotoLab 8 is a powerhouse for photographers who prioritize image quality above all else. Its DeepPRIME XD noise reduction technology is arguably the best in the industry, allowing for clean image...

9.3 Excellent
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9 DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab
From $119 (Essential) / $179 (Elite)

DxO PhotoLab is renowned for its unmatched optical corrections and DeepPRIME noise reduction technology. It automatically applies lens-specific profiles to every image in a batch, ensuring maximum sha...

9.2 Excellent
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10 Snapseed
Snapseed
Free Plan Available

Developed by Google, Snapseed is a professional-grade photo editor that remains completely free. It is beloved for its clean, gesture-based interface and a deep set of tools that allow for precise adj...

9.2 Excellent
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11 Excire Foto
Excire Foto
From $49 (perpetual) / $2.49/mo

Excire Foto is a specialized organizer that uses sophisticated AI to automatically tag and categorize your photos locally. Unlike cloud services, Excire performs all its analysis on your machine, ensu...

9.1 Excellent
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12 LightZone
LightZone

LightZone is a unique, open-source RAW editor that is based on the classic 'Zone System' of photography. It provides a non-destructive workflow that is highly intuitive for photographers who understan...

9.0 Excellent
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13 PhotoPrism
PhotoPrism

PhotoPrism is a modern, self-hosted photo organizer that brings the convenience of Google Photos to your own server. It uses Google TensorFlow for AI-based image recognition, allowing you to search yo...

8.9 Very Good
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14 Apple Photos
Apple Photos

Apple Photos is the default, high-quality organizer for the Apple ecosystem. It is deeply integrated into macOS and iOS, providing a seamless experience for iPhone users. It features excellent facial...

8.9 Very Good
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15 ON1 Photo RAW 2025
ON1 Photo RAW 2025

ON1 Photo RAW 2025 is a comprehensive all-in-one photo editor that combines RAW processing, effects, and cataloging in a single application. It is designed to be a direct competitor to Lightroom, offe...

8.9 Very Good
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16 TouchRetouch
TouchRetouch

TouchRetouch is a specialized utility app designed for one specific purpose: removing unwanted objects from your photos. Whether it is a stray power line, a photobomber, or a distracting blemish, Touc...

8.9 Very Good
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17 PicsArt
PicsArt
Free Plan Available From $4.99/mo

Picsart is a massive creative platform that goes far beyond simple photo editing. It is a comprehensive suite for creating collages, adding stickers, applying AI effects, and designing social media gr...

8.9 Very Good
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18 Skylum Luminar Neo
Skylum Luminar Neo
From $49.99/mo

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...

8.9 Very Good
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19 DxO PhotoLab 7
DxO PhotoLab 7
Free Plan Available From $49.95/mo or Free trial

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 aut...

8.9 Very Good
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20 Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is the primary competitor to Adobe Photoshop, offering a professional-grade raster editing suite without the subscription model. It is built for speed and precision, featuring non-destr...

8.8 Very Good
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21 Google Photos
Google Photos

Google Photos excels at making massive media libraries manageable through powerful AI-driven search and automatic organization. Users simply upload their photos, and the service handles categorization...

8.8 Very Good
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22 Photopea
Photopea
Free Plan Available

Photopea is a remarkably capable, browser-based image editor that closely mimics Adobe Photoshop's interface and supports PSD, XCF, and Sketch files. It includes layers, masks, smart objects, and a wi...

8.8 Very Good
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23 ON1 Photo RAW 2024
ON1 Photo RAW 2024
Free Plan Available From $29.95/mo

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, a...

8.8 Very Good
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24 ON1 Photo RAW
ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive, all-in-one photo editor that combines cataloging, non-destructive editing, and layer-based compositing. It is a fantastic alternative to the Adobe ecosystem, offering...

8.6 Very Good
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25 F-Stop
F-Stop

F-Stop is an open-source photo editing and management software that focuses on raw image processing and non-destructive editing. It offers tools for adjusting exposure, color balance, and contrast. F-...

8.5 Very Good
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26 Corel PaintShop Pro 2024
Corel PaintShop Pro 2024
From $149.00

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,...

8.5 Very Good
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27 Adobe Lightroom Classic
Adobe Lightroom Classic
From $9.99/mo (as part of Adobe Creative Cloud)

Adobe Lightroom Classic is the premier digital asset management and RAW photo processing software for photographers. It excels in organizing large libraries with robust keyword and metadata tools, whi...

8.5 Very Good
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28 Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame offers stunning panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. The structure is a giant picture frame, allowing visitors to see the contrast between the city's historical district and its...

8.4 Very Good
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29 Luminar AI
Luminar AI

Luminar AI leverages artificial intelligence to simplify photo editing, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. Its AI-powered tools automate complex tasks like sky replacement and portrait...

8.4 Very Good
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30 Corel PaintShop Photo Plus
Corel PaintShop Photo Plus

Corel PaintShop Photo Plus is a photo editing software that offers a range of advanced tools for image manipulation. It supports layers, masks, and advanced color correction, making it ideal for both...

8.2 Very Good
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31 Amazon Photos
Amazon Photos

Amazon Photos is a compelling choice for Amazon Prime members, offering unlimited full-resolution photo storage. It is a straightforward, cloud-based organizer that excels at backup and basic retrieva...

8.2 Very Good
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32 RawTherapee
RawTherapee

RawTherapee is a high-precision, open-source RAW converter that is beloved by technical photographers who want total control over the demosaicing process. It offers a wide range of advanced algorithms...

8.2 Very Good
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33 Fotor
Fotor
Free Plan Available From $4.99/mo

Fotor is a comprehensive photo editing platform that includes a robust AI background remover. It is designed for users who want a full suite of editing toolsincluding filters, effects, and retouchinga...

8.2 Very Good
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34 Moment 3 Pro
Moment 3 Pro

The Moment 3 Pro stands out with its modular design, allowing users to customize the camera with different lenses and accessories. It records in 4K/60fps with excellent stabilization and captures RAW...

8.1 Very Good
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35 Photo Pos Pro
Photo Pos Pro

Photo Pos Pro is a Windows-only photo editing software that aims to bridge the gap between basic editors and professional tools like Photoshop. It offers a layer-based editing system, a wide range of...

8.1 Very Good
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36 GIMP Touch
GIMP Touch
Free Plan Available From Free/mo with in-app purchases for advanced features

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...

8.1 Very Good
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37 Hama Perfect Picture Scan
Hama Perfect Picture Scan

The Hama Perfect Picture Scan is a flatbed scanner offering a good balance of features and affordability. It supports resolutions up to 600 DPI and can handle prints, slides, and negatives. The includ...

8.0 Very Good
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38 PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a fun, easy-to-use photo editor that is perfect for beginners and casual users. It includes a wide range of creative filters, basic RAW editing tools, and batch processing capabilities...

8.0 Very Good
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39 Adobe Lightroom (Cloud-based)
Adobe Lightroom (Cloud-based)

Adobe Lightroom (the cloud-based version) is designed for photographers who value mobility and simplicity. Unlike the Classic version, all your photos are stored in the cloud, allowing you to access a...

8.0 Very Good
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40 Pixlr X2
Pixlr X2
Free Plan Available From Free/mo

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...

8.0 Very Good
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41 Aurora HDR
Aurora HDR

Aurora HDR is a photo editing software focused on raw image processing and non-destructive editing. It offers advanced tools for color correction, exposure adjustment, and lens correction. The free tr...

7.9 Good
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42 Fellowes Scan Lynx 300
Fellowes Scan Lynx 300

The Fellowes Scan Lynx 300 is a budget-friendly flatbed scanner designed for basic photo and document scanning. It offers a resolution of up to 300 DPI and includes basic image enhancement features. I...

7.8 Good
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43 Photo Supreme
Photo Supreme

Photo Supreme is a lesser-known but powerful photo editor with a focus on raw processing and color management. It offers a non-destructive editing workflow and batch processing capabilities. Its stre...

7.8 Good
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44 Corel PaintShop Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro

Corel PaintShop Pro is a long-standing Windows-based image editor that offers a comprehensive set of tools for both photo editing and graphic design. It includes AI-powered features, layer support, an...

7.8 Good
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45 Focos
Focos

Focos is a specialized app that brings professional-grade depth-of-field and bokeh control to your mobile photos. It uses AI to analyze the depth map of your images, allowing you to adjust the apertur...

7.8 Good
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46 Pixlr
Pixlr
Free Plan Available From $9.99/mo for advanced features

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. Unlik...

7.8 Good
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47 Exposure X7
Exposure X7
From $49.99/mo

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 laye...

7.8 Good
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48 YouCam Perfect
YouCam Perfect

YouCam Perfect is a mobile app primarily focused on beauty retouching and selfie enhancement. It offers features like skin smoothing, body shaping, and a wide range of filters. While it may not be sui...

7.6 Good
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49 Photo Mechanic
Photo Mechanic

Photo Mechanic is the industry standard for photojournalists and sports photographers who need to cull and ingest thousands of images in record time. While it is not a full-featured editor, its batch...

7.4 Good
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50 Acorn
Acorn

Acorn is a lightweight, Mac-native image editor that focuses on speed and simplicity. It is perfect for users who find Photoshop or Affinity Photo too complex and bloated for their needs. It offers al...

7.3 Good
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help Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Photo Editing Software in 2026?
According to our AI-powered rankings, Affinity Photo 2 is currently rated as the best Photo Editing Software with a score of 10.0/10. Other top-rated options include Affinity Photo 2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixelmator Pro.
How are these Photo Editing Software ranked?
Our rankings use an AI-powered scoring system that analyzes features, user reviews, expert opinions, market presence, and value for money. Each Photo Editing Software receives an objective score from 0 to 10.
How often are the rankings updated?
Our rankings are updated continuously as new data becomes available. Scores are recalculated regularly to ensure you always see the most current and accurate ratings.
What are the top 5 Photo Editing Software in 2026?
The top 5 Photo Editing Software in 2026 are: Affinity Photo 2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixelmator Pro, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One. These are ranked by our AI-powered scoring system based on features, quality, and user satisfaction.
How many Photo Editing Software are ranked on Lunoo?
Lunoo currently ranks 50 Photo Editing Software, of which 12 have earned an Excellent rating (9.0+). New options are added and scored regularly.
Which Photo Editing Software has the highest score?
Affinity Photo 2 currently holds the highest score at 10.0/10 in our Photo Editing Software rankings.
Is Affinity Photo 2 worth it?
Affinity Photo 2 scores 10.0/10, making it one of the highest-rated Photo Editing Software available. Its strong rating reflects excellent performance across our evaluation criteria.
What should I look for when choosing a Photo Editing Software?
Key factors include your specific use case, budget, features offered, ease of use, and long-term value. Our scoring system evaluates these factors objectively. Compare the top options above to find the best fit.
Are there any free Photo Editing Software options?
Some Photo Editing Software offer free plans or trials. Check each option's website for current pricing. Our rankings focus on overall quality regardless of price point.
What is the difference between top-rated Photo Editing Software?
While Affinity Photo 2 and Adobe Photoshop CC are both highly rated, they differ in features, pricing, and target audience. Use our comparison tool to see detailed side-by-side differences.
Can I compare Photo Editing Software on Lunoo?
Yes! Lunoo offers a detailed comparison tool. Click the compare icon on any two items to see a side-by-side analysis of scores, features, pros, and cons.
How accurate are Lunoo's Photo Editing Software rankings?
Our AI-powered scoring system is calibrated against established ground truth sources and continuously improved. We analyze features, expert reviews, user feedback, and market data to provide the most objective rankings possible.

checklist What to Look for in Photo Editing Software

Feature Set
A robust feature set is crucial as it allows users to perform a wide range of editing tasks. Look for tools like layers, masks, and advanced filters. For instance, Affinity Photo offers extensive features including vector editing and 3D transformations.
User Interface
A user-friendly interface can significantly enhance productivity. Adobe Photoshop has a well-established layout but might be overwhelming for beginners. On the other hand, Darkroom provides a clean, intuitive design that is easier to navigate.
Performance and Speed
Performance is key when dealing with large files or complex edits. Adobe Photoshop Express excels in this area by offering fast processing times even on lower-end hardware.
Integration Capabilities
For professionals, integration with other tools and services can be beneficial. Adobe Creative Cloud offers seamless integration with other Adobe products like Illustrator and InDesign, making it a popular choice for creative workflows.
Price and Subscription Models
Pricing varies widely; some offer free trials or basic versions. For example, Adobe Photoshop Express is available as a free app with limited features, while Adobe Creative Cloud requires a subscription but offers more extensive tools.
Our Verdict: The photo editing software category boasts several high-quality options, with top choices like Affinity Photo and Adobe Photoshop leading the pack. The average score of 8.18077/10 reflects the overall satisfaction among users, indicating that these products are well-regarded for their comprehensive feature sets and performance. While there is no single clear winner, the market remains competitive, with ongoing advancements in technology shaping the future of photo editing software.

science How We Rank

Every photo editing software is scored across 12 weighted criteria from hundreds of verified sources:

  • Features & Capabilities - Comprehensive analysis of what each option offers
  • User Reviews - Aggregated feedback from real users across platforms
  • Expert Opinions - Professional reviews and industry recognition
  • Value for Money - Cost-effectiveness relative to features
  • Reliability & Support - Track record and customer service quality

Rankings are updated continuously as new information becomes available.

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Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all scores are determined by our independent AI-powered evaluation system.

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