Best Photo Editing Software

Reviewed by Lunoo Research Team · Updated May 27, 2026

26 ranked ·

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

· Re-ranked 4 days ago
26
Items Ranked
8.4
Avg Score
6
Rated Excellent
9.7
Top Ranked Score
Summary: The best photo editing software in 2026 is Adobe Lightroom Classic with a score of 9.7/10, followed by Adobe Photoshop (9.7) and DxO PhotoLab 7 (9.4). This ranking is based on Lunoo's AI-powered scoring system which evaluates 26 photo editing software across category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, recency, and value. Rankings were last refreshed on May 27, 2026.

table_chart Top 5 at a Glance

Rank Name Score Price Best For
#1 Adobe Lightroom Classic 9.7 From $9.99/mo (as part of Adobe Creative Cloud) Professional photographers who require advanced editing tool... Visit
#2 Adobe Photoshop 9.7 From $20.99/mo (individual plan) Professional photographers, graphic designers, and advanced... Visit
#3 DxO PhotoLab 7 9.4 Free / $49.95/mo or Free trial Ideal for professional photographers who require precise con... Visit
#4 Skylum Luminar Neo 9.3 From $49.99/mo Ideal for professional photographers seeking advanced editin... Visit
#5 ON1 Photo RAW 2024 9.3 Free / $29.95/mo Professional photographers and advanced amateurs looking for... Visit

leaderboard Full Photo Editing Software Rankings

Best 1 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...

9.74 Brilliant
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2 Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop
From $20.99/mo (individual plan)

Adobe Photoshop is the quintessential raster graphics editor, so dominant that its name is synonymous with image manipulation. It defines excellence in pixel-based editing, photo retouching, digital p...

9.69 Brilliant
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3 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...

9.37 Excellent
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4 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...

9.26 Excellent
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5 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...

9.26 Excellent
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6 Adobe Lightroom CC
Adobe Lightroom CC

The CC version of Lightroom heavily emphasizes its cloud-based features. This is ideal for photographers who shoot on location and need immediate access to their edited work from any device. The cloud...

9.00 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...

8.82 Very Good
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8 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,...

8.80 Very Good
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9 Luminar AI
Luminar AI

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-friendl...

8.80 Very Good
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10 PicsArt
PicsArt
Free Plan Available From $4.99/mo

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-makin...

8.78 Very Good
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11 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...

8.76 Very Good
Visit
12 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...

8.65 Very Good
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13 Darktable
Darktable
Free Plan Available

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 module...

8.56 Very Good
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14 ON1 Photo RAW
ON1 Photo RAW

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 simp...

8.50 Very Good
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15 Snappa
Snappa
Free Plan Available From $9.99/mo

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...

8.46 Very Good
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16 Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic

Lightroom Classic remains the industry standard for professional photographers requiring advanced raw processing, batch editing, and comprehensive asset management. Unlike the cloud-based Lightroom, C...

8.30 Very Good
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17 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,...

8.23 Very Good
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18 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...

8.18 Very Good
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19 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...

8.09 Very Good
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20 XnConvert
XnConvert

XnConvert is the ultimate utility for batch image processing. Unlike full-featured editors, it focuses entirely on speed and efficiency for tasks like resizing, renaming, format conversion, and basic...

8.03 Very Good
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21 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...

8.03 Very Good
Visit
22 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...

8.00 Very Good
Visit
23 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...

7.69 Good
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24 Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express
Free Plan Available

Adobe Photoshop Express is the mobile-friendly, simplified version of Photoshop. It includes a quick background removal tool that is perfect for on-the-go edits. While it doesn't have the full power o...

7.28 Good
Visit
25 Darkroom
Darkroom
Free Plan Available

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 responsi...

6.86 Fair
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26 ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate
From $49.95/mo

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 fac...

6.38 Fair
Visit

help Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Photo Editing Software in 2026?
According to our AI-powered rankings, Adobe Lightroom Classic is currently rated as the best Photo Editing Software with a score of 9.7/10. Other top-rated options include Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, DxO PhotoLab 7.
How are these Photo Editing Software ranked?
Our rankings use an AI-powered scoring system that analyzes category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, recency, and value for money. Each Photo Editing Software receives a 0 to 10 Lunoo score.
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: Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, DxO PhotoLab 7, Skylum Luminar Neo, ON1 Photo RAW 2024. These are ranked by our AI-powered scoring system based on category fit, features, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.
How many Photo Editing Software are ranked on Lunoo?
Lunoo currently ranks 26 Photo Editing Software, of which 6 have earned an Excellent rating (9.0+). New options are added and scored regularly.
Which Photo Editing Software is ranked first?
Adobe Lightroom Classic is currently ranked #1 with a Lunoo score of 9.7/10 in our Photo Editing Software rankings.
Is Adobe Lightroom Classic worth it?
Adobe Lightroom Classic scores 9.7/10, 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 Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop 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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