Last month I discussed 5 Photoshop Alternatives for File Preparation. This month I wanted to provide an idea of what our users are using, even if it does include Adobe Photoshop. Below are the percentages we find. Note, that some users will use more than one of these programs.
Survey Results
One thing we realized we had left out was Adobe Lightroom. Out of the 35.2% that answered “Other”, about 25% of them answered Adobe Lightroom. Others in the “Other” category also included programs like Topaz Labs Gigapixel or Photo AI. And many times it was a combination of several programs.
So how do these programs compare?
Considered Professional-Grade Photo Editors
These programs offer advanced tools for photographers, including RAW processing, color grading, and retouching.
| Software | Strengths | Pricing | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Industry-standard for photo editing, retouching, compositing, and AI-powered tools. Supports PSD, smart objects, and plugins. | Subscription ($22.99/mo) | Professionals, photographers, and designers who need advanced tools. |
| Capture One Pro | High-end RAW editing, excellent color grading, tethered shooting, and precise adjustments. | Subscription or Perpetual (pricing varies) | Professional photographers, especially those working with high-quality RAW files. |
| Affinity Photo | Photoshop alternative with powerful photo retouching, compositing, and RAW editing. One-time purchase. | One-time purchase ($69.99) | Professionals and enthusiasts looking for an affordable, powerful Photoshop alternative. |
| Adobe Lightroom | Cloud-based photo organization with non-destructive RAW editing and powerful presets. | Subscription ($9.99/mo) | Photographers needing a streamlined editing workflow with cloud syncing. |
AI-Powered Photo Enhancement
These tools use AI to improve image quality automatically and sometimes might be used in conjunction with the ones above.
| Software | Strengths | Pricing | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz Labs Gigapixel AI | AI-driven upscaling that enlarges images while preserving details. | One-time purchase ($99) | Restoring/enlarging low-res images, printing large formats. |
| Topaz Labs Photo AI | AI-based sharpening, noise reduction, and upscaling in one tool. | One-time purchase ($199) | Photographers wanting automated enhancement with AI. |
Free & Web-Based Photo Editors
Great for casual or budget-conscious users.
| Software | Strengths | Pricing | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP | Open-source alternative to Photoshop, supports layers and plugins but has a steeper learning curve. | Free | Budget-conscious users, open-source enthusiasts. |
| PhotoPea | Web-based Photoshop alternative, supports PSD editing, requires no installation. | Free (ads) or $5/mo (Premium) | Quick edits, Chromebook users, casual designers. |
| Adobe Express | Template-based design tool with simple photo enhancements. | Free or $9.99/mo for premium features | Social media creators, marketers. |
| Canva | Simple web-based design with built-in filters and effects. | Free or $12.99/mo for Pro | Non-designers, businesses creating marketing content. |
Best Picks by Use Case
- Best for Professional Retouching & Editing Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Photo (if you prefer a one-time purchase).
- Best for RAW Editing & Color Grading Capture One Pro or Adobe Lightroom (for cloud-based workflow).
- Best AI Photo Enhancement Topaz Photo AI (for sharpening, noise reduction) or Topaz Gigapixel AI (for upscaling).
- Best Free Alternative GIMP (powerful but less user-friendly) or PhotoPea (easier to use).
- Best for Quick Edits Canva or Adobe Express.
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I suppose I’m. the only one using DXO Photo Lab. Unbelievable it isn’t even mentioned in your survey. I suppose I should switch to a different provider.
Honestly what’s missing that I use a lot is Affinity Designer which works raster and vector. When you have AD and Affinity Photo (AP) then AD can be used from within AP.
I also use Procreate and take my art over to AD more than AP more times than not.