Best Photo Editing Software Tools of 2025: Top Picks and Reviews
Explore top-rated photo editing software for all skill levels, from professional suites to free editors.
Photo editing is no longer just for professionals. As Digital Trends notes, photo editing is now something "most of us do on a daily basis"digitaltrends.com . Todayâs editors range from powerful subscription suites to free open-source apps. We evaluated the leading tools and their features so you can choose the best photo editing software for your needs, backed by expert reviews and up-to-date information.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is widely regarded as the industry stalwart of image editing. It offers an extensive set of professional features â layers, masks, filters, text and vector tools â combined with cutting-edge AI-driven enhancements. In fact, Digital Trends calls Photoshop the âgold standardâdigitaltrends.comand highlights its AI features like sky replacement and super-resolutionâ . (Photoshop now also offers a free mobile version with advanced editing tools.)reuters.com
Pricing
Key Features
- Generative AI toolsdigitaltrends.com(sky replacement, Super Resolution)
- Comprehensive layer, mask, and retouch toolkitpcmag.com
- Advanced typography and vector graphics support
- Extensive RAW file and color-management supportpcmag.com
- Cloud libraries and cross-device sync
Pros
- Unmatched editing power and flexibilitydigitaltrends.com
- Cutting-edge AI features for creative effectsdigitaltrends.com
- Robust plugin ecosystem and community support
- Industry-standard output quality and format support
Cons
- Subscription-only licensingpcmag.com(no one-time purchase)
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Resource-intensive; can slow older computers
- Many background processes (can be demanding)
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic is optimized for photographers who need powerful workflow and organization tools. According to PCMag, Lightroom Classic âshines at letting you import and organize your photosâ.pcmag.com It provides robust RAW processing, nondestructive edits, and batch adjustments along with features like auto-masking and face recognition for photo cataloging. Itâs ideal for handling large image libraries and making consistent corrections across sets of photos.
Pricing
Key Features
- Advanced photo cataloging (face recognition,pcmag.com geotagging)
- Powerful local adjustment tools (masking, spot removal)pcmag.com
- Presets and batch processing for efficient workflow
- Robust RAW processing and color correction
- Cross-device editing supportpcmag.com(mobile apps available)
Pros
- Excellent photo management and organizationpcmag.com
- Precise non-destructive editing and retouching
- Built-in AI-assisted adjustments (auto mask)
- Syncs with mobile Lightroom apps for on-the-go edits
Cons
- Limited cloud integration;pcmag.com desktop-focused workflow
- Fewer advanced compositing tools than Photoshop
- Requires Adobe subscription
- Basic user interface for beginners
Serif Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a high-end photo editor with one-time pricing. It rivals Photoshop in capability:techradar.com TechRadar praises it as having âprofessional-grade featuresâ and a one-time purchase model . Digital Trends highlights that Affinity Photo includes all expected retouching tools, an unlimited layer stack, HDR and 360° stitching, and support for RAW and PSD files.digitaltrends.com In short, it delivers a powerful, Photoshop-like toolset without a subscription.
Pricing
Key Features
- Unlimited layers; supports RAW and PSD filesdigitaltrends.com
- Professional retouching tools, brushes, and filtersdigitaltrends.com
- HDR merge and 360° panorama stitchingdigitaltrends.com
- RGB and CMYK color spaces; ICC color management
- Mac, Windows, and iPad support with a universal license
Pros
- Full-featured (Photoshop-level) editing capabilitiesdigitaltrends.com
- Fast and memory-efficient performance
- No subscription â one-time purchase covers all updates
- Works on Mac, Windows, and iPad (Universal license)
Cons
- Fewer third-party plugins and extensions than Photoshop
- No cloud sync or mobile companion app
- Smaller user base/learning resources compared to Adobe
- Interface can feel different for Photoshop users
GIMP
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source editor that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its official documentation states that âGIMP provides the tools needed for high quality image manipulationâ.gimp.org It offers a full suite of editing toolsâlayers, masks, filters, and pluginsâcomparable to Photoshop. Because itâs free, itâs popular for hobbyists; however, its interface and workflow are less polished than commercial apps,pcmag.com which can make it harder for beginners to adopt.
Pricing
Key Features
- Cross-platform and completely freegimp.org(GPL open source)
- Customizable interface with extensive plugin and script support
- Comprehensive toolkitgimp.org(layers, masking, healing/blending tools)
- Full PSD compatibility (can open and export Photoshop files)
- Advanced color management and winding software integration
Pros
- Robust editing features without any costgimp.org
- Highly extensible via community plugins and scripts
- Light and runs on older hardware (Linux, Windows, macOS)
- Strong support for headless scripting and automation
Cons
- User interface is less intuitive and polishedpcmag.com
- No official customer support (community-based)
- Fewer built-in advanced filters/effects than paid software
- Lacks cloud/mobile integration and some pro-level tools
Skylum Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is known for its AI-powered ease of use. It provides one-click enhancements and creative filters rather than manual edits. Digital Trends notes that Luminarâs standout features include AI tools like Sky Replacement, Portrait Enhancer, and Accent for focal point improvements.digitaltrends.com The result is a very intuitive workflow that lets non-experts produce pro-level results quickly. However, as TechRadar observes, Luminar Neo "lacks some professional-level features" found in Photoshop-like editors.techradar.com
Pricing
Key Features
- Artificial intelligence toolsdigitaltrends.com(sky and background replacement, portrait fixes)
- AI-powered one-click enhancementsdigitaltrends.com(Smart Contrast, Accent AI)
- Creative filters and LUTs for stylized effects
- Supports layers and masking for non-destructive edits
- Plugins available for Photoshop/Lightroom integration
Pros
- Intuitive AI-driven editingdigitaltrends.com(quickly enhance photos)
- No prior expertise needed â great for beginners
- Includes innovative generative tools (GenErase, AtmosphereAI)
- Flexible purchase model (perpetual or subscription options)
Cons
- Fewer advanced tools than photoshop-class softwaretechradar.com
- Subscription pricing (no fully free version)
- Less control over fine edits (reliant on AI)
- Occasional performance issues on very large images
Conclusion
Choosing the best photo editor depends on your needs. For professionals, Adobeâs suite still leads:pcmag.com PCMag names Photoshop and Lightroom Classic as top picks.pcmag.com But there are strong alternatives: one-time licenses (Affinity Photo) and free programs (GIMP) can offer nearly comparable power for hobbyists. TechRadar reminds us that the right choice depends on your experience, budget, and platform.techradar.com Recent developments show even free or mobile tools are very capablereuters.comâ for instance, Reuters notes that Adobeâs new free mobile Photoshop provides "advanced features like photo layering and masking" . We recommend comparing each softwareâs features and pricing against your photo workflow to decide which is the best fit.