Adobe Photoshop is well-known in the photo editing world. But is it actually the best option for you? Whether you’re a professional photographer, a casual creator, or just someone who needs to swap a sky without paying an exorbitant subscription cost, there’s a Photoshop alternative out there for you.

In 2025, the best Photoshop alternatives come packed with AI tools, advanced editing features, and the sweet, sweet freedom of non-subscription options. Explore options for Mac, Windows, and even built in browser options that fit your budget, workflow, and tolerance for learning curves. Let’s dig into the smartest picks—and help you kick Photoshop to the curb (or at least flirt with the idea).

1. ON1 Photo RAW: Best Photoshop Alternative for Professional Photographers

If you want professional-level photo editing without crawling back to Adobe every month with your wallet in your hand, ON1 Photo RAW is the tool for you. It’s designed specifically for serious photographers who want full control, exceptionally powerful AI features, and—wait for it—a non-subscription photo editor experience. It blends the best parts of Photoshop and Lightroom into one powerful app that works on both Mac and Windows.

This is not your “let’s add a filter and call it a day” software. This is for the folks who shoot in RAW, understand the difference between luminance and saturation, and want their software to keep up.

  • Price: ~$99.99 one-time purchase (with optional upgrades)
  • Features: Super Select AI, Brilliance AI, RAW editing, layer-based workflow, advanced masking, HDR, and plugin support
  • Why it’s a great alternative: It’s a full-blown Photoshop alternative for photographers who value ownership, power, and an intuitive UI. ON1 gives pros the tools they need, just without the Adobe leash

Get a Quick Look at ON1 Photo RAW

Want to see what it’s like to work in ON1 Photo RAW? Check out this quick video for a broad overview of what’s in store. You can also check our other videos for more in-depth looks at all the powerful tools and features you’ll find with ON1.

2. Affinity Photo: Best Photoshop Alternative for Graphic Designers

Affinity Photo has earned a solid reputation for offering professional-grade features in a polished, affordable package. It’s one of the best Photoshop alternatives for creative professionals working across branding, illustration, and graphic design.

Affinity isn’t a Lightroom clone. It’s made for those who think in layers, masks, and clipping paths. Whether you’re mocking up a billboard or retouching a product photo, this app’s for you.

  • Price: ~$164.99 one-time purchase (no subscription)
  • Features: Real-time editing, PSD and vector support, smart object-like capabilities, professional brushes, non-destructive workflows, and built-in RAW editing
  • Why it’s a great alternative: Affinity Photo is the Photoshop alternative for Mac and Windows users who live in the world of design. You’ll get pro-grade tools in a polished interface without committing to the monthly drain on your wallet (and soul).

3. Photopea – Best Free Photoshop Alternative in Your Browser

No downloads. No installations. Photopea is like someone looked at Photoshop and said, “What if this ran inside a Chrome tab and didn’t cost anything?” Somehow, it works. And not just kind of works—it opens PSDs, supports layers, and does most of what casual users and even light pros need. It’s the ultimate free Photoshop alternative for those who need fast edits without the Adobe drama.

Whether you’re editing on a school computer, a Chromebook, or just don’t want to commit, Photopea is the ultimate “good enough” tool that feels like cheating—but isn’t. Miraculously.

  • Price: Free (ad-supported), with optional premium subscription to remove ads
  • Features: PSD support, layers, masks, adjustment layers, smart objects, exports to multiple formats
  • Why it’s a great alternative: If you need a Photoshop alternative for Windows, Mac, or anything with a browser, Photopea delivers. It’s the best zero-dollar option out there, especially for quick tasks and budget-strapped users.

4. Pixlr X – Best Photoshop Alternative for Social Media Creators

If your idea of editing involves adding sparkles, swapping backgrounds, and getting content out yesterday, then Pixlr X is your dream come true. It’s fast, online, filter-happy, and ideal for social media creators who want to make everything look “🔥🔥🔥” with minimal effort and maximum vibes.

Pixlr X isn’t trying to be Photoshop. It’s trying to be fun. Which, let’s be honest, Adobe hasn’t been since 2008. It’s great for YouTubers, influencers, Etsy shop owners, and anyone else whose main photo requirement is “make this look good enough to get likes.”

  • Price: Free with premium plans starting around $1.99/month
  • Features: AI background remover, text tools, filters, overlays, templates, layer support, mobile-friendly interface
  • Why it’s a great alternative: If you’re looking for a lightweight, browser-based Photoshop alternative that doesn’t require an art degree—or a commitment—Pixlr X delivers. Perfect for creators on the move using Mac, Windows, or just their favorite browser.

5. GIMP – Best Open Source Photoshop Alternative

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program—yes, the acronym is unfortunate) is the reigning champion of free, open-source image editing. It’s a cult classic, adored by DIYers, developers, and budget-conscious users who value power over polish. GIMP does nearly everything Photoshop can do… if you can figure out how.

Don’t expect sleek design or AI automation. This is raw, unfiltered editing power—perfect for the technically inclined or the extremely patient. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done. Kind of like a can opener from 1993.

  • Price: Free (forever, unless your time has value)
  • Features: Layers, masks, filters, plug-in support, color correction, scriptable with Python
  • Why it’s a great alternative: GIMP is the free Photoshop alternative for the open-source faithful and power users who want a no-cost, high-function editor. Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux—because of course it does.

6. Krita – Best Photoshop Alternative for Digital Artists

If you’re more into painting galaxies and moody elves than adjusting exposure and skin tones, Krita is your jam. Originally built for illustrators, it’s evolved into a strong platform for digital art, animation, and yes—even some photo editing. Think of it as the brooding art school kid of Photoshop alternatives.

Krita isn’t trying to woo professional photographers—it’s courting concept artists, comic creators, and visual storytellers who need powerful brushes, stabilizers, and infinite creative freedom. Oh, and it’s also completely free.

  • Price: Free (with optional donations or paid versions via app stores)
  • Features: Powerful brush engine, animation tools, customizable UI, layer support, HDR painting, PSD compatibility
  • Why it’s a great alternative: Krita is the Photoshop alternative for Mac and Windows users who want to create art, not just edit it. It’s perfect for digital painters and illustrators who need control, flexibility, and a massive brush library.

7. Luminar Neo – Best Photoshop Alternative for Landscape and Portrait Enhancement

Luminar Neo is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. If your photo edits usually involve skies, faces, or desperately trying to make harsh lighting look intentional, this is your dream software. It’s packed with specialized AI tools that cater to landscape and portrait photographers who want jaw-dropping results—fast.

While ON1 Photo RAW offers a broader AI-powered toolkit, Luminar Neo shines when you want to edit specific images with dramatic, high-impact enhancements. Think of it as the high-tech photo fairy godmother who specializes in skies, skin, and scene moodiness.

  • Price: Subscription or lifetime license (~$149)
  • Features: AI Sky Replacement, Portrait Bokeh AI, skin and face enhancement tools, relight scenes, batch editing
  • Why it’s a great alternative: Luminar Neo is ideal for landscape and portrait photographers who want to enhance their images dramatically and easily. It’s a Photoshop alternative for users who prioritize speed and style over technical workflows.

Experience Pro Editing Without the Subscription Trap

Photoshop may be the industry standard, but in 2025, it’s far from your only option—and honestly, not always the smartest one. Whether you’re a pro photographer, a casual content creator, or just someone who refuses to pay monthly to crop a photo, there’s a Photoshop alternative that fits your needs and your budget. So go ahead. Break up with Adobe. We promise, you’ll barely miss them.

See what it feels like to actually own your photo editor. Start your 30-day free trial of ON1 Photo RAW and explore powerful AI tools, fast RAW processing, and a full editing suite built for real photographers.

Try ON1 Photo RAW for Free

Frequently Asked Questions: The Best Photoshop Alternative

Is ON1 Photo RAW a good Photoshop alternative for beginners?

Yes—while ON1 Photo RAW is powerful enough for professionals, its intuitive interface and AI-assisted tools make it approachable for beginners, too. You can start with simple edits and grow into the more advanced features as your skills improve.

Can ON1 Photo RAW replace both Photoshop and Lightroom?

Absolutely. ON1 Photo RAW combines photo organization (like Lightroom) with advanced editing capabilities (like Photoshop), all in one app. It’s a complete non-subscription photo editor built for efficiency and control.

What happens after my ON1 Photo RAW 30-day free trial?

After your trial ends, you can choose to purchase a perpetual license or opt into optional upgrade plans. Unlike Adobe, ON1 doesn’t force you into a subscription—you own the software, updates or not.