Looking for the best Photoshop alternative in 2025? This blog dives into the leading alternative software for Photoshop, including free Photoshop alternatives for Mac users and other good alternatives to Photoshop for creatives and professionals. We review powerful photo editors, graphic design tools, and digital painting apps that cater to diverse needs and budgets. Learn about their features, pricing, pros, and cons to make an informed choice and elevate your creative projects with the perfect Photoshop alternative.
Introduction: Why You Might Be Looking for a Photoshop Alternative
Adobe Photoshop has long dominated the image editing landscape, setting the benchmark for photo manipulation, graphic design, and creative visual content. But it comes with its downsides: the steep price tag, the subscription-based payment model, and a learning curve that can be intimidating for newcomers.
For hobbyists, students, freelancers, and small business owners, the need for robust yet accessible and affordable alternatives is more urgent than ever in 2025. Whether you’re managing your social media visuals, editing product photos for your ecommerce shop, or crafting digital illustrations, finding the right alternative software for Photoshop can drastically improve your workflow and your wallet.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through 7 of the best Photoshop alternatives available today—each with distinct features, price points, and user experiences. From high-powered professional tools to browser-based freebies, we’ve got you covered.
This blog will explore:
- The best Photoshop alternative overall
- Which options are the most user-friendly for beginners
- A list of free Photoshop alternatives for Mac and other platforms
- The most good alternatives to Photoshop for specific use cases like social media, design, or digital painting
Let’s dive into the details and help you find your perfect creative companion.
Affinity Photo – The Best Photoshop Alternative Overall
Why Affinity Photo Continues to Win Hearts
Launched by Serif Labs, Affinity Photo has rapidly gained traction as a top-tier alternative software for Photoshop—one that professionals can rely on for complex tasks without a recurring subscription. Built with performance and affordability in mind, Affinity Photo supports all the core features you'd expect from Adobe Photoshop and more.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Features | Advanced retouching, PSD compatibility, layer-based editing |
| New in 2025 | AI object removal, enhanced filter previews, vector export presets |
| Platform Availability | macOS, Windows, iPadOS |
| Pricing Model | $69.99 one-time purchase |
| Integration | Works with Affinity Designer and Publisher |
| Best For | Professional creatives, photo editors, designers |
Pros:
- One-time purchase model ($69.99)
- Available on macOS, Windows, and iPadOS
- Frequent updates with no additional cost
- Tight integration with Affinity Designer and Publisher
Cons:
- Not ideal for absolute beginners
- Slightly limited third-party plugin ecosystem compared to Photoshop
Verdict: Affinity Photo is the closest thing to Photoshop on the market today—without the monthly fee. It's powerful, sleek, and affordable, making it the best Photoshop alternative for serious creatives.
GIMP – The Best Free Photoshop Alternative for Mac
Why GIMP Remains the Open-Source King
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is the most well-known free Photoshop alternative for Mac, Windows, and Linux. With a massive community of contributors, GIMP has evolved into a full-fledged editing suite capable of professional-level work.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Features | Layers, masks, clone and healing tools, Python scripting |
| Supported Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| File Support | JPEG, PNG, PSD, TIFF, and more |
| Customization | Scriptable via Python/Script-Fu, supports plugins |
| Recent Upgrades (2025) | Dark theme UI, GPU acceleration, enhanced color management |
| Best For | Developers, students, advanced users on a budget |
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source
- Active plugin community
- Supports complex editing tasks
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Interface can feel clunky to some
- Lacks some advanced features like content-aware fill
Verdict: If you want a powerful and customizable editing platform without spending a dime, GIMP is your best bet. Especially ideal as a free Photoshop alternative for Mac and Linux users.
Photopea – A Surprisingly Robust Browser-Based Editor
When You Need Photoshop Capabilities Without Installing Software
Photopea has carved a niche in the online image editing world. It looks and feels like Photoshop, supports PSD and AI file formats, and runs directly in your web browser—perfect for quick edits on shared or low-spec machines.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Web-based (no installation required) |
| File Compatibility | PSD, AI, XD, Sketch, CDR |
| Editing Tools | Layers, masks, smart objects, blend modes |
| Recent Enhancements (2025) | WebAssembly optimization, offline caching, collaboration tools |
| Pricing | Free (ads supported), Premium tier available |
| Best For | Students, remote workers, Chromebook users |
Pros:
- Free to use (ads supported)
- Highly accessible, great for students and remote workers
- No installation required
Cons:
- Ads can be intrusive
- Performance can lag with large files
- No offline editing unless previously cached
Verdict: Photopea is a practical solution when you’re in a pinch or on the go. It’s the most robust Photoshop alternative that lives entirely in your browser.
Canva – A Quick Graphic Design Powerhouse
Your Best Friend for Marketing and Social Media Graphics
Canva isn’t a photo editor in the traditional sense, but if your primary goal is to create eye-catching graphics, presentations, or social media posts, Canva reigns supreme.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Templates | 250,000+ templates for posters, resumes, social posts, presentations |
| Editing Style | Drag-and-drop interface, simple layer management |
| Advanced Features | Background remover, AI text-to-image tool, brand kits |
| Platform Availability | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Collaboration | Real-time team design and comment tools |
| Pricing | Free plan; Pro starts at $12.99/month |
| Best For | Social media marketers, small business owners, students |
Integration Ideas: Combine Canva designs with instagram photo editing apps for polished social visuals.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Free version available with many features
- Ideal for small businesses and marketers
Cons:
- Limited photo manipulation tools
- Pro features require monthly fee
- Not suitable for advanced photo retouching
Verdict: For basic graphic design and fast-turnaround content creation, Canva is the most intuitive good alternative to Photoshop for marketers and business owners.
Pixelmator Pro – A Mac-Only Marvel That’s Gaining Ground
Designed for macOS, Loved by Apple Fans
Pixelmator Pro is an all-in-one editor designed specifically for macOS. It’s not just beautiful—it’s blazing fast and loaded with features for photo editing, illustration, and graphic design.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Capabilities | Photo editing, vector tools, painting, color correction, ML enhancements |
| AI Features | ML Denoise, ML Super Resolution, Magic Background Eraser |
| macOS Optimization | Native M1/M2 chip support, Metal-based rendering, Touch Bar support |
| RAW Support | Full RAW editing with histogram and LUTs |
| Recent Updates (2025) | Cinematic color grading, enhanced batch editing, improved masking tools |
| Pricing | $49.99 one-time purchase |
| Best For | Mac users, photographers, digital designers |
Pros:
- Seamlessly optimized for M1 and M2 Macs
- Elegant and intuitive interface
- One-time payment, no subscriptions
Cons:
- No Windows version
- Lacks advanced 3D and video support
Verdict: If you’re a Mac user, Pixelmator Pro may become your favorite tool. It’s a strong, modern alternative software for Photoshop with native Apple performance.
Krita – For Artists Who Love to Paint Digitally
Open-Source and Built by Artists, for Artists
Krita is a dream come true for illustrators, comic creators, and concept artists. It’s free, open-source, and specifically tailored for painting and drawing—unlike Photoshop, which is more generalized.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Focus | Digital painting, illustration, concept art |
| Tool Highlights | 100+ brushes, brush stabilizers, symmetry tools, onion skinning |
| Customization Options | Fully customizable UI, multiple dockers and workspaces |
| Recent Features (2025) | Storyboard layout, MyPaint brush engine support, grouped layer tweaks |
| Supported Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Pricing | Free and open-source |
| Best For | Artists, illustrators, animators, storytellers |
Pros:
- Highly flexible for illustration
- Regular updates from the community
- Lightweight and fast
Cons:
- Not ideal for photo manipulation
- Interface may feel unfamiliar to Photoshop users
Verdict: Krita is one of the best good alternatives to Photoshop if your main focus is painting, drawing, or storyboarding.
Fotor – A Lightweight Yet Effective Editor
A Simple, Fast, and Reliable Tool for Quick Edits
Fotor is ideal for people who need a straightforward editing app for quick tasks like cropping, enhancing, and adding filters. It's not trying to be Photoshop—but for many users, that’s a good thing.
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Tools | One-click enhancements, basic edits (crop, resize, rotate), collage maker |
| Filters & Effects | Dozens of presets for portrait, landscape, vintage looks |
| AI Features (2025) | Background remover, smart beauty retouch, AI-powered HDR |
| Platform Availability | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Pricing | Freemium model (free version with ads, Pro available) |
| Best For | Beginners, bloggers, ecommerce users |
Pros:
- Simple UI and fast performance
- Mobile, desktop, and web versions
- Freemium model with many features available for free
Cons:
- Limited layer support
- Ads in the free version
Verdict: Fotor is a handy, approachable Photoshop alternative for those who need quick results without the clutter.
FAQs: Common Questions About Photoshop Alternatives
1. What is the best Photoshop alternative in 2025?
Affinity Photo continues to lead the pack thanks to its pro-level features, one-time pricing, and excellent cross-platform support.
2. Are there free Photoshop alternatives for Mac?
Yes. GIMP, Krita, and Photopea are excellent free Photoshop alternatives for Mac users with varying levels of power and simplicity.
3. Which Photoshop alternative is best for beginners?
Canva and Fotor are extremely beginner-friendly and offer quick editing without technical barriers.
4. What are some good alternatives to Photoshop for professionals?
Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro are top-tier options that cater to professionals with sophisticated needs but without the Adobe subscription.
5. Is there an online Photoshop alternative?
Yes—Photopea stands out as a powerful browser-based tool with PSD support and layer editing.
6. Can I use Photoshop alternatives for Instagram content?
Definitely. Pair apps like Canva or Fotor with instagram photo editing apps to create standout social media visuals.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Alternative Software for Photoshop
As 2025 continues to push creative boundaries, the number of tools available for photo editing and graphic design grows stronger and more diverse. Adobe Photoshop is no longer your only choice.
When selecting the best alternative software for Photoshop, consider what you truly need:
- Power and flexibility? Go for Affinity Photo or Pixelmator Pro.
- Free and open-source? GIMP or Krita are excellent.
- Browser-based? Try Photopea.
- Quick and easy design? You’ll love Canva or Fotor.
No matter which you choose, upgrading your work environment can also enhance productivity. Consider pairing your new editing software with a smart whiteboard cost if you collaborate often, a desk chair for small spaces for ergonomic comfort, or a keyboard desk mount to keep your workspace streamlined.
The right tools—both digital and physical—can help you create better, faster, and smarter. So explore these good alternatives to Photoshop, and take your creativity to new heights.
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