GIMP

Classic

Free and open-source image editor

4.0
Free · from Free
Best for Budget-conscious users and open-source fans
Try GIMP

Overview

GIMP is a long-standing open-source raster graphics editor with layers, filters, and scripting support. It remains the strongest free alternative to Photoshop.

Key features

  • Layers & masks
  • Scripting/plugins
  • Custom brushes
  • Cross-platform

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Highly extensible
  • Large community

Cons

  • Dated UI
  • No native AI generative tools

GIMP replaces

AI alternatives to GIMP

Adobe Photoshop logo

Adobe Photoshop

Classic

Industry-standard raster image editor

4.6

Adobe Photoshop is the long-standing professional standard for photo editing and compositing, with a steep learning curve and a subscription price.

Layer-based editing
Retouching
Compositing
Paid · from $22.99/mo
Photoroom logo

Photoroom

AI

AI photo editing and background removal

4.6

Photoroom uses generative AI to cut out subjects, replace backgrounds and produce product photography in seconds, replacing hours of masking work in a traditional editor.

One-click background removal
Generative backgrounds
Batch product shots
Affinity Photo logo

Affinity Photo

Classic

Professional photo editing without a subscription

4.6

Affinity Photo offers layer-based editing, RAW development, and frequency separation retouching for professionals. It reads and writes PSD files for easy Photoshop migration.

RAW editor built-in
Layers & masks
Live filters
Paid · from $69.99 one-time
Canva logo

Canva

Classic

Template-first graphic design

4.7

Canva makes design approachable with templates and drag-and-drop editing for social, decks and print.

Templates
Brand kit
Collaboration
Freemium · from $0
Pixlr logo

Pixlr

AI

AI-powered online photo editor

4.1

Pixlr is a web and mobile photo editor with AI background removal, generative fill-style tools, and layer support. It targets casual users who want Photoshop-style editing without installing software.

AI background remover
Layer-based editing
Generative AI tools
Freemium · from $4.90/mo
Luminar Neo logo

Luminar Neo

AI

AI photo editing and enhancement software

4.3

Luminar Neo uses AI to automate complex edits like sky replacement, relighting, and portrait retouching. It's designed for photographers wanting fast, powerful results without deep manual masking.

AI sky replacement
Portrait relighting
Layer support