Adobe Photoshop is considered the photo editing industry standard. However, more and more photographers are seeking cheaper, simpler Photoshop alternatives.
Some only need clean retouching, fast colour work, and a dependable way to finish images for web or print. Others like the idea of layers and masks, but the interface is too hard to navigate.
And finally, there are those who are daunted by a high price and inconvenient subscription models.
In this guide, we will compare the most reliable programs like Photoshop. We will help you understand where each option shines, what investments it requires, and whether you can integrate it into your post-processing workflow without compromising your workflow.
1. Luminar Neo
If the main reason you need a Photoshop alternative is its complex menus and beginner-unfriendly interface, then you need an AI photo-editing assistant to simplify the process.
Luminar Neo is perfect for this role. It works on Windows or macOS and offers three types of one-time purchase licences: Desktop (£83), Cross-device (£110), and Max (£115).
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick before/after improvements without heavy manual work. | If you want extremely technical, pixel-by-pixel compositing, you may hit limits. |
| Helpful AI suggestions when you are stuck on what to do next. | Some features or access can depend on the plan you choose. |
| Luminar Neo can also be a plugin for Photoshop, so the permanent workflow switch is not obligatory. | Users who love full manual control may prefer a different style. |
2. Affinity Photo 2 (Serif)
If you’re looking for software similar to Photoshop that will not drain your budget, Affinity can be a great choice.
In 2025, Canva made it free. Although you still need a Canva account to access Affinity on your iPad, Windows, or Mac, it is much more convenient than Photoshop’s subscription plans, which have ongoing costs.
| Pros | Cons |
| A Photoshop-like menu and toolkit simplifies the transition. | The interface can feel dense if you are coming from simpler mobile apps. |
| HDR merge, focus stacking, panorama stitching, and extensive RAW processing. | The program lacks advanced, generative AI features found in Photoshop (like Generative Fill). |
| Layered work and detailed retouch sessions. | Less guided automation compared to AI-first editors. |
3. Pixelmator Pro
If you are an Apple user looking for a lightweight yet powerful image-editing tool, Pixelmator Pro might be the best Photoshop alternative for you. The App Store lists this Mac-only editor for £36 (approximately; prices vary by region).
| Pros | Cons |
| A smooth experience and straightforward UI. | The program requires duplicating layers instead of non-destructive adjustment layers. |
| The toolkit is suitable for beginners and pros alike. | If you need cross-platform teams, it won’t fit. |
| Great value if you want a one-time purchase. | Limited plugin support compared to Photoshop. |
4. Krita
If you want a free desktop tool and also do hand work (painting, cleanup, manual retouch), consider Krita. This software provides free downloads for major desktop platforms from its website.
Store price listed as £7 (and £10 on the macOS App Store, per Krita’s update).
| Pros | Cons |
| A huge support community. | No intuitive photo-first approach. |
| Manual touch-ups and creative looks. | The program may be too complex if you prefer automatic workflows. |
| Flexible hands-on controls. | Krita is not the best option in terms of post-processing speed. |
5. Photopea
Photopea is your choice if you want a free, Photoshop-like toolkit accessible from anywhere. This browser-based app is free, with a premium option available for £3.50 per month to remove the ads.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent support for PSD, AI, XD, and other formats, plus RAW files. | The editor can be slow or lag with very large files or on weaker connections. |
| Mimicking Photoshop’s layout makes it easy for existing Photoshop users to adapt. | AI features and some specialised functions of Photoshop are not available. |
| Caster and vector editing, effects, filters, and text. | The editor can be slow or lag when processing very large files or over weaker connections. |
6. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
Here is another free photo-editing option that is great for students, hobbyists, and casual photographers who don’t need a long-term commitment.
GIMP runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the official builds are distributed via the project’s downloads page.
| Pros | Cons |
| A layer-based workflow for composites and detailed retouching. | No dedicated mobile app. |
| A huge plugin support and community ecosystem. | The interface and shortcuts can feel unfamiliar for Adobe users and confusing for beginners. |
| A wide range of supported file formats. | Fewer guided helpers than in some modern competitors. |
While Adobe Photoshop remains the valid industry standard for photo editing, a variety of accessible, user-friendly alternatives, such as Luminar Neo, Affinity Photo 2, Pixelmator Pro, Krita, Photopea, and GIMP, offer diverse features and pricing options.
They cater to different needs, financial capabilities, and skill levels, making it easier for photographers to find a suitable tool for their creative workflows and elevate their image-enhancing experience.
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