The best online photo editors: Expert tested and reviewed
Professional photographers need an extensive range of photo editing tools alongside their camera kits, lenses, and accessories. As a professional photographer myself, I know that photo editing software is critical to my workflow to bring out the best in my images. This could include changes to exposure, reorientation, adding bokeh, or, sometimes, employing more creative effects to create standout images.
Adobe Lightroom is the gold standard for many photographers, but many alternative online photo editors are also excellent options. Among my favorites are Pixlr, Adobe Lightroom, and Canva.
What is the best online photo editor right now?
Our favorite online photo editor is Pixlr. While its free offering is limited, Pixlr is affordable and provides a range of useful photo editing tools alongside AI for experimentation. If you want to try it out, prices begin at $1.49 per month, and you can test the Premium plan for free for seven days.
Alternatively, consider Photopea if you want a free online photo editor for quick changes on the go. It's able to handle a range of file types including RAW and .PSD, and provides a range of useful editing tools.
The ZDNET team has worked with photo editors for decades, from the most basic software reminiscent of Microsoft Paint in its early days to professional-grade editing suites, including Adobe Photoshop. Thanks to mobile technologies and AI, the photo editing industry continues to evolve, so we are continually testing market offerings to stay informed.
To find the most suitable online photo editor for you, check out our top picks below.
Sort by AllThe best online photo editors of 2025
Show less View now at PixlrIf you're looking for a powerful online photo editor, Pixlr is an option you should check out as my favorite online photo editor overall.
Why we like it: Pixlr heavily promotes AI image editing and generation, as you can see from all of its marketing. If AI isn't for you, you can still use a wide set of tools to quickly edit individual photos, with features including filters, pens, brushes, erasers, cropping, layering, and more available.
I found the editor very easy to use, but it would help if you're experienced in photo suites such as Photoshop, as the layout is quite similar. As a bonus, this online platform supports the upload of PSD files. But, as many users note, you may find the daily limit of three saves for free frustrating.
When it comes to AI editing, in my opinion, it doesn't quite beat traditional editing processes and can sometimes be clunky. It is still enjoyable to use.
Who it's for: This online editor will suit many individuals who want a powerful, but still easy to use, and reasonably-priced solution.
There are two plans available: Plus and Premium. The Plus plan, available for $2.49 per month or $1.49 per month on an annual plan, is ad-free, grants unlimited saves, and 80 monthly AI credits. Alternatively, you can pay $10 per month, or $6.49 per month on a yearly plan, for a Premium subscription. This includes 1,000 monthly AI credits, access to an editing resource library, and a private mode for AI image editing and generation.
A seven-day free trial is available.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a free, unlimited online photo editor, check out another of my recommendations.
Pixlr features: Editing options: Range of tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? Pixlr library | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes | Free option? Yes | Price: $1.49+ per month
Pros
- Trial available
- Solid editing tools
- AI
- Reasonable pricing
- You must provide payment details for your free trial
- Limited daily saves
If you're looking for a powerful online photo editor, Pixlr is an option you should check out as my favorite online photo editor overall.
Why we like it: Pixlr heavily promotes AI image editing and generation, as you can see from all of its marketing. If AI isn't for you, you can still use a wide set of tools to quickly edit individual photos, with features including filters, pens, brushes, erasers, cropping, layering, and more available.
I found the editor very easy to use, but it would help if you're experienced in photo suites such as Photoshop, as the layout is quite similar. As a bonus, this online platform supports the upload of PSD files. But, as many users note, you may find the daily limit of three saves for free frustrating.
When it comes to AI editing, in my opinion, it doesn't quite beat traditional editing processes and can sometimes be clunky. It is still enjoyable to use.
Who it's for: This online editor will suit many individuals who want a powerful, but still easy to use, and reasonably-priced solution.
There are two plans available: Plus and Premium. The Plus plan, available for $2.49 per month or $1.49 per month on an annual plan, is ad-free, grants unlimited saves, and 80 monthly AI credits. Alternatively, you can pay $10 per month, or $6.49 per month on a yearly plan, for a Premium subscription. This includes 1,000 monthly AI credits, access to an editing resource library, and a private mode for AI image editing and generation.
A seven-day free trial is available.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a free, unlimited online photo editor, check out another of my recommendations.
Pixlr features: Editing options: Range of tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? Pixlr library | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes | Free option? Yes | Price: $1.49+ per month
Adobe's creative products are the gold standard in photography and among its offerings is a web option for the Lightroom photo editing suite.
Why we like it: I've used Adobe Lightroom for years as a professional photographer, and although generative AI training has caused many subscribers concern, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are still extremely popular.
If you need an online option, Lightroom for the web is part of the overall Lightroom package. While AI tools are available, Lightroom specializes in traditional edits and fine-tuning, including contrast and exposure, cropping, masking, sharpening, blur, and color profiling.
Who it's for: Professionals who want a web version of their existing desktop or mobile Lightroom suite.
There is no free version and so you will need to subscribe. Lightroom alone -- on desktop, mobile, and the web -- is $12 per month. You can combine Lightroom and Photoshop for $20 per month as well. You could also opt for access to Adobe's full creative suite -- including apps such as Adobe Express, Firefly, and Illustrator -- for $60 per month. Annual plans are also available.
A demo or seven-day trial is also available online.
Who should look elsewhere: Beginners to photo editing. I recommend that you try out free or cheaper options first, learn the fundamentals, and then step up to Adobe products.
Adobe Lightroom features: Editing options: The most comprehensive professional tools on the market | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes, 1TB | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes | Free option? No | Price: $12+ per month
Pros
- Excellent editing tools
- Workflow management
- Multi-platform
- Free trial
- Expensive plans
- Generative AI concerns
Adobe's creative products are the gold standard in photography and among its offerings is a web option for the Lightroom photo editing suite.
Why we like it: I've used Adobe Lightroom for years as a professional photographer, and although generative AI training has caused many subscribers concern, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are still extremely popular.
If you need an online option, Lightroom for the web is part of the overall Lightroom package. While AI tools are available, Lightroom specializes in traditional edits and fine-tuning, including contrast and exposure, cropping, masking, sharpening, blur, and color profiling.
Who it's for: Professionals who want a web version of their existing desktop or mobile Lightroom suite.
There is no free version and so you will need to subscribe. Lightroom alone -- on desktop, mobile, and the web -- is $12 per month. You can combine Lightroom and Photoshop for $20 per month as well. You could also opt for access to Adobe's full creative suite -- including apps such as Adobe Express, Firefly, and Illustrator -- for $60 per month. Annual plans are also available.
A demo or seven-day trial is also available online.
Who should look elsewhere: Beginners to photo editing. I recommend that you try out free or cheaper options first, learn the fundamentals, and then step up to Adobe products.
Adobe Lightroom features: Editing options: The most comprehensive professional tools on the market | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes, 1TB | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes | Free option? No | Price: $12+ per month
Fotor should be on your radar if you want an online photo editor focused on creative effects and filters.
Why we like it: Simply put, it's a lot of fun to use, especially if you want an editor with an art rather than a precise focus.
Once you've signed up with an email address and verified yourself, you can access a massive range of editing tools, including batch editing, graphic design, image generation, collages, and auto enhancement. I found the software very easy to use, albeit slow, and I liked exploring the range of templates and filters available.
However, in the same way that AI has proven less than reliable in the creativity department, don't expect a perfect result if you rely on AI alone. Frankly, some of the edits generated were comical. Despite this, I think Fotor is a fun online suite, regardless of whether you pay.
However, some customers have reported billing issues, and free edits are often limited to preview sizes only with watermarks.
Who it's for: Anyone who is interested in the creative side of photo editing online, or wants to create some interesting images for marketing and social media.
To access advanced editing tools, you will need to subscribe to either Fotor Pro or Fotor Pro+. You will have access to ad-free editing, a wider range of AI tools and templates, between 2GB and 10GB of cloud storage, and brand kits. Prices begin at $3.33 per month for Fotor Pro on an annual plan. Monthly plans are expensive, starting from $9 per month.
A seven-day trial is available.
Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn't consider Fotor a very advanced online photo editing suite and I don't think it will suit professional photographers. If you are in this category, Adobe is one of your best bets.
Fotor features: Editing options: A huge range including filters, AI tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? 2GB - 10GB | PSD support? No | AI?: Yes | Free option? Yes | Price: $3.33+ per month
Pros
- Themed creative effects
- Templates
- Fun to use
- Quick design features for social media, marketing
- Slow
- Watermarks
- Expensive plans
Fotor should be on your radar if you want an online photo editor focused on creative effects and filters.
Why we like it: Simply put, it's a lot of fun to use, especially if you want an editor with an art rather than a precise focus.
Once you've signed up with an email address and verified yourself, you can access a massive range of editing tools, including batch editing, graphic design, image generation, collages, and auto enhancement. I found the software very easy to use, albeit slow, and I liked exploring the range of templates and filters available.
However, in the same way that AI has proven less than reliable in the creativity department, don't expect a perfect result if you rely on AI alone. Frankly, some of the edits generated were comical. Despite this, I think Fotor is a fun online suite, regardless of whether you pay.
However, some customers have reported billing issues, and free edits are often limited to preview sizes only with watermarks.
Who it's for: Anyone who is interested in the creative side of photo editing online, or wants to create some interesting images for marketing and social media.
To access advanced editing tools, you will need to subscribe to either Fotor Pro or Fotor Pro+. You will have access to ad-free editing, a wider range of AI tools and templates, between 2GB and 10GB of cloud storage, and brand kits. Prices begin at $3.33 per month for Fotor Pro on an annual plan. Monthly plans are expensive, starting from $9 per month.
A seven-day trial is available.
Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn't consider Fotor a very advanced online photo editing suite and I don't think it will suit professional photographers. If you are in this category, Adobe is one of your best bets.
Fotor features: Editing options: A huge range including filters, AI tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? 2GB - 10GB | PSD support? No | AI?: Yes | Free option? Yes | Price: $3.33+ per month
One of my favorite free online photo editing solutions is Photopea.
Why we like it: It's not perfect, but it's a way to learn about advanced tools you find in packages like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom -- and Adobe Photoshop users will be the most comfortable using this web photo editor, as the layout, tools, and menus are very similar.
This does mean that Photopea might be a bit daunting at first for those new to photo editing, but taking on the learning curve is worth it.
I enjoy using Photopea and appreciate that you don't need to go through a lengthy sign-up process or hand over any details to use the platform. Editing features on offer include cropping and resizing, cloning, erasing, brushes, blurring, layering, filtering, masking, and more. PSD support on a free program, too, is a massive bonus.
Who it's for: If you want a free online photo editor to learn the ropes, Photopea is an excellent option.
The service is ad-supported, which means that you can use the editor for free. If the ads annoy you, you can remove these distractions by paying $15 every three months.
Who should look elsewhere: Photopea works well, but it isn't the best option if you want creative tools, a filter library, or to use AI to enhance your photography.
Photopea features: Editing options: Similar to Photoshop | Mobile? No | Cloud backup? No | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes, limited | Free option? Yes | Price: $15 per three months
Pros
- Free/affordable
- Advanced editing tools
- Clean user interface
- Steep learning curve
- Ads
One of my favorite free online photo editing solutions is Photopea.
Why we like it: It's not perfect, but it's a way to learn about advanced tools you find in packages like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom -- and Adobe Photoshop users will be the most comfortable using this web photo editor, as the layout, tools, and menus are very similar.
This does mean that Photopea might be a bit daunting at first for those new to photo editing, but taking on the learning curve is worth it.
I enjoy using Photopea and appreciate that you don't need to go through a lengthy sign-up process or hand over any details to use the platform. Editing features on offer include cropping and resizing, cloning, erasing, brushes, blurring, layering, filtering, masking, and more. PSD support on a free program, too, is a massive bonus.
Who it's for: If you want a free online photo editor to learn the ropes, Photopea is an excellent option.
The service is ad-supported, which means that you can use the editor for free. If the ads annoy you, you can remove these distractions by paying $15 every three months.
Who should look elsewhere: Photopea works well, but it isn't the best option if you want creative tools, a filter library, or to use AI to enhance your photography.
Photopea features: Editing options: Similar to Photoshop | Mobile? No | Cloud backup? No | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Yes, limited | Free option? Yes | Price: $15 per three months
If you want an online photo editor for marketing and social media purposes, Canva could be the most suitable option for you.
Why we like it: Canva made it onto my recommendations list as more than a standalone photo editor -- it is a community of designers and creatives who have pooled resources to help you create and maintain a brand, as well as produce images and videos for online purposes.
Don't expect much in terms of advanced photo editing with Canva; instead, this is an option if photo editing is part of a wider marketing push. Still, you can crop and resize images, adjust exposure, light, and contrast; apply filters, and experiment with creative effects.
Who it's for: Individuals who want basic online photo editing or image generation with a focus on social media and marketing.
A 30-day premium trial is available. If you would like to sign up for a monthly subscription, Canva will cost you $15 per month. Alternatively, annual plans are cheaper, but require upfront payment, and are the equivalent of $10 per month.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need advanced editing tools and workflow management, check out one of my other recommendations.
Canva features: Editing options: Basic image editing, marketing tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? 1TB (paid) | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Limited | Free option? Yes | Price: Free, $10+ permonth
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Fun editing tools
- Simple layout
- Long trial period
- Few advanced features without purchase
If you want an online photo editor for marketing and social media purposes, Canva could be the most suitable option for you.
Why we like it: Canva made it onto my recommendations list as more than a standalone photo editor -- it is a community of designers and creatives who have pooled resources to help you create and maintain a brand, as well as produce images and videos for online purposes.
Don't expect much in terms of advanced photo editing with Canva; instead, this is an option if photo editing is part of a wider marketing push. Still, you can crop and resize images, adjust exposure, light, and contrast; apply filters, and experiment with creative effects.
Who it's for: Individuals who want basic online photo editing or image generation with a focus on social media and marketing.
A 30-day premium trial is available. If you would like to sign up for a monthly subscription, Canva will cost you $15 per month. Alternatively, annual plans are cheaper, but require upfront payment, and are the equivalent of $10 per month.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need advanced editing tools and workflow management, check out one of my other recommendations.
Canva features: Editing options: Basic image editing, marketing tools | Mobile? Android, iOS | Cloud backup? 1TB (paid) | PSD support? Yes | AI?: Limited | Free option? Yes | Price: Free, $10+ permonth
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