The best photo editing software of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Photo editing software is critical to a professional photographer's workflow. Some types of image software focus on traditional edits, including tweaking exposure, contrast, grain, or adding bokeh effects. Others rely on artificial intelligence to enhance images or even generate them on your behalf. You can also download creative effect apps, combining art and photography.

Adobe apps are often considered the gold standard in photo editing, but they are far from the only options in the market. Whether you're a professional, enjoy photography as a hobby, or want to dip your toe into the field, there is a photo editing suite out there for you.

What is the best photo editor right now?

My favorite photo editing software is Adobe Photoshop since it has all of the photo editing tools you could ever need for advanced image editing and workflow management. Subscriptions start at $23 per month, or you will need to sign up for a Creative Cloud plan. 

If you would prefer a subscription-free photo editor, check out Affinity Photo 2. While it's not available on Android, Affinity Photo 2 is an excellent photo editor available for a one-off payment of only $70, or only $19 on iPad.

ZDNET has tested dozens of photo editing software solutions throughout the years, and we monitor the market to find the best solutions available. 

To reduce your professional workload or to bring your photography to life, check out the rest of my top picks below. 

The best photo editing software of 2025

Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for many photography professionals and for good reason. 

Why we like it: Adobe's photo editing suite has dominated the market for years. It is well-known for its advanced and wide variety of tools and options for image creation and manipulation. 

Photoshop can be used for color adjustment, resizing, masking, layering, and more. Every professional tool is at your disposal, from minor corrections to layer adjustments, color alterations, and generative fills to object removal. 

New features added to the latest update include distracting object removal, background generation, and workflow enhancements. 

In February, Photoshop launched an iOS app, and now, Android users can join in and experiment with Adobe's free app for editing on the go.

Who is it for: Professional creatives who need a versatile suite of creative tools. 

Customers consider Adobe Photoshop to be intuitive, fast, and one of the best options on the market. I've used Adobe Photoshop for everything from photo editing to creative projects for over a decade, and I agree. 

You will pay $23 per month, or you can combine your plan with other apps through the $60/month Creative Cloud subscription. This option includes all of Adobe's creative apps, such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month.

Who should look elsewhere: In the early days, Adobe Photoshop was standalone software, but it's now offered on a subscription basis. This change is not exactly popular with long-term users. If you want an option without a tie-in contract, I have other recommendations. 

Adobe Photoshop specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial

• Extensive library of tools
• Professional standard user interface
• Workflow-friendly thanks to Bridge applications
• New mobile apps

• A steep learning curve
• Subscription-only, likely to deter some users

Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for many photography professionals and for good reason. 

Why we like it: Adobe's photo editing suite has dominated the market for years. It is well-known for its advanced and wide variety of tools and options for image creation and manipulation. 

Photoshop can be used for color adjustment, resizing, masking, layering, and more. Every professional tool is at your disposal, from minor corrections to layer adjustments, color alterations, and generative fills to object removal. 

New features added to the latest update include distracting object removal, background generation, and workflow enhancements. 

In February, Photoshop launched an iOS app, and now, Android users can join in and experiment with Adobe's free app for editing on the go.

Who is it for: Professional creatives who need a versatile suite of creative tools. 

Customers consider Adobe Photoshop to be intuitive, fast, and one of the best options on the market. I've used Adobe Photoshop for everything from photo editing to creative projects for over a decade, and I agree. 

You will pay $23 per month, or you can combine your plan with other apps through the $60/month Creative Cloud subscription. This option includes all of Adobe's creative apps, such as Lightroom, Illustrator, and InDesign. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month.

Who should look elsewhere: In the early days, Adobe Photoshop was standalone software, but it's now offered on a subscription basis. This change is not exactly popular with long-term users. If you want an option without a tie-in contract, I have other recommendations. 

Adobe Photoshop specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial

Adobe Lightroom is specifically designed to reduce the workload during batch image editing. 

Why we like it: When I need to edit photos taken at events, I always use this software to manage my workflow. It has handy tools including batch contrast and refinement tweaks, presets, and masking for applying effects like bokeh. These tools drastically reduce the amount of time you need to edit hundreds of photos. 

Between the cloud-based system and the desktop-based Classic version, I find that the former works best for mass editing. But I prefer Classic's wider range of tools, including brushes and editing effects. 

Both are great when paired with a Loupedeck. 

Recent updates include bug fixes, stability improvements, and an upgrade to landscape and background mask generation.

Who is it for: Professional photographers who need an editing solution that focuses on workflow management. 

Subscriptions begin at $12 per month. Like Photoshop, you can opt for the full Creative Cloud plan for $60 per month to access all of Adobe's creative apps. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month. A trial is available.

Who should look elsewhere: If you don't frequently edit photos or you are just starting out, I would wait until you learn the fundamentals of image editing before you sign up for Lightroom. 

It's not as expensive as Photoshop, true, but it might be overkill unless you have consistent bookings for editing work. Or, you could try out Adobe's free mobile apps, first.

Users say that Adobe Lightroom's tools and efficiency are a bonus, but many report that customer service needs serious improvement. 

Adobe Lightroom specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial

• Convenient workflow management carousel
• Impressive user interface
• Professional tools for batch editing, retouching
• App bridging, useful for editing workflows

• Web version has fewer tool options and less customization than Classic
• Subscription-only

Adobe Lightroom is specifically designed to reduce the workload during batch image editing. 

Why we like it: When I need to edit photos taken at events, I always use this software to manage my workflow. It has handy tools including batch contrast and refinement tweaks, presets, and masking for applying effects like bokeh. These tools drastically reduce the amount of time you need to edit hundreds of photos. 

Between the cloud-based system and the desktop-based Classic version, I find that the former works best for mass editing. But I prefer Classic's wider range of tools, including brushes and editing effects. 

Both are great when paired with a Loupedeck. 

Recent updates include bug fixes, stability improvements, and an upgrade to landscape and background mask generation.

Who is it for: Professional photographers who need an editing solution that focuses on workflow management. 

Subscriptions begin at $12 per month. Like Photoshop, you can opt for the full Creative Cloud plan for $60 per month to access all of Adobe's creative apps. You can also combine Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom for $15 per month. A trial is available.

Who should look elsewhere: If you don't frequently edit photos or you are just starting out, I would wait until you learn the fundamentals of image editing before you sign up for Lightroom. 

It's not as expensive as Photoshop, true, but it might be overkill unless you have consistent bookings for editing work. Or, you could try out Adobe's free mobile apps, first.

Users say that Adobe Lightroom's tools and efficiency are a bonus, but many report that customer service needs serious improvement. 

Adobe Lightroom specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, online | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription model, free trial

Affinity Photo 2 is the best subscription-free alternative to Adobe's Creative Cloud on my list. 

Why we like it: Affinity Photo 2 supports raw image format (RAW) and comes with a wide range of user-friendly image editing tools. These include photo retouching functions, layering, cropping, object removal, color adjustments, brushes, and filters.

During testing, I found Affinity Photo 2 to be a powerful photo editor without the learning curve I experienced with Adobe products. Users say that Affinity Photo 2 is a reasonable editor but lacks some of the comprehensive tools of its rival. 

Earlier this year, Affinity introduced two new features: Object Selection Tool and Select Subject, which are optional functions based on machine learning. As there is concern surrounding ML siphoning intellectual property, they require separate downloads, and they work on-device. 

Who is it for: Anyone who wants to avoid a subscription to photo editing software. Instead, you can make a one-time payment -- an attractive prospect if you want a photo editor but don't plan on subscribing. 

The price point is certainly likely to lure in photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Excluding tax, you will pay only $70 for a desktop lifetime license. Alternatively, you could opt to pay $165 plus tax for a universal license including access to Affinity Photo 2, Affinity Designer 2, and Affinity Publisher 2. iPad-only licenses are available for $18.49, alongside a seven-day trial.

I would recommend Affinity Photo 2 to anyone who likes editing photos and images as a hobby as well as photography professionals on a budget.

Who should look elsewhere: Android users. Unfortunately, this popular software is Mac, Windows, and iOS-only.

Affinity Photo 2 specs: Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad | Mobile? iPad only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: One-off, $70, trial

• Fast editing processes
• Lifetime licenses available
• RAW image support, necessary for professional photographers
• Reasonable set of tools
• No subscription required

• No Android compatibility

Affinity Photo 2 is the best subscription-free alternative to Adobe's Creative Cloud on my list. 

Why we like it: Affinity Photo 2 supports raw image format (RAW) and comes with a wide range of user-friendly image editing tools. These include photo retouching functions, layering, cropping, object removal, color adjustments, brushes, and filters.

During testing, I found Affinity Photo 2 to be a powerful photo editor without the learning curve I experienced with Adobe products. Users say that Affinity Photo 2 is a reasonable editor but lacks some of the comprehensive tools of its rival. 

Earlier this year, Affinity introduced two new features: Object Selection Tool and Select Subject, which are optional functions based on machine learning. As there is concern surrounding ML siphoning intellectual property, they require separate downloads, and they work on-device. 

Who is it for: Anyone who wants to avoid a subscription to photo editing software. Instead, you can make a one-time payment -- an attractive prospect if you want a photo editor but don't plan on subscribing. 

The price point is certainly likely to lure in photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Excluding tax, you will pay only $70 for a desktop lifetime license. Alternatively, you could opt to pay $165 plus tax for a universal license including access to Affinity Photo 2, Affinity Designer 2, and Affinity Publisher 2. iPad-only licenses are available for $18.49, alongside a seven-day trial.

I would recommend Affinity Photo 2 to anyone who likes editing photos and images as a hobby as well as photography professionals on a budget.

Who should look elsewhere: Android users. Unfortunately, this popular software is Mac, Windows, and iOS-only.

Affinity Photo 2 specs: Platforms: Mac, Windows, iPad | Mobile? iPad only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Yes | Price: One-off, $70, trial

Skylum's Luminar NEO is an AI-first photo editor that focuses on usability. 

Why we like it: It has a clean, easy-to-understand interface with photo editing tools that encourage experimentation and having fun with creative projects. 

You can use simple sliders to enhance your images, play around with contrast, tweak an image's composition, crop, tint, and change clarity. Ready-made filters are available to change everything from color selections to grain levels. 

I find Luminar enjoyable to use, but it should be considered a compromise between basic photo editing tools and professional suites. It lacks some of the more intricate features used in professional editing, but the software shines for creative projects, quick editing, or beginning photographers. 

Recent improvements have been made to the software's body and face AI tools.

Who is it for: Creatives who want to explore how AI can be used in image manipulation. You can take advantage of the software's 14-day free trial, too.

I like that you can choose between an ongoing subscription or a one-off payment for a perpetual license, although I'm not a fan of price scaling based on OS and platform support. 

A one-year subscription costs $99. Alternatively, choose a lifetime license from $119, based on whether you want a desktop license or support for platforms including Android and iOS. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Who should look elsewhere: Users like how easy Luminar NEO is to learn and use as one of the few AI-first photo editing solutions on the market. It is not considered anything close to an Adobe alternative, and workflow management can be slow. If you want a photo editor for managing batch jobs, this might not be the best option for you.

Skylum Luminar NEO specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Manual only | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription or one-off payment, trial

• AI tools including fllters, environmental retouching
• Extension packs for upscaling available
• 14-day trial
• Perpetual licensing
• Easy and enjoyable to use

• Some processes could be streamlined
• Scaled perpetual licensing

Skylum's Luminar NEO is an AI-first photo editor that focuses on usability. 

Why we like it: It has a clean, easy-to-understand interface with photo editing tools that encourage experimentation and having fun with creative projects. 

You can use simple sliders to enhance your images, play around with contrast, tweak an image's composition, crop, tint, and change clarity. Ready-made filters are available to change everything from color selections to grain levels. 

I find Luminar enjoyable to use, but it should be considered a compromise between basic photo editing tools and professional suites. It lacks some of the more intricate features used in professional editing, but the software shines for creative projects, quick editing, or beginning photographers. 

Recent improvements have been made to the software's body and face AI tools.

Who is it for: Creatives who want to explore how AI can be used in image manipulation. You can take advantage of the software's 14-day free trial, too.

I like that you can choose between an ongoing subscription or a one-off payment for a perpetual license, although I'm not a fan of price scaling based on OS and platform support. 

A one-year subscription costs $99. Alternatively, choose a lifetime license from $119, based on whether you want a desktop license or support for platforms including Android and iOS. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Who should look elsewhere: Users like how easy Luminar NEO is to learn and use as one of the few AI-first photo editing solutions on the market. It is not considered anything close to an Adobe alternative, and workflow management can be slow. If you want a photo editor for managing batch jobs, this might not be the best option for you.

Skylum Luminar NEO specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS | Mobile? Yes | Cloud backup? Manual only | RAW support? Yes | Price: Subscription or one-off payment, trial

First published in 2018, Gimp is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. 

Why we like it: It's free, open source, powerful, and customizable -- from the plugins you can implement to the user interface. It's available for download for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. You can perform various editing tasks such as retouching and photo enhancement. Gimp supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP. 

If you want to work with raw image format (RAW), you'll likely want to use a standalone editor or converter before opening the file in Gimp. The hardware support also includes USB and MIDI controllers, giving you more control over your workflow. 

Its latest release, Gimp 3.0.4, include a number of bug fixes, including issues around pasting selections and text layering. 

Who is it for: If you're looking for a flexible, free option, Gimp could be the right choice. You will need to learn how to edit photos properly, but the team behind this software provides a set of how-to guides and tutorials. 

Who should look elsewhere: Users say this solution is powerful and fast, but lags behind many paid options in terms of its user interface. You may need to demonstrate some patience while you learn how to use the software effectively or opt for another one of our recommendations. 

GIMP specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android | Mobile? Android | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Minimal, plugin | Price: Free

• Free
• Open source, constant updates
• Plugin support including Darktable for RAW support
• Customizable interface

• A learning curve for anyone new to open source software

First published in 2018, Gimp is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. 

Why we like it: It's free, open source, powerful, and customizable -- from the plugins you can implement to the user interface. It's available for download for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. You can perform various editing tasks such as retouching and photo enhancement. Gimp supports a variety of file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and BMP. 

If you want to work with raw image format (RAW), you'll likely want to use a standalone editor or converter before opening the file in Gimp. The hardware support also includes USB and MIDI controllers, giving you more control over your workflow. 

Its latest release, Gimp 3.0.4, include a number of bug fixes, including issues around pasting selections and text layering. 

Who is it for: If you're looking for a flexible, free option, Gimp could be the right choice. You will need to learn how to edit photos properly, but the team behind this software provides a set of how-to guides and tutorials. 

Who should look elsewhere: Users say this solution is powerful and fast, but lags behind many paid options in terms of its user interface. You may need to demonstrate some patience while you learn how to use the software effectively or opt for another one of our recommendations. 

GIMP specs: Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android | Mobile? Android | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? Minimal, plugin | Price: Free

Procreate is image editing software for those who want to add artistic flair to their photographs rather than more traditional edits.

Why we like it: The software includes hundreds of brushes, numerous effects, and is suitable for use with a stylus and an iPad. 

If you are looking for a solution that combines photo editing and art, Procreate is a fantastic, affordable option available with a lifetime license. While it doesn't natively support RAW, it does handle file types, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and PDF.

Who is it for: Customers like Procreate as a polished, flexible, fast, and intuitive art and image editing app, especially for the iPad. I find the range of tools, brushes, and actions a lot of fun to work with, and so I would recommend Procreate for creative image editing and marketing work. 

Who should look elsewhere: Android and Windows users, as this software is strictly for the Apple ecosystem. Plenty of users wish there were a fair Android alternative, but there doesn't seem to be one on the market at the moment. 

A benefit of this software is how cheap it is -- a $13 one-off payment for the app. It's a pity that Procreate is limited to the Apple ecosystem, though.

Procreate features: Platforms: MacOS, iOS | Mobile? iOS only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? No (major file types) | Price: One-off payment, $13

• Ease of use
• Hundreds of effects to choose from
• Active user community
• Affordable

• Some tools need further development
• No Android app

Procreate is image editing software for those who want to add artistic flair to their photographs rather than more traditional edits.

Why we like it: The software includes hundreds of brushes, numerous effects, and is suitable for use with a stylus and an iPad. 

If you are looking for a solution that combines photo editing and art, Procreate is a fantastic, affordable option available with a lifetime license. While it doesn't natively support RAW, it does handle file types, including PSD, JPEG, PNG, and PDF.

Who is it for: Customers like Procreate as a polished, flexible, fast, and intuitive art and image editing app, especially for the iPad. I find the range of tools, brushes, and actions a lot of fun to work with, and so I would recommend Procreate for creative image editing and marketing work. 

Who should look elsewhere: Android and Windows users, as this software is strictly for the Apple ecosystem. Plenty of users wish there were a fair Android alternative, but there doesn't seem to be one on the market at the moment. 

A benefit of this software is how cheap it is -- a $13 one-off payment for the app. It's a pity that Procreate is limited to the Apple ecosystem, though.

Procreate features: Platforms: MacOS, iOS | Mobile? iOS only | Cloud backup? Yes | RAW support? No (major file types) | Price: One-off payment, $13

Best photo editors, compared

What is the best photo editing software for you?

I've worked previously as a professional wedding and event photographer in the U.K.. I always take my setup abroad with me, and my interests have now evolved to include candid street photography and portraiture. 

I have over a decade of experience in this field, so I understand that editing is just as important as shooting raw images. Personally, it's my favorite part of the process.

It is worth investing in photo editing software that is frequently updated and developed if you'll be using it professionally, and even more so when the software includes means to reduce the burden of editing workflows. If you are editing for fun or for small projects, a budget-friendly or free option could be just what you need to get started.

Factors to consider when choosing photo editing software

When you are deciding on what type of photo editing software to try out, consider the following factors:

• The learning curve: You might want to test out a beginner-friendly solution if you are new to the world of photo editing. If you dive straight into a professional suite such as Adobe Photoshop, it will be overwhelming. 
• Plugins: This one is for professionals. If there are plugins you enjoy using to streamline your workflow or enhance your photos, check that the solution you choose supports their usage. 
• Downloadable tools: Just like plugins, if downloadable styles, brushes, and layering tools are something you enjoy using, not every photo editing software solution will allow this. It's worth checking, first. 
• Synchronization, backups: You might want a solution that provides backup facilities, syncing, or cloud storage options. These features are not always available, especially if you use free software. If these functions are important to you, check that the solution you are interested in provides them.
• Free options: If you are a casual user and only want photo editing software for hobbies, a free solution might be enough. However, keep in mind that advanced editing features or cloud services might be locked behind paywalls. 
• Platform: Do you want a more traditional photo editing suite for your desktop PC or do you want a compact mobile app? Check software compatibility before you buy.
• Price: You need to think about your budget and whether you want to sign up for a subscription to photo editing software. Many photo editing providers have made the transition from one-time purchase models to monthly or annual plans. This ensures you receive updates and improvements, but it's still a cost to consider. 

How did we choose these photo editing solutions?

Photo editing solutions created by dominant players in the photography market, like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, have existed for years. However, there are also exciting developments and software options from younger vendors worth considering. 

When I was compiling my top picks for the best photo editing software of 2025, I considered the following factors:

• Platforms: It's important to us that our photo editing software recommendations support a wide range of operating systems, platforms, mobile types, and cloud services.
• Licensing: Subscription models are now standard, but not everyone wants to add yet another subscription to their monthly or yearly budget. We included a range of subscription and licensing options. 
• Image file type support: We want to see photo editors able to process and handle different kinds of file types, including RAW, PNG, JPEG, and PSD.
• Workflows: Not everyone needs tools or features focused on improving image editing workflows. However, we ensured that some of our recommendations included these functions, as they can be crucial for professionals. 
• AI use: We like to see photo editing software developers exploring new technologies and techniques for improving editing. AI is a buzzword for many industries, but we have seen some genuinely useful applications in the creative space.
• Free options: We included free options and alternatives that do not employ a subscription-based model for casual use. They may offer some paid premium features, but you won't have to pay if you do not want to.
• Customer service: Customer service, on the whole, doesn't appear to be all that impressive, and so I have highlighted where photo editors receive positive or negative feedback.

How to level up your photo editing fast

Embrace the Adobe Lightroom Community. It's a free, safe space full of creatives willing to share more than just their final image. 

You can discover and browse images transformed from a RAW source file into a polished end photo, tracking each stage of the editing process that will hopefully inspire you. You might even learn something new! You can also browse academy resources, follow tutorials teaching you about everything from photo composition to editing wedding images, or even participate in "remixing," in which you edit other participants' photos. 

What's the latest on photo editors in 2025? 

In some of the latest news on photo editors this year:

• Adobe has brought its Photoshop app to