Comprehensive Review of Leading Photo Editing Software
By Richard "Rick" Callahan | Published: 2025-04-15 | Category: Photo Editing Software
About Photo Editing Software
Photo editing software encompasses tools designed for manipulating digital images, ranging from basic adjustments like cropping and color correction to complex tasks like compositing and retouching. These applications serve photographers, designers, and hobbyists in refining and enhancing visual content.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Feature Set
- → RAW Processing
- → Performance
- → Asset Management
- → Value for Money
- → Platform Availability
The Best Photo Editing Software
#10
ON1 Photo RAW
By ON1, Inc.
An all-in-one photo organizer, RAW processor, layered editor, and effects application.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: RAW Development, Layered Editing, Portrait Retouching, Landscape Photography, Creative Effects
Key Features
- ✓Integrated Workflow: Combines browsing, cataloging, RAW processing, and effects in one app.
- ✓Powerful Effects Module: Extensive library of stackable filters and presets.
- ✓Portrait AI: Automated tools for retouching portraits.
- ✓Sky Swap AI: Automatic sky replacement feature.
- ✓Non-Destructive Layers: Supports layers similar to Photoshop for compositing and adjustments.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Perpetual License
$99.99 / One-time
- Full software access
- Minor updates
Limitations: Major upgrades require purchase
Subscription
$7.99 / Monthly
- Full software access
- All updates & upgrades
- Cloud Sync
- Bonus content
Limitations: Ongoing cost
Pros
- + Comprehensive all-in-one solution
- + Strong effects and presets library
- + Good portrait and sky enhancement tools
- + Perpetual license option available
- + Integrated browsing and cataloging
Cons
- - Interface can feel busy
- - Performance can occasionally be inconsistent
- - Some features may not be as refined as dedicated competitors
Verdict
"A versatile and feature-packed editor offering a compelling alternative to Adobe's subscription model, particularly strong for its effects and integrated workflow."
#9
Canva
By Canva Pty Ltd
A user-friendly, web-based design platform with integrated photo editing capabilities, ideal for social media and marketing visuals.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Best For: Social Media Graphics, Marketing Materials, Presentations, Quick Photo Enhancements, Template-Based Design
Key Features
- ✓Template Library: Vast collection of pre-designed templates for various formats. (Extensive)
- ✓Drag-and-Drop Interface: Extremely easy to use, even for non-designers.
- ✓Basic Photo Editing: Includes filters, cropping, brightness/contrast adjustments, background remover (Pro).
- ✓Stock Asset Integration: Access to photos, illustrations, icons, and videos.
- ✓Collaboration Features: Allows teams to work on designs together.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Core editor
- Many free templates & assets
- Basic editing tools
Limitations: Limited access to premium templates/assets, Fewer advanced features (e.g., Background Remover)
Pro
$12.99 / Monthly
- Full access to templates/assets
- Background Remover
- Brand Kit
- Content Planner
- More storage
Limitations: Primarily template-driven, Limited advanced photo manipulation
Pros
- + Extremely easy to use
- + Huge library of templates and assets
- + Great for social media and marketing
- + Excellent collaboration features
- + Accessible on multiple platforms
Cons
- - Very limited advanced photo editing capabilities
- - Not suitable for complex retouching or RAW processing
- - Can feel restrictive for professional designers
- - Free version has limitations
Verdict
"Perfect for beginners, social media managers, and small businesses needing to create visually appealing graphics quickly without a steep learning curve, but not a tool for serious photo editing."
#8
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
By The GIMP Team
A powerful, free, and open-source image editor with capabilities rivaling paid software.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best For: Photo Retouching, Image Composition, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Software Development (Image Assets)
Key Features
- ✓Extensibility: Supports numerous plugins and scripts for added functionality. (High)
- ✓Customizable Interface: Modular interface can be tailored to user preference.
- ✓Comprehensive Toolset: Includes layers, masks, paths, advanced selection, painting tools.
- ✓Format Support: Handles a wide variety of image file formats.
- ✓Active Community: Developed and supported by a large open-source community.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Full software access
- Open source
Limitations: Steeper learning curve, Interface considered less polished by some
Pros
- + Completely free and open-source
- + Very powerful feature set
- + Highly customizable
- + Cross-platform availability
- + Strong community support
Cons
- - User interface can be unintuitive for beginners
- - RAW processing requires plugins (like Darktable/RawTherapee) and isn't integrated seamlessly
- - Development can seem slower than commercial alternatives
- - No official dedicated support channel
Verdict
"An incredibly capable free alternative to Photoshop, ideal for users willing to invest time learning its interface, especially strong on Linux."
#7
Corel PaintShop Pro
By Corel Corporation
A comprehensive and affordable photo editing and graphic design suite for Windows users.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows
Best For: Photo Editing, Graphic Design, Retouching, Hobbyist Photography
Key Features
- ✓Dual Workspaces: Photography workspace for quick edits, Complete workspace for advanced tools.
- ✓Content-Aware Tools: Includes object removal and background replacement features.
- ✓Graphic Design Tools: Vector shapes, text tools, brushes, and textures.
- ✓Enhancement Tools: Various filters, effects, and correction tools.
- ✓RAW Lab: Dedicated interface for processing RAW files.
Scorecard (Overall: 6.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
PaintShop Pro
$79.99 / One-time
- Core photo editing & design tools
Limitations: Basic version
PaintShop Pro Ultimate
$99.99 / One-time
- Core tools plus bonus software pack (e.g., Painter Essentials, AfterShot Pro)
Limitations: Bonus software varies
Pros
- + Affordable one-time purchase
- + Good range of features for the price
- + Includes graphic design capabilities
- + User-friendly interface options
- + Ultimate version offers good bundle value
Cons
- - Windows only
- - RAW processing not as advanced as competitors
- - Performance can lag with complex tasks
- - Interface can feel cluttered
Verdict
"A strong budget-friendly option for Windows users needing a versatile tool for both photo editing and basic graphic design tasks."
#6
DxO PhotoLab
By DxO Labs
Renowned for its exceptional RAW processing, optical corrections, and noise reduction technology.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: High-Quality RAW Conversion, Noise Reduction, Lens Corrections, Technical Image Quality
Key Features
- ✓DeepPRIME / XD Noise Reduction: Class-leading noise reduction technology. (Exceptional)
- ✓Optics Modules: Automatic corrections for lens distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberrations based on extensive lab testing. (Superior)
- ✓U Point Technology: Intuitive local adjustments without complex masks.
- ✓ClearView Plus: Effective haze removal and contrast enhancement.
- ✓RAW Processing Engine: Produces sharp, detailed, and color-accurate results.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential Edition
$139.00 / One-time
- Core editing tools
- Optics Modules
- U Point
Limitations: Excludes DeepPRIME XD, advanced features
Elite Edition
$229.00 / One-time
- All features including DeepPRIME XD
- Advanced color tools
- Better workflow tools
Limitations: Higher cost
Pros
- + Outstanding noise reduction (DeepPRIME)
- + Superb automatic optical corrections
- + Excellent RAW image quality
- + Intuitive U Point local adjustments
- + Perpetual license option
Cons
- - Interface can feel slightly dated
- - Asset management less robust than Lightroom
- - No layer support in the traditional sense
- - Elite version needed for best features
Verdict
"Ideal for photographers prioritizing technical image quality, especially noise reduction and lens corrections, offering arguably the best RAW conversion results."
#5
Skylum Luminar Neo
By Skylum
An innovative photo editor focused on streamlined workflows and utilizing enhancement tools.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: Creative Photo Editing, Landscape Photography, Portrait Retouching, Quick Enhancements
Key Features
- ✓Structure AI & Enhance AI: Automated tools for improving detail, clarity, and overall image quality.
- ✓Sky Replacement AI: Realistically replaces skies in photos with a single click.
- ✓Portrait Bokeh AI & Skin AI: Tools for enhancing portraits, smoothing skin, and adding background blur.
- ✓Layers & Masking: Supports layer-based editing and masking for more control.
- ✓Extensions: Optional add-ons for specialized tasks like HDR, Noiseless, Upscaling.
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Perpetual License
$149.00 / One-time
- Luminar Neo Base
Limitations: Extensions often cost extra, Major updates may require purchase
Subscription (Pro)
$11.95 / Monthly
- Luminar Neo Base
- All current & future Extensions
Limitations: Ongoing cost
Pros
- + User-friendly interface
- + Innovative enhancement tools
- + Powerful sky replacement
- + Creative effects and presets
- + Available as perpetual license
Cons
- - Performance can be sluggish sometimes
- - Asset management is basic
- - Reliance on 'AI' can sometimes feel gimmicky
- - Extension model adds complexity/cost
Verdict
"A great option for photographers looking for creative results quickly, especially strong in automated enhancements and sky replacement, though less robust in traditional editing."
#4
Capture One Pro
By Capture One A/S
A high-end RAW converter and photo editor renowned for its image quality, color handling, and tethered shooting capabilities.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best For: Professional Photography, Studio Work, Tethered Shooting, High-End Retouching, Commercial Photography
Key Features
- ✓RAW Rendering Engine: Considered one of the best for detail and color accuracy. (Exceptional)
- ✓Advanced Color Editor: Precise control over color ranges and skin tones.
- ✓Tethered Capture: Industry-leading stability and features for studio shooting. (Best-in-class)
- ✓Layers and Masks: Sophisticated masking options for localized adjustments.
- ✓Session/Catalog System: Flexible workflow options for project-based (Sessions) or library-based (Catalogs) work.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Perpetual License
$299.00 / One-time
- Full software access
- Minor updates
Limitations: Major upgrades require purchase
Subscription
$24.00 / Monthly
- Full software access
- All updates included
Limitations: Ongoing cost
Pros
- + Superb RAW conversion and image quality
- + Outstanding color editing tools
- + Best-in-class tethered shooting
- + Flexible workflow options (Sessions/Catalogs)
- + Professional-focused features
Cons
- - Expensive compared to some rivals
- - Can be complex for beginners
- - No Linux or robust mobile versions
Verdict
"The top choice for demanding professional photographers, especially studio shooters, prioritizing ultimate image quality and precise color control."
#3
Affinity Photo
By Serif
A powerful, professional-grade Photoshop alternative available for a one-time purchase.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Professional Photography, Retouching, Graphic Design, Digital Painting
Key Features
- ✓Layer-Based Editing: Full support for layers, adjustments, masks, and blend modes.
- ✓RAW Development Persona: Dedicated workspace for processing RAW files. (Comprehensive)
- ✓Liquify Persona: Advanced tools for warping and mesh distortions.
- ✓Full HDR Merge: Combines multiple exposures into a single high dynamic range image.
- ✓Focus Merging: Stacks images with different focal points for macro photography.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Perpetual License
$69.99 / One-time
- Full software access
- Free minor updates
Limitations: Major version upgrades may require purchase
Pros
- + Incredible value (one-time cost)
- + Professional-level features
- + Excellent performance
- + Non-destructive workflow
- + Cross-platform compatibility (including iPad)
Cons
- - No built-in asset management (requires separate DAM)
- - Steeper learning curve than some competitors
- - Smaller plugin ecosystem than Photoshop
Verdict
"The best value proposition for professionals and enthusiasts seeking a powerful, subscription-free alternative to Photoshop."
#2
Adobe Lightroom
By Adobe Inc.
An essential tool for photographers focused on image organization, non-destructive editing, and RAW processing.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Best For: Photo Management, RAW Development, Batch Editing, Color Correction, Workflow Optimization
Key Features
- ✓Digital Asset Management (DAM): Robust cataloging, keywording, and search capabilities. (Excellent)
- ✓RAW Processing Engine: High-quality RAW file conversion and adjustment tools. (Industry Standard)
- ✓Non-Destructive Editing: All edits are reversible and stored as metadata.
- ✓Presets and Profiles: Extensive options for quick looks and consistent styles.
- ✓Cloud Syncing: Synchronizes edits and photos across multiple devices (Lightroom CC version).
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Photography Plan
$9.99 / Monthly
- Lightroom
- Lightroom Classic
- Photoshop
- Cloud Storage
Limitations: Requires subscription
Lightroom Plan (Cloud)
$9.99 / Monthly
- Lightroom
- 1TB Cloud Storage
Limitations: Requires subscription, no Photoshop
Pros
- + Excellent photo organization
- + Top-tier RAW processing
- + Intuitive user interface
- + Seamless multi-device workflow (Cloud version)
- + Great preset ecosystem
Cons
- - Subscription required
- - Less suited for pixel-level editing or compositing
- - Classic vs CC versions can be confusing
Verdict
"The go-to solution for photographers needing efficient workflow management and high-quality image adjustments from import to export."
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#1
Adobe Photoshop
By Adobe Inc.
The industry standard for professional pixel-level image manipulation, compositing, and graphic design.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best For: Professional Photography, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Web Design, Retouching
Key Features
- ✓Layer-Based Editing: Non-destructive workflow with extensive layer management capabilities.
- ✓Selection Tools: Advanced tools (Object Selection, Quick Selection, Pen) for precise isolation. (Superior)
- ✓Retouching Tools: Comprehensive set including Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, Liquify. (Extensive)
- ✓Content-Aware Fill: Intelligently removes or replaces image areas.
- ✓Integration: Seamless workflow with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Photography Plan
$9.99 / Monthly
- Photoshop
- Lightroom
- Cloud Storage
Limitations: Requires subscription
Single App
$22.99 / Monthly
- Photoshop
- Cloud Storage
Limitations: Requires subscription
Pros
- + Unmatched feature depth
- + Industry standard compatibility
- + Powerful selection and masking
- + Extensive learning resources
- + Creative Cloud integration
Cons
- - Steep learning curve for beginners
- - Subscription-only model
- - Can be resource-intensive
Verdict
"The undisputed leader for complex image manipulation and creative tasks, best suited for professionals requiring maximum power and flexibility."
Final Thoughts
The photo editing software market offers diverse options catering to different needs, budgets, and skill levels. Professionals often gravitate towards the power of Adobe Photoshop and the workflow efficiency of Lightroom or Capture One, while Affinity Photo provides a compelling subscription-free alternative. Tools like DxO PhotoLab excel in technical quality, Luminar Neo in creative automation, and ON1 Photo RAW as an all-in-one solution. For beginners or specific tasks like graphic design, PaintShop Pro and Canva offer accessible entry points, and GIMP remains a powerful free option.