Many photographers still appreciate what Photoshop can do, but fewer feel comfortable relying on a single, complex, subscription-based tool for every project. Over the last few years, editing tools have changed a lot. AI can handle routine fixes, interfaces are cleaner, and more apps are built specifically for photographers, rather than graphic designers. That shift was one of the main reasons why photographers started seeking Photoshop alternatives.
In this comparative review, we will help you find software that feels natural in your hands, supports your preferred style, and enables you to deliver consistent results, regardless of your budget and proficiency level.
1. Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is the best Photoshop alternative for casual and inexperienced users who are not ready to delve into complex menus and advanced manual tools. It runs on Windows and macOS as a standalone editor and as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, with a cross-device license that also unlocks Luminar Mobile on iOS, Android, and ChromeOS. The official pricing page lists three perpetual licenses: Desktop at €89 (approximately $103 USD), Cross-Device at €109 (approximately $127 USD), and Max at €129 (approximately $150 USD).
| Pros | Cons |
| Custom presets make it easy to lock in your own style and apply it consistently across different jobs and camera bodies. | Very large, high-volume libraries are better handled in a dedicated catalog system; Luminar Neo works best when you keep long-term archiving in another tool. |
| Scene-aware AI can treat sky, subject, and background separately in one pass, which speeds up batch work for travel, landscape, and event series. | The variety of AI options and sliders may feel overwhelming at first if you prefer very minimal interfaces with only a few basic controls. |
| Frequent feature updates within the same major version keep the tool evolving without forcing you to change your workflow every time. | Generative edits sometimes need manual refinement around fine details like hair, branches, or text to look perfectly natural at large print sizes. |
2. Topaz Photo
What is the best AI photo editor? The discussions around this topic often mention Topaz Photo as a valid AI-based Photoshop alternative. It runs on Windows and macOS as a standalone app and as a plugin for editors like Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. The Personal pricing plan starts at $17/month or $199/year, while the Pro plan goes up to $50/month or $599/year.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can rescue borderline images by clarifying fine textures in hair, fur, feathers, or fabric that would otherwise look mushy. | Not designed as a full editor, so you still need another app for layers, graphic elements, and advanced retouching. |
| Autopilot analysis picks a starting setup for each photo, which speeds up processing large sets from events, wildlife trips, or sports matches. | Overuse of aggressive settings can create a slightly over-processed look, which means you still need a careful eye when dialing in strength. |
| Offers dedicated models for different problems (motion blur, high ISO noise, low contrast), so you can target a specific issue instead of guessing with generic sliders. | Heavy AI processing puts pressure on your GPU and RAM, so older or entry-level machines may struggle with big batches. |
3. Pixelmator Pro & Photomator
If you are looking for an Apple-specific software similar to Photoshop, consider Pixelmator Pro for Mac and Photomator across Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro. Pixelmator Pro is sold as a one-time purchase on the Mac App Store for $49.99 USD. Photomator uses a subscription or lifetime license model, sold through the App Store, with pricing varying by region.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pixelmator Pro’s single purchase can be used on multiple Macs with the same Apple ID or within a Family Sharing group, which keeps multi-machine setups affordable. | Both apps are locked to Apple platforms, so photographers on Windows or Android cannot build a cross-platform workflow around them. |
| Machine-learning features such as automatic enhancements, smart object removal, and resolution boosts help speed up routine corrections. | Neither app offers deep studio features like tethered capture or enterprise-level cataloging, which limits them for high-volume commercial studios. |
| Pixelmator Pro combines photo work with basic layout and illustration tools, which is handy if you also create flyers, social posts, or simple graphics alongside your images. | The plugin ecosystem is smaller than Adobe’s, so niche printing workflows, lab integrations, or third-party effects may not be available. |
4. GIMP
If you have a limited budget and look for free programs like Photoshop, GIMP might be an ideal option. This open-source image editor is available for Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux desktops and can be downloaded directly from the official site. No registration or subscription is required.
| Pros | Cons |
| A full raster toolset with layers, masks, selections, and filters lets you tackle most retouching, compositing, and graphics tasks without paid software. | The interface can feel busy and old-school, especially if you’re used to slick, modern commercial editors. |
| Plugins and scripts extend GIMP into areas like batch processing, special effects, and niche file formats, which appeals to tinkerers and power users. | You may need to spend time configuring color profiles, fonts, and plugins before it feels ready for work. |
| Cross-platform support means you can run the same editor on mixed environments (Linux at home, Windows at work, macOS on a laptop). | There’s no native mobile version, so you can’t easily continue editing on a phone or tablet when you leave the desk. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right editor is less about finding a single Photoshop alternative and more about redefining your workflow according to your specific needs.
- Luminar Neo and Topaz Photo lean into smart automation and recovery, making demanding files easier to handle.
- Pixelmator Pro and Photomator cater to Apple fans who want a seamless, integrated experience on Mac and mobile devices.
- GIMP demonstrates that you can still accomplish serious work even with a limited budget.
There is no right or wrong choice — experiment, practice, and select what works for you.
