The top 10 photo editing software options

Here’s a comparison of the top 10 photo editing software used by professionals and enthusiasts, each offering distinct features depending on the user’s needs and expertise:

1. Adobe Photoshop

• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Best for: Comprehensive photo editing, manipulation, and retouching.
• Features:
  
  • Advanced tools for retouching, compositing, and digital painting.
  • Layers, masks, and complex selections.
  • Extensive plugin support and integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Powerful content-aware tools (e.g., Content-Aware Fill).
• Pros:
  
  • Industry-standard with a wide range of tools and capabilities.
  • Regular updates and professional-grade features.
  • Extensive tutorials and support.
• Cons:
  
  • Subscription-based (can be expensive over time).
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.

2. Adobe Lightroom

• Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Best for: Non-destructive photo editing and organising large image libraries.
• Features:
  
  • Powerful RAW editing tools.
  • Advanced colour grading, exposure adjustments, and noise reduction.
  • AI-based tools like auto-tone.
  • Integrated photo management and organisation tools.
• Pros:
  
  • Ideal for photographers who focus on batch processing and organising.
  • Faster editing workflow with non-destructive edits.
  • Cloud syncing for seamless access across devices.
• Cons:
  
  • Less powerful for detailed photo manipulation (compared to Photoshop).
  • Subscription-based.

3. Capture One

• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Best for: Professional photographers who need advanced RAW processing.
• Features:
  
  • Advanced colour grading and tethering support.
  • Exceptional RAW processing, especially for medium format.
  • Customisable workspaces and toolsets.
  • High-quality cataloging and asset management.
• Pros:
  
  • Best-in-class RAW editing and colour fidelity.
  • Tethering support for studio photography.
  • Flexible workflows for advanced users.
• Cons:
  
  • Higher cost compared to Lightroom.
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners.

4. Affinity Photo

• Platform: Windows, macOS, iPad
• Best for: Professional photo manipulation and graphic design.
• Features:
  
  • Full suite of advanced photo editing tools, including layers, masks, and retouching tools.
  • RAW editing capabilities and full PSD compatibility.
  • Non-destructive editing and smart object support.
• Pros:
  
  • One-time payment (no subscription).
  • Comparable to Photoshop in terms of editing tools.
  • Intuitive interface.
• Cons:
  
  • Lacks some of Photoshop’s more specialised tools and ecosystem integration.
  • Not as widely adopted, so fewer tutorials available.

5. DxO PhotoLab

• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Best for: Photographers looking for excellent automatic corrections and RAW processing.
• Features:
  
  • Advanced noise reduction (DxO Prime) and lens corrections.
  • Automatic corrections using AI-based algorithms.
  • Local adjustment tools, advanced colour grading, and fine-tuning.
• Pros:
  
  • Best-in-class noise reduction and lens correction tools.
  • Easy-to-use for beginners while offering professional-level features.
  • Non-destructive editing.
• Cons:
  
  • Limited in terms of advanced retouching and compositing tools.
  • High price for the full feature set.

6. Corel PaintShop Pro

• Platform: Windows
• Best for: A budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop with robust editing tools.
• Features:
  
  • Layer-based editing, selection tools, and detailed retouching.
  • AI-driven enhancements for faster editing.
  • Extensive content-aware tools for object removal and fixing.
• Pros:
  
  • One-time payment, no subscription required.
  • Affordable with powerful features for beginners and intermediates.
  • Excellent photo enhancement tools.
• Cons:
  
  • Windows-only.
  • Somewhat dated interface, especially compared to Lightroom and Photoshop.

7. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

• Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Best for: Budget-conscious users seeking a free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.
• Features:
  
  • Full suite of tools for photo retouching, editing, and drawing.
  • Layer and mask support.
  • Plugins and scripting support for extended functionality.
• Pros:
  
  • Free and open-source.
  • Highly customisable with plugins and scripts.
  • Suitable for photo manipulation and digital painting.
• Cons:
  
  • Clunky interface and workflow compared to paid software.
  • Limited features for professional photo management.

8. Skylum Luminar AI

• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Best for: AI-powered enhancements and quick edits for photographers who want speed.
• Features:
  
  • AI-based tools for enhancing portraits, landscapes, and sky replacements.
  • Layers, masks, and local adjustment tools.
  • Quick editing and batch processing capabilities.
• Pros:
  
  • Powerful AI tools for quick edits with minimal effort.
  • Non-subscription-based pricing.
  • User-friendly for beginners.
• Cons:
  
  • Less advanced than Lightroom or Capture One for RAW processing.
  • Limited support for plugins and ecosystem.

9. ON1 Photo RAW

• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Best for: Professional photo editing with robust RAW processing and file management.
• Features:
  
  • Advanced RAW processing with non-destructive editing.
  • AI-powered tools like Smart Photo and Portrait AI.
  • Built-in photo organising and culling features.
• Pros:
  
  • Powerful RAW processing with good noise reduction.
  • One-time purchase (no subscription).
  • Integration with other apps and customisable workspaces.
• Cons:
  
  • Interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming for beginners.
  • Processing speed can be slower than other high-end software.

10. Serif PhotoPlus (Now Affinity Photo)

• Platform: Windows (discontinued, replaced by Affinity Photo)
• Best for: Users who want a more affordable Photoshop-like experience.
• Features:
  
  • Full suite of photo editing tools for professional retouching and compositing.
  • Layered editing, masks, and blending options.
  • Powerful vector tools for illustrations.
• Pros:
  
  • Affordable, one-time cost.
  • Intuitive interface and strong editing tools.
• Cons:
  
  • Discontinued, now replaced by Affinity Photo.
  • Limited support and fewer updates.