Top 10+ Alternatives for Affinity Photo in 2025
Top 10+ Alternatives for Affinity Photo in 2025
Affinity Photo is a popular choice among photographers and designers, thanks to its powerful features at a one-time purchase price. However, there are plenty of reasons you might want to try out something else—whether that’s because of budget, compatibility, or a need for specific tools. Whatever your reason, there’s a thriving world of Affinity Photo alternatives waiting to be explored in 2025. Here’s our up-to-date guide to the best options you can consider right now.
1. Adobe Photoshop
No list of Affinity Photo alternatives is complete without mentioning Adobe Photoshop. The industry standard for photo editing, Photoshop offers unparalleled power and versatility, although it comes with a monthly subscription.
- Vast selection of editing tools and filters
- Non-destructive editing with smart objects and layers
- AI-powered features like subject selection and neural filters
- Tight integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
GIMP is an open-source classic among Affinity Photo alternatives. It’s completely free and gets more powerful with every update, though its interface can be daunting for beginners.
- Completely free to use
- Extensive plugin support
- Customizable interface and toolsets
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux
3. Corel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro has been around for years and continues to be a powerful option, especially for Windows users who want a one-time purchase instead of subscriptions.
- Feature-rich photo editing for enthusiasts and pros
- AI-powered tools for fast edits
- Support for RAW files and batch processing
- Affordable perpetual license
4. Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is developed specifically for macOS users and offers an intuitive, modern interface with all the essentials for photo editing and illustration.
- Optimized for Mac, including Apple Silicon
- Non-destructive and layer-based editing
- Plenty of AI-driven enhancement tools
- One-time purchase
5. Photopea
Photopea runs entirely in your web browser, which means it’s platform-independent. It mimics Photoshop’s interface, making it great for editing on the go without installing software.
- Web-based—no installation needed
- Supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, and CDR formats
- Layer-based editing and advanced tools
- Free (with ads) or affordable premium version
6. Darktable
For photographers who shoot in RAW, Darktable is an amazing open-source alternative with a focus on non-destructive editing and photo workflow management.
- Free and open-source
- Supports RAW editing and tethered shooting
- Advanced color correction and enhancement tools
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
7. Paint.NET
Paint.NET offers a simple, user-friendly platform for basic and intermediate image editing, making it a favorite among Windows users who need lightweight tools.
- Free to use (donation-supported)
- Extensible with plugins
- Straightforward interface for fast editing
- Layer support
8. Krita
Krita is loved by digital artists and illustrators but also packs solid photo manipulation tools. It’s an open-source and free application with industry-standard features.
- Free, open-source, and cross-platform
- Excellent brush and layer support
- Powerful for both illustration and photo editing
- Resource manager for brushes and presets
9. Fotor
Fotor delivers easy editing for everyday tasks. With both online and desktop options, it appeals to users who want fast results and one-click enhancements.
- Simple and approachable interface
- Available online or as a desktop app
- One-click ‘Enhance’ feature
- Batched photo processing
10. Polarr
Polarr is known for its modern UI and powerful capabilities, especially on mobile devices, but also offers robust features for desktops and online users.
- Extensive filter library and custom filters
- Available online, desktop, and mobile
- AI-adaptive image enhancement
- Batch export and export presets
11. PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X is a fun and versatile app for editing, collage-making, and creating animated GIFs—ideal for creative folks who want to do more than just standard photo edits.
- Multiple editing modules (Editor, Viewer, Batch, Combine, etc.)
- Fun filters and effects
- Animated GIF creator
- Available for Windows and Mac
Choosing the Right Affinity Photo Alternative for You
With so many Affinity Photo alternatives available in 2025, finding the right one depends on your needs, budget, and work style. Whether you’re looking for pro-grade editing, excellent value, or something free and lightweight, there’s an option above that fits the bill. Take some time to test a few out—most offer free trials or are open-source—and find the best match for your workflow.