The Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives 2024

The world of photography is developing uncontrollably. Cameras are improving, becoming more accurate and portable, and photo editors compete to release advanced tools and struggle for priority among improved AI functions. We are all witnesses of this fascinating process. Today, anyone can pick up a camera, learn the basics of photo editing, and experiment with creative methods. This art is available to everyone and everyone like never before. Let's talk today about which photo editing software can be the best assistant and whether Adobe Photoshop has no alternatives.

In this article, you will find a comparative description of programs like Photoshop and a brief description of their advantages and functions. Choose the best Photoshop substitute and edit without restrictions.

Photoshop Replacement

Photoshop is Adobe's most popular product. It is considered a professional photo editor and is paid. This software has all the features a photographer needs. The question becomes why so many people are looking for apps like Photoshop. The answer is quite simple. First of all, novice photographers are looking for more economical options. They don't need full functionality when learning the art of photo editing, so it's more logical to choose a simpler editor at a lower price. Most operating systems have primitive photo editors that are basic and completely free, such as Apple Photos for macOS and iOS, Google Photos for Android, and Microsoft Photos for Windows. They provide basic light and color editing tools in simple interfaces. But for more serious settings, you need a third-party photo editor.

Professional photographers can also look for better prices for the same features that Photoshop has. Also, Photoshop's interface seems unclear, hard to use, and not understandable, especially for beginners. While this photo editor has all the major modern AI-driven features, many alternative software have them for a lower price, better performance, or both. So, let's look at the most popular Adobe Photoshop alternatives available to users in 2024. Also, check out the Best 17 Free Alternatives to Photoshop in 2024!

Adobe Photoshop Alternatives

Luminar Neo 

Luminar Neo is often positioned as an alternative to traditional Photoshop. It offers powerful AI-powered tools that simplify editing for photographers of all skill levels. With its  AI Photo Editing features like AI Sky Replacement, AI Portrait Enhancer, and AI Augmented Sky, users get capabilities that allow them to achieve impressive results with minimal effort. Also new is the AI Picture Extender, which will enable you to easily and qualitatively expand the photo in any direction by adding the necessary elements to the image. 

Among its advantages, in addition to AI, it is also possible to note a pleasant and simple interface, many tools, filters, and effects, a convenient library for organizing images, and the ability to integrate its presets into Photoshop. Users are also pleased with the relatively low price without a subscription, constant technical support, and regular updates. It works on Windows, Linux, and iOS platforms and has an iPad version. Luminar Neo's emphasis on AI editing and user-friendly interface make it a compelling choice for photographers looking for a Photoshop alternative.

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Adobe Photoshop Elements is a user-friendly and simple photo editing program for beginners and amateurs. This option might work for you if you want to avoid paying for a subscription or learning complex Photoshop techniques. Among the convincing advantages, this photo editor has several powerful tools, the ability to add face tags and geotags, and a simpler interface than Photoshop. However, if you want AI tools, this photo editor does not have them. It is rather good for those who like photography as a hobby.

Corel PaintShop Pro

Corel is considered the best solution among economic graphic editors. He is constantly adding new photo editing capabilities to his PaintShop Pro software for Windows. The pros of this software are that it has Photoshop-like features at a lower price. It is quite powerful and has strong technical support and an operation manual. In addition to the base for working with photos, here you will find a large assortment of tools for vector drawing. This editor is only available on Windows, so Corel might be a good alternative to Photoshop if you use that platform.

CyberLink PhotoDirector

CyberLink PhotoDirector is ideal for photography enthusiasts. It is a fairly simple photo editor with many powerful tools and a simple interface. It has generative functions and artificial intelligence effects along with basic tools. Therefore, it is functionally close to Photoshop. Among the advantages, you can note its simple and pleasant interface, many high-quality effects, support for layers, the presence of a body shaper, and picturesque AI styles. Its price also contributes to the growing popularity of this photo editor because it is the best option for photography enthusiasts.

Phase One Capture One Pro

There is a myth that Photoshop is the only solution for professional photographers. It is not. The pricey Capture One is also suitable for high-level photo processing. It offers professional photographers great detail and local adjustments. Its advanced color and layer tools are mesmerizing with their quality and precision. The undeveloped organization of photos and the complex interface stand out among its shortcomings. The price is also at the level of Photoshop, and sometimes it can be higher. Therefore, this option may satisfy you if you seek more professional functionality despite the cost.

Photopea

Photopea is an inexpensive, even free, replacement for Photoshop. It can also be called a powerful online clone of Adobe products. If you don't need updated online storage and AI tools, this program will be free, which is also a profitable option for beginners. Even though it lacks some advanced features of Photoshop, this online editor still has a wide range of tools that are quite enough for work. Among the advantages, you can also note that you will not need to download and install, the program has a simple interface, and you can also work with vector drawings.

ACDSee Ultimate

Professional-level software that is ideal for complex image editing. ACDSee gives you many powerful photo organizing and editing features by combining the features of Lightroom and Photoshop. It needs AI-driven tools, and its interface may seem clunky, but this editor has excellent geometry, light, and easy-to-view image tools. The high-quality work of skin retouching tools and face recognition technology is also worth noting. This photo editor is not very popular, but its reliability and power make it one of the best Photoshop alternatives.

GNU Image Processing Program (GIMP)

GIMP is a full-featured image editor with Photoshop-style features. A nice bonus is that it's completely free. It has many basic features such as layers, filters, and masks, good test tools, and layer support. The disadvantages are that users single out a cluttered interface, slow performance, and complications when working with original files. If you are looking for a free photo editor for learning and have plenty of patience, try this option.

ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW has a wide selection of high-quality effects and filters for every taste and project. Its complex interface can be forgiven for its incredible photo zoom capabilities. It also has portrait correction tools and supports layers. Its users have warm reviews about this photo editor, so we recommend trying it as an alternative to Photoshop.

Bottom Line

Now, when it comes to Photoshop substitute, you will have at least a few options in mind. Depending on whether you need AI functions, whether you want to install the application or use it online, how easy it is for you to understand the new interface, etc., you can choose your best Photoshop alternative. From the versatility of Luminar Neo to the simplicity of Photopea — the market offers us many worthy options. First of all, you should understand that the result of your work and the amount of time spent on the process will depend on the convenience and functionality of your photo editor. We hope you find your perfect assistant and create as many incredible photos as possible with its help!