Best Photo Editing Software in 2026

The best photo editor for you depends on your skill level, budget and the type of editing you want to do. For beginners, Lightroom Cloud and Luminar Neo are accessible options. For a more advanced workflow, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, Photoshop or Capture One offer more control. If you're looking for a free option, check out GIMP, Darktable and Affinity.

In this guide, we compare the best photo editing software for 2026, including RAW editors, Photoshop alternatives, free options and AI tools. If you're just starting, you can also check out our beginner's guide to photo editing before choosing a specific program.

What is a photo editor and why do you need one?

A photo editor is an indispensable digital tool that lets you enhance image quality, make corrections and transform your photographs.

Whether you want to make simple adjustments, such as cropping or correcting brightness and contrast, or more advanced tweaks like professional-level image processing, precise color editing or RAW file development, a good editor provides all the necessary functions.

Editing your photos doesn't mean completely altering them, but optimizing them and unlocking their full potential.

Photo editing basics

Before choosing a program, it's good to be clear on concepts that often appear in photo editing. You don't need to master them all immediately, but you should understand what they mean to grasp the kind of tools you'll need.

• JPEG: a common, compressed image file format. It's ideal for sharing photos, uploading them online or saving space, but offers less editing flexibility than a RAW file because the camera has already processed and compressed the image.

• RAW: an image file format that retains more information than a JPEG. It gives you more scope to correct light, color and detail. If you want to understand more about the differences between RAW, JPEG and other file types, check out our guide to image file formats.

• Non-destructive editing: a way of editing an image without permanently altering the original file. Adjustments are saved separately, so you can change them, disable them or revert them later.

• Layers: editing levels placed one on top of another. Use them to make adjustments or add text, graphic elements or parts of a composition without directly affecting the rest of the image.

• Masks: features that help you decide where photo adjustments are applied and where they aren't. For example, you can edit only the sky or soften only the skin.

• Tethering: shooting with your camera connected to another device, such as your computer or tablet, to instantly view photos on a larger screen.

• Nodes: a system of connected editing blocks. Each node can make a different adjustment, such as color, contrast or a mask. It's common in programs like DaVinci Resolve.

• Batch editing: When you batch edit, you apply the same settings to a group of photos at once.

• Cropping: a tool in photo editing software that allows you to adjust the size of an image to adapt its composition or remove elements from the margins. Cropping can also help you improve an image's framing. If you want to delve deeper into this topic before editing, you can check out our beginner's guide to photographic composition.

• Curves: a photo editing software tool that offers more precise control over brightness, contrast and color tones.

• White balance: corrects color temperature so whites appear neutral.

• Exposure: brightens or darkens the image.

• Highlights and shadows: recover detail in the image's light and dark areas.

• Contrast: controls the difference between light and dark tones.

• HSL/Color Mixer: adjusts individual colors, useful for skin, skies, foliage and product treatment.

• Sharpness: increases the sense of detail, especially after resizing images or processing RAW files.

• Noise Reduction: Reduces digital grain or noise in images taken in low light or at high ISO.

Best software for beginners to edit photos

The best photo editor for beginners doesn't have to be the most comprehensive, but the one that helps you learn without overwhelming you. If you want to start editing photos without using overly technical tools straight away, it's best to choose intuitive, visual and easy-to-learn software. In this category, we've selected editors that allow you to adjust basic lighting, color, cropping and details with a manageable learning curve, while also giving you room to grow when you want to work with RAW files or try more advanced features.

 Lightroom Cloud 

If you want to learn how to edit photos gradually, Lightroom Cloud is one of the most accessible options. Don't confuse it with its older sibling, Lightroom Classic, as this version is much more user-friendly and works well across desktop, mobile and web thanks to cloud storage.

We recommend it if you're starting from scratch because the program helps you learn the basics of photo editing, such as adjusting light, color or cropping, without having to endure a huge learning curve.

What's more, Lightroom Cloud is also a good starting point if you want to get familiar with RAW editing and level up to more advanced programs, should you need to.

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy to use for beginners

• Works on desktop, mobile and web

• You can sync files to the cloud and access them from multiple devices

• A good entry point for learning RAW editing without overcomplicating things

• It includes AI-assisted organization and editing tools, but it's not the editor that stands out most for its generative features. Adobe includes it in its subscription photography plans, along with Lightroom, cloud storage and generative credits, depending on the plan.

Cons: 

• It works on a subscription model, so you can't buy it with a one-off payment

• Relies on cloud storage and subscription

• It might fall short if you want a more advanced local workflow

• It doesn't offer the same control over large catalogs and libraries as Lightroom Classic

Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo is a good option if you want quick results and to incorporate more AI into your photo editing. It's an editor that simplifies tasks that might take longer in other programs, thanks to AI assistance, such as changing skies or removing elements from an image.

As you can imagine, it's not the most recommended tool if you're a purist who wants greater control over your image editing. But if you're just starting out and want a less intimidating way to take your first steps into editing, Luminar Neo could be an option for you.

Pros: 

• Simple, accessible interface with a shallow learning curve

• Its AI tools help achieve quick results: Sky AI, Enhance AI, portrait tools, object removal and generative features like GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand

• It can be purchased with a one-off payment for its perpetual licenses, although there are also plans and services for features and updates

• It works as a standalone application and also as a plugin for Lightroom Classic, Photoshop and macOS Photos

Cons: 

• It's not the best option if you're looking for highly technical RAW development

• While it offers one-off payment licenses, some major updates or continued access to generative tools may require additional payments

• It may fall short if you want precise, manual control over image editing

Best software for intermediate photographers

If you frequently edit photos, you'll need tools that go beyond basic adjustments. This category includes software with more control over RAW development, library organization, batch editing and final image quality. These options are designed for those who want a more organized, precise and flexible workflow.

Lightroom Classic

Lightroom Classic is a solid option for photographers who edit frequently and need to organize many images efficiently. Unlike Lightroom Cloud, it's better suited to working with files stored on your computer or on external hard drives.

Its main advantage lies in the catalog system, which allows you to import, select, rate, tag and organize photos with keywords and metadata. It also enables non-destructive RAW file editing, preset usage, batch processing and seamless integration with Photoshop.

It's especially useful for event, product, travel or content photographers who need to maintain an organized and consistent workflow.

Pros:

• Very powerful for organizing large libraries using catalogs, collections, metadata, keywords, ratings and flags

• It allows for non-destructive RAW editing, batch editing and the use of free or paid presets

• It includes masks, selective adjustments and color tools to refine the final look of your image

• It integrates seamlessly with Photoshop within the Adobe ecosystem

• It includes AI-assisted features, useful for tasks like removing unwanted objects, although its main strength lies in its photographic workflow

Cons:

• Its catalog system can be confusing at first

• It's more demanding than Lightroom Cloud

• It's not the easiest option if you're still unsure how to organize folders, hard drives and backups

• It's a subscription model, and its recurring payment is one of the biggest drawbacks for many users

DxO PhotoLab

DxO PhotoLab isn't one of the most well-known editors, but it stands out for the image quality it delivers, especially thanks to its optical corrections, noise reduction and RAW processing.

It's a very interesting tool for photographers working with high-resolution cameras, demanding sensors or images taken in low-light conditions. If your priority is to squeeze the technical quality out of your files, DxO PhotoLab can be a very powerful alternative.

Something to bear in mind is that it doesn't offer an organization system as comprehensive or flexible as Lightroom Classic, so it might not be the best option if you need to manage huge libraries or a highly connected workflow across devices.

Pros:

• It stands out for its RAW processing quality, optical corrections and noise reduction

• It's particularly useful for high-resolution cameras, demanding sensors and low-light photography

• It works with a single-payment license per version, so it doesn't rely on a monthly subscription to use the program

Cons:

• The initial price can be high

• Major updates usually require payment, so "one-off payment" doesn't mean "free major updates forever"

• It doesn't offer the same comprehensive or flexible organization as Lightroom Classic

• Its AI tools particularly excel in technical image quality, especially noise and RAW processing, rather than creative generative editing like Photoshop or Luminar Neo

Best editing programs for professionals

If you're looking for a professional photo editor, this is where you'll find the most comprehensive tools for advanced retouching, commercial photography, studio sessions, color control, batch editing, and hybrid photo and video workflows. They aren't the easiest options to start with, but they are the most suitable when you need precision, efficiency and high-level results.

Photoshop 

Photoshop is the go-to editor for advanced retouching, used as a precision tool thanks to its extensive capabilities. If there’s one editor on this list you’re sure to have heard of, it’s this one.

It's the most widely used professional tool for skin retouching, product editing, composition and complex manipulation. Plus, it increasingly integrates AI and generative tools into its creative workflow.

Pros:

• It's a professional benchmark for advanced retouching, composition, masks, layers and comprehensive editing

• It excels in AI tools and generative editing, such as Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Remove Tool, Harmonize and the latest Firefly models

• It works really well as a complement to Lightroom or Capture One in professional workflows

• It increasingly integrates AI tools and generative editing

• It’s available by subscription, both as an individual app and as part of Creative Cloud plans

Cons:

• It's not the most convenient program for organizing or working with many photos at once

• It's not the best option for developing hundreds of RAW files from scratch

• It has a steep learning curve

• Its subscription model can be expensive if you only need to edit photos occasionally

Capture One

Capture One is a tool designed for professional workflows, especially for commercial, fashion and studio photography. It stands out for its ease of shooting and instantly viewing photos on your computer or tablet, also known as tethering, which is a huge advantage for studio or product sessions. As you can see, we're in a different league here.

It also stands out for its advanced color control, which is one reason many photographers choose it over editors like Lightroom Classic. While Lightroom Classic is comprehensive for organizing large libraries and batch editing, Capture One excels when you need to precisely adjust the color of your photos, maintain consistent skin tones or work on a commercial shoot with a highly controlled look.

It's not an option for beginners, but for photographers working in a studio or needing very precise color control, it can be a very powerful tool.

Pros:

• It's very strong for tethered shooting in studio, fashion, product and commercial production photography

• It offers advanced color control and a professional workflow for shoots or catalogs

• It includes AI-assisted tools such as masks, automatic cropping and recent retouching-oriented features, although its strong suit remains professional control and studio workflow, not generative AI

• It can be purchased via subscription and also offers a perpetual license, depending on the version and plan available

Cons:

• It comes with a high price tag

• It's not the most suitable option for beginners

• Its learning curve can be demanding

• Its AI tools aren't the main reason to choose it over more automation-focused alternatives like Luminar Neo or Photoshop

DaVinci Resolve 21

DaVinci Resolve 21 is a different option on this list, primarily designed for hybrid creators who work with both photos and videos. While traditionally known as a video editor and a go-to tool for color grading, Resolve 21 introduces a photo page with image editing, RAW support, albums, tethering and node-based workflow.

Its biggest draw is maintaining color consistency between photos and videos. Instead of working with layers like Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve uses nodes: small, interconnected blocks where each can apply a different adjustment. This allows for complex corrections, though it's not the simplest option if you only want to process RAW files or make basic adjustments.

Pros:

• It has a very powerful free version and a one-off paid Studio version

• It's an interesting option for hybrid creators working with photos and videos

• It allows for color consistency between both formats

• Resolve 21 introduces a photo page, RAW, albums, tethering and node-based workflow

Cons:

• It remains a tool born for video and post-production

• The Photo page is relatively new and not yet as established as Lightroom, Photoshop or Capture One for still photography

• Node logic can be unintuitive if you're used to layer-based editors

• It can be overly complex if you only want to process RAW files or make simple adjustments

Best free options

If you're looking for the best free photo editor, the key is to choose based on how you'll use it: developing RAW files, layer-based retouching or quickly preparing images for social media. GIMP, Darktable, Affinity and Canva are good options for editing without a subscription, but not all of them serve the same purpose. Some are designed for a more technical photographic workflow, others work better as Photoshop alternatives and some are more useful for quick design and social content.

GIMP

GIMP is one of the best-known free options for image editing. It's a powerful tool for manual retouching, layers, masks, selections and precise adjustments, making it a viable free alternative for those who want to edit without paying a subscription.

Its strong suit lies in manual editing and the possibilities it offers users who want to control the process. However, it's not the most beginner-friendly program: its interface and learning curve can be less intuitive than those of other more modern tools.

Pros:

• It's free, open-source and cross-platform

• It works well for manual retouching, layers, masks, selections and compositing

• It's a useful alternative if you don't want to pay for a subscription

• It doesn't rely on AI tools as its main selling point: its value lies more in manual editing, flexibility, plugins and customization. GIMP officially presents itself as a free and open-source image manipulation editor

Cons:

• Its interface may be less intuitive than more modern tools

• It's not the best option for managing large photo libraries

• It doesn't stand out for integrated AI tools, so it may fall behind if you're looking for generative erase, image expansion or advanced automation

Darktable

Darktable is a free, open-source option for those who want to process RAW files without paying a subscription. Unlike Canva, GIMP or Affinity, it's closer to Lightroom Classic in its approach: it's not designed for photo montages or layered retouching, but rather for organizing, processing and adjusting photos.

It’s an interesting tool if you already know you want to work with RAW files and learn a more photographic editing workflow. However, it’s not the easiest option for starting from scratch. Its interface and workflow logic can feel a bit technical at first, but in return, it offers a lot of control over the image.

Pros:

• It's free, open-source and specifically designed for photographic workflow and RAW development

• It allows for non-destructive editing, so the original file remains unchanged

• It's a good free alternative if you want something closer to Lightroom Classic than Photoshop

• It has no subscription or one-off payment model: it's free under a GPL license

Cons:

• It has a steep learning curve

• Its interface may be less intuitive than Lightroom Cloud or Luminar Neo

• It's not the best option if you're looking for layer retouching, design or photo montage

• It doesn't stand out for AI tools; its strength lies in RAW development, technical control and non-destructive workflow

Affinity

Affinity is one of the most interesting free alternatives if you're looking for a tool to work with layers, masks, selections and composition. Following its integration into Canva, it brings together photo editing, vector design and layout functions in a single free app.

It's a good option if you want to do manual retouching, compositions or more elaborate designs without committing to a subscription from day one. However, it doesn't replace Lightroom Classic as a photo library manager, nor does it offer such a comprehensive RAW workflow for large volumes of photos.

Pros:

• It's an interesting free alternative for working with layers, masks, selections, composition, vector design and layout

• The new Affinity brings together tools previously separated into Photo, Designer and Publisher into a single app

• No subscription is required for its main features. Canva has relaunched it as a free app

• Canva's AI tools can be integrated into Affinity, but require Canva Premium/Pro

Cons:

• It doesn't replace Lightroom Classic as a photo library manager

• It's not the best option for developing and organizing large volumes of RAW files

• AI features are not part of the free core; they require a Canva Premium plan

• This could cause confusion for users who knew Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer and Affinity Publisher as separate apps

Final comparison: which photo editor to choose

Finally, here’s a comparison of all the programs we’ve looked at. The idea isn’t to pick the ‘most comprehensive’ editor, but rather the one that best suits your skill level, budget and the type of editing you want to do: RAW, layers, masks, AI, library, batch editing or quick social media content.

If you're looking for a camera as well as software to make your interest in photography a more consistent hobby, you can also check out our guide to the best cameras for beginners before deciding which editor best suits your photographic style.

Frequently Asked Questions What's the best photo editor for beginners? 

Lightroom Cloud is one of the best options for beginners because it’s intuitive, works across multiple devices and allows you to learn RAW editing gradually.

What are the best alternatives to Photoshop?

Affinity and GIMP are two good alternatives to Photoshop if you want to work with layers, masks, selections and composition without relying on the Adobe ecosystem.

What's the best AI photo editor?

Luminar Neo is one of the clearest options for achieving quick AI results. Photoshop also stands out if you're looking for more advanced generative tools.

What's the best software for professional photo editing?

Photoshop is ideal for advanced retouching and compositing, Capture One excels in studio, fashion and product photography, and Lightroom Classic works brilliantly for organizing and editing many photos.

Are there any professional, one-off payment editors without a subscription?

Yes. DxO PhotoLab offers a one-off license fee per version, and DaVinci Resolve Studio also works with a one-off payment, although significant updates may incur separate costs.

Which photo editing software is free and high-quality?

GIMP, Darktable, Affinity and Canva are good free options: GIMP for manual retouching, Darktable for RAW, Affinity for layers and composition, and Canva for quick edits.

Read more tips and techniques at the MPB Content Hub.