The Best Photo Editing Software Deals This Week*
- Cyberlink Director Suite 365 12-Months Subscription Plan — $99.99 (List Price $134.99)
- Cyberlink PhotoDirector 365 12-Months Subscription Plan — $39.99 (List Price $59.99)
- Corel PaintShop Pro 2023 (PC Key Card) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
More than ever, you need software to organize, optimize, and edit your photos. Why? Because storage is ridiculously cheap, phone cameras are more powerful than the point-and-shoots of just a few years ago, and pro-level cameras have passed the 150-megapixel mark. To make the most of the resulting vast numbers of enormous image files, you need to be able to import them to your computer, organize them, pick the best of the crop, adjust them, and print or share them online.
The best photo editing software handles all this with ease, letting you do as much or as little post-shoot production as you like. Whether you're aiming for photorealism or Kardashian-like levels of retouching, these are the apps you need. Here, we present the best photo editing software to suit every photographer. For more background on how to select the photo editor that fits your needs and what capabilities you can expect, read our buying guide below the list of the best photo editing apps.
Table of Contents
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Best for Professional Photo Workflow
Why We Picked It
Lightroom Classic is the top workflow software choice of working professional photographers. It shines at letting you import and organize your photo collection, and offers the best tools for correcting and enhancing photos in a raw file process. Lightroom Classic includes features not found in the non-Classic version of Lightroom like printing, soft-proofing, tethered shooting, and plug-in support. It lacks, however, features amateurs and hobbyists can benefit from, like basic video-editing tools and lots of learning content.
Who It's For
Lightroom Classic is primarily for professional photographers. When pros talk about Lightroom, they invariably mean Lightroom Classic. It's also only for those willing to pay a recurring subscription fee. People who refuse to pay a subscription can choose alternatives including Capture One and DxO PhotoLab, but that means doing without Adobe's cutting-edge imaging technology and unmatched workflow and organization tools.
PROS
- Excellent photo management and organization
- Auto masking for local adjustments
- Face recognition and geo-tag map
- Plug-in support
- Connected mobile app
CONS
- Initial raw conversion is slightly more detailed in some competing products
- Requires subscription
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Adobe Photoshop
Best for Detailed Image Manipulation and Design
Why We Picked It
Photoshop is the most powerful image-editing software on the planet. It's often where Adobe puts its latest state-of-the-art features first, including its AI-powered Neural filters. Photoshop includes the complex layer, masking, text and shape tools, gradients, and filters that professional designers and photographers need. You can also bolster it with a wealth of third-party plug-ins for even more power.
Who It's For
Photoshop is for professionals and serious image editing enthusiasts. It includes a massive number of tools, but its interface is has gotten more manageable in recent versions, with things like a clear Home screen to get you started, hover-over help tips, and a persistent search box at the top. As with most other Adobe offerings, however, it requires you to pay a subscription fee, otherwise you can't continue using it.
PROS
- Vast set of photo correction and manipulation tools
- Slick user interface with a lot of guidance
- Tools for mobile and web design
- Rich set of drawing and typography tools
- Powerful raw camera files tools
- Synced Libraries, Cloud Documents, and collaboration features
CONS
- No perpetual license option, hard to find the best price online
- Steep learning curve
- Runs many processes in the background
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Best for Photo Hobbyists
Why We Picked It
Photoshop Elements includes many features found in Photoshop proper, but it wraps that functionality in a friendlier interface that emphasizes hand-holding. It also dispenses with the subscription requirement. The program's Guided Edits ease the process of creating stunning effects with their photos. You still get layers, filters, and a smart Organizer utility to keep track of your photo collection.
Who It's For
Adobe describes the audience for Elements as "memory keepers," those members of the family who want to create appealing keepsakes from family occasions or vacations. It nevertheless lets you see the processes behind creating impactful Photoshop effects. Elements is a good choice for those who can't abide paying a subscription, because it's available for a reasonable one-time purchase price.
PROS
- Many powerful image-manipulation tools
- Strong face-tagging and geotagging capabilities
- Excellent image output options
- Powerful search
- Helpful guidance for advanced techniques
CONS
- No local help system
- No chromatic aberration correction tool or lens geometry profiles
- Little cloud storage allocation for mobile and web syncing
- No generative image AI
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Adobe Lightroom
Best for Cloud-Synced Easy But Powerful Photo Workflow
Why We Picked It
Lightroom is a more consumer-targeted version of Adobe's storied Lightroom Classic photo workflow software. Its simpler interface and cloud storage for all photos should appeal to that group. But don't think it's not chock-full of powerful image editing tools—at this point matching those in Classic. With great face-organizing tools, cloud syncing, and AI search, Lightroom is one of the best apps for finding any photo in your collection from any device, and its rich set of learning and community features is a boon to any budding photo editor.
Who It's For
Lightroom appeals to serious amateurs who don't need printing, plug-ins, or tethered shooting capability. It's for those who don't mind paying a recurring subscription fee and like having all their photos backed up to the cloud for anywhere access.
PROS
- Simple, clear interface
- Syncs photos to cloud storage for access on other devices
- Light, color, and detail adjustments equal to Lightroom Classic's
- Powerful raw profiles and filters
- Strong community features
CONS
- Subscription only
- No local printing or plug-in support
- Limited sharing
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Corel PaintShop Pro
Best for Budget-Conscious Image Editors
Why We Picked It
This longtime Photoshop competitor offers enough tools for many designers and photographers who don't want to make unending subscription payments to Adobe. Corel even updates PaintShop Pro with advanced AI tools like Portrait Mode, Background Replacement, Style Transfer. Designers can work with text, brushes, patterns, and painting tools on both raster and vector images, and hobbyists get a ton of creative effects and filters. Raw camera file support, mask selection, scripts, tone curves, layers, and plug-in support are at your disposal, just like in Photoshop.
Who It's For
PaintShop Pro is for designers and photographers, both amateur and professional, who need deep image editing capabilities including layers, raw camera file support, masking, brushes, text, and textures. You even get some AI fixes and effects. It's great for those who don't want to pay a subscription and don't need Adobe's collaboration and other proprietary tools.
PROS
- Photoshop-like features at a lower price
- Powerful effects and editing tools
- Extensive help and tutorials
- Good assortment of vector drawing tools
- Automatic noise removal
CONS
- Inconsistent interface
- No macOS version
- Some slow operations
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
CyberLink PhotoDirector
Best for Combined Workflow, Editiing, and Effects
Why We Picked It
CyberLink makes some of the most powerful and innovative video editing software around, and the company has applied its deep imaging expertise to photo editing in PhotoDirector. The software combines Lightroom-like organization and workflow tools with Photoshop-like layer image editing in a clear, intuitive interface. The company is constantly producing new effects and templates. The software is available as either a single purchase or subscription, which adds online storage and a steady stream of updated tools and content.
Who It's For
PhotoDirector is for enthusiasts who want an all-in-one workflow and image editing application. It's also a good choice for those who don't want a recurring subscription fee, though a subscription is an option, which gets users frequent updates and lots of creative content, along with online photo storage. The subscription option also gets users access to stock images from Getty.
PROS
- Friendly yet powerful interface
- Many advanced effects
- Body shaper and other impressive editing tools
- Extensive layer support
- Painterly AI styles
- Tethered shooting
CONS
- No geotag maps
- Weak chromatic aberration and noise corrections
- Not enough lens profiles
- Some menus occasionally slow
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Capture One Pro
Best for Raw File Rendering
Why We Picked It
Capture One gives Adobe Lightroom Classic the most competition among pro photographers. It is super-powerful professional photo workflow software. It does the best job of interpreting a camera's raw image data to deliver a sharp, accurate photo among software we've tested. It also includes an abundance of adjustments and local edit tools, as well as layers and advanced color grading. A unique Speed Edit feature lets you get to frequently needed tools with a keypress. Capture One still trails Lightroom in some workflow abilities, however, such as face recognition and geotagging.
Who It's For
Capture One is squarely aimed at pro photographers, and its interface could be intimidating to those not willing to put in the time to learn it. It has strong support for tethered shooting, collaboration features, and a new iPad app lets you edit on the go. The program is priced like a professional application, too, available as both a subscription (costing more than Lightroom's) and a one-time purchase.
PROS
- Good raw file conversion quality
- Fast import
- Automatic batch adjustment tools
- Collaboration supported
CONS
- Interface can get complex, especially with layers
- No face recognition for organization
- Expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
DxO PhotoLab
Best for Noise Reduction and Camera Profile Corrections
Why We Picked It
DxO can automatically make your photos look better, but nevertheless offers a full quiver of powerful photo correction and editing tools. The software developer, which branched out from the well-known camera equipment testing company, pioneered several technologies that went on to be used by other software products. Lens-profile-based corrections, geometry fixes, and deep, time-consuming noise reduction have all shown up later in competitors. DxO's DeepPrime XD noise reduction is unmatched and can make unusable photos usable—PhotoLab is worth it for that alone. It's also excellent at removing chromatic aberration and automatically fixing lighting with its SmartLighting tool. Finally, its U Point technology offers unmatched control over local adjustments.
Who It's For
DxO PhotoLab is mostly for professionals who need to get the best out of their raw camera files, but it's a great app for engaged amateurs, too. If you just need noise reduction and lens corrections, the company's (less-expensive) DxO PureRAW app is a good fit. Both can be used as Photoshop and Lightroom plug-ins, as well. PhotoLab is not for those looking for a cheap solution, but its pricing is one-time perpetual, not subscription.
PROS
- Clear interface
- Best-in-class noise reduction
- Excellent autocorrection based on camera and lens characteristics
- Geometry corrections
- Powerful local adjustments
CONS
- Few workflow tools
- No HEIC/HEIF support
- Noise-reduction can be slow
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Skylum Luminar Neo
Best for Clean Interface, Filters, and Unique Fixes
Why We Picked It
Skylum Luminar is a well-designed photo application (created by a brilliant technology team in Ukraine) with unique, innovative tools, such as AI-based power-line removal. Another, AI Relight, lets you change lighting for different parts of a photo, based on distance from the camera. Luminar also excels at fixing drab skies in your shots—as its name suggests. The interface is clear and simple.
Who It's For
Any Mac or Windows user who wants to have a lot of fun enhancing their photos should check out the easy-to-use Luminar, whether pro or amateur. The program is a good value for a reasonable one-time price. Lightroom and Photoshop users can also use Luminar as a plug-in for their main photo application.
PROS
- Unique AI photo-fixing tools
- Simple, pleasing interface
- Lots of adjustment tools, filters, and effects
CONS
- Some operations are slow
- No face recognition or keyword tagging
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Adobe Photoshop Express
Best for Mobile Photoshop Tools
Why We Picked It
If you want some nifty Photoshop effects and image correction and want it on mobile as well as desktop, Photoshop Express is for you. A free version gets you partway there, but the cheaper, $34.99 per year subscription gets you the full set of filters, effects, borders, stickers, and retouching tools. It even includes Photoshop's Face-Aware Liquefy and auto-masking.
Who It's For
Photoshop Express is primarily for smartphone photo shooters who want to improve and jazz up their images with text and effects for social posting.
PROS
- Clear interface
- Good selection of photo editing tools and effects
- Can continue work on desktop Lightroom and Photoshop versions
CONS
- Many features require a subscription
- Too much disparity among platform versions
- Weak retouching option
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate
Best for All-in-One Photo Tools
Why We Picked It
ACDSee offers a full panoply of photo editing tools for both professionals and amateurs, with features found in both Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Easily organize and view your collection and use powerful lighting and color correction tools. Face recognition, layer editing, curves, and gradients are just some of its many capabilities.
Who It's For
ACDSee is suitable for professional photographers and serious amateurs who want both workflow and full pixel and layer editing in one application. Its one-time price is appealing to those who don't like the required subscriptions for Adobe's competing products.
PROS
- Excellent Light EQ tool
- Lens-profile-based geometry correction
- Face recognition and geotagging
- Good skin-improvement tools
- Responsive browsing and editing performance
CONS
- Busy interface with a lot of tools buried in menus
- Weak noise and chromatic aberration tools
- No generative AI
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
ON1 Photo RAW
Best for AI Photo Effects and Corrections
Why We Picked It
For a one-time reasonable price (that is, no subscription required), you get a bundle of photo effects as well as tools like lens-profile-based corrections and powerful AI-powered noise removal. The AI Sky Swap and Portrait AI tools with face adjustments, as well as support for layer editing, could make ON1 PhotoRAW a reasonable Photoshop replacement for some photographers.
Who's It For?
On1 PhotoRAW is a good fit for those who need Photoshop-like image editing tools but don't want to fork out a monthly tribute to Adobe and don't mind figuring out an unfamiliar user interface. But those looking for a Lightroom-like photo workflow and photo-collection-organizing application should look elsewhere.
PROS
- Lots of high-quality filters
- Supports layers
- Face-tuning tools
- Lens profile adjustments
CONS
- Interface is not as slick as Adobe's
- Some operations run slowly
- No face recognition tagging
- Limited online sharing in Windows app
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Keyword Tagging | |
| Face Recognition | |
| Layer Editing | |
| Lens Profile Corrections | |
| Content-Aware Edits |
Which Photo Software Should You Use?
Novice photographers taking vacation shots with a phone to share on Instagram want a different photo editor from those who shoot with a $52,000 Phase One IQ4 in a studio. We include all levels of PC photo editing software here. Nothing says that pros can't occasionally use an entry-level application or that a prosumer won't be running Photoshop, the most powerful photo editor. The issue is that, in general, users at each of these levels are more comfortable with the products intended for them.
How to Choose Photo Editing Software