The Best Photo Editing Software in 2025

Whether you’re a professional photographer, hobbyist, or social media creator, today’s best image editing software offers powerful tools for color correction, retouching, creative effects, and efficient workflows. This guide reviews 21 top photo editing programs, grouped by use case, with why they’re included, who they’re for, core specifications, pros, and cons.

Best for Detailed Image Manipulation and Design

1. Adobe Photoshop CC

Why it’s included: Industry benchmark for pixel-perfect editing.
Who it’s for: Professionals needing advanced editing precision.
Specifications: Layer-based editing, AI object selection, content-aware fill, smart objects, RAW support.

Pros:

• Unmatched creative control

• Huge plugin library

• Widely recognized industry standard

Cons:

• Subscription-only pricing

• Steep learning curve

2. Affinity Photo

Why it’s included: Pro-level tool with a one-time purchase.
Who it’s for: Advanced hobbyists and pros avoiding subscriptions.
Specifications: HDR merge, panorama stitching, advanced masking, full RAW editing.

Pros:

• Affordable one-time cost

• Powerful and fast performance

Cons:

• Fewer integrations

• Smaller community support

Best for Professionals

3. Capture One Pro

Why it’s included: Exceptional color grading and tethered shooting.
Who it’s for: Studio, fashion, and commercial photographers.
Specifications: Session-based workflow, superior RAW conversion, advanced color tools.

Pros:

• Best-in-class color control

• Lightning-fast tethering

• Excellent detail retention

Cons:

• High price point

• Steeper learning curve

4. Luminar Neo

Why it’s included: AI-driven edits for fast, impressive results.
Who it’s for: Photographers wanting speed without sacrificing quality.
Specifications: AI sky replacement, portrait retouching, mood tools.

Pros:

• Time-saving automation

• Modern interface

Cons:

• Limited complex workflow tools

• AI results need fine-tuning

Best for Photo Workflow

5. Adobe Lightroom CC

Why it’s included: Gold standard for photo organization and workflow.
Who it’s for: Photographers managing large image libraries.
Specifications: Cloud sync, non-destructive editing, preset management, RAW processing.

Pros:

• Excellent cataloging tools

• Mobile + desktop sync

• Easy batch edits

Cons:

• Subscription fees

• Limited pixel editing

6. ON1 Photo RAW

Why it’s included: All-in-one editing, management, and effects.
Who it’s for: Users wanting a Lightroom alternative without subscriptions.
Specifications: AI masking, HDR merge, sky replacement, portrait retouching.

Pros:

• One-time purchase option

• Extensive effects library

Cons:

• Busy interface

• High system demands

Best for Hobbyists

7. GIMP

Why it’s included: Best free Photoshop alternative.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists on a budget with time to learn.
Specifications: Layer editing, customizable UI, plugin support.

Pros:

• Completely free

• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Outdated UI

• Learning curve

8. PaintShop Pro

Why it’s included: Affordable and beginner-friendly.
Who it’s for: Windows users needing versatile editing.
Specifications: AI upsampling, background removal, RAW editing.

Pros:

• One-time purchase

• Good value for features

Cons:

• Windows only

• Less advanced than Adobe

Best for Noise Reduction and Camera Profile Corrections

9. DxO PhotoLab

Why it’s included: Best-in-class noise reduction and lens corrections.
Who it’s for: Low-light and wildlife photographers.
Specifications: DeepPRIME AI denoising, lens-specific corrections, RAW workflow.

Pros:

• Exceptional noise removal

• Automatic optical fixes

Cons:

• Steep learning curve

• Premium pricing

Best for Budget-Conscious Image Editors

10. Photopea

Why it’s included: Free Photoshop-like web editor.
Who it’s for: Users needing PSD editing anywhere.
Specifications: PSD support, layers, vector tools.

Pros:

• Free and browser-based

• Works with Photoshop files

Cons:

• Ad-supported

• Slower for large files

11. Pixlr X

Why it’s included: Simple, fast, and beginner-friendly.
Who it’s for: Social media users and casual editors.
Specifications: AI background removal, overlays, filters.

Pros:

• Free tier

• Very easy to use

Cons:

• Limited advanced tools

Best for Raw File Rendering

12. Darktable

Why it’s included: Free, open-source RAW processor.
Who it’s for: Photographers needing advanced RAW control at no cost.
Specifications: Non-destructive editing, tethered capture, advanced color management.

Pros:

• Professional-grade RAW editing for free

• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Steep learning curve

• Less polished UI

Best for Combined Workflow + Editing + Effects

13. Nik Collection by DxO

Why it’s included: Creative filter suite with professional quality.
Who it’s for: Photographers seeking unique looks and film styles.
Specifications: Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex Pro, Viveza, Analog Efex.

Pros:

• Stunning filters and effects

• Works standalone or as plugin

Cons:

• Paid add-on

• Needs other software for full workflow

Best Filters and Unique Fixes

14. Pixlr E

Why it’s included: More advanced sibling to Pixlr X.
Who it’s for: Users needing more precise browser-based editing.
Specifications: Layers, blending modes, advanced filters.

Pros:

• No installation required

• Easy to learn

Cons:

• Lacks deep pro tools

Best Web-Based Photo Editor

15. Canva

Why it’s included: Simplest design tool with light editing.
Who it’s for: Non-designers making quick posts.
Specifications: Templates, drag-and-drop interface, text overlays.

Pros:

• Extremely beginner-friendly

• Huge template library

Cons:

• Limited advanced edits

What Is the Best Photo Editing Software for Beginners?

16. Fotor

Why it’s included: One-click edits with minimal learning curve.
Who it’s for: Beginners and small business owners.
Specifications: HDR effects, preset filters, beauty retouching.

Pros:

• Very easy to use

• Quick results

Cons:

• Limited customization

What's the Best Image Editing Software for Hobbyists?

Top Picks:

• GIMP – free and powerful

• PaintShop Pro – budget-friendly with versatility

• Luminar Neo – AI-powered simplicity

How Do Photo Editors Handle Output and Sharing?

Most export to JPG, PNG, TIFF, and PDF. Tools like Lightroom and ON1 Photo RAW integrate direct sharing to social platforms or cloud storage.

What Is the Best Free Photo Editing Software?

• GIMP – desktop editing power

• Darktable – advanced RAW processing

• Photopea – browser-based Photoshop clone

What Is the Best Photo Editing Software for Raw Files?

• Capture One Pro – for professionals

• DxO PhotoLab – noise and optical correction

• Darktable – free alternative

What Is the Best Software for Advanced Photo Correction?

• Photoshop – pixel-level edits

• Capture One Pro – fine color tuning

• DxO PhotoLab – optical perfection

What Is the Best Professional Photo Editing Software?

• Adobe Photoshop CC

• Capture One Pro

• Adobe Lightroom CC

How Can Plug-Ins Expand Your Editing Options?

Plug-ins are add-on modules that integrate directly into your main photo editing software, bringing in new tools, effects, and automation without replacing your core application. They’re especially valuable for photographers and designers who want to enhance productivity, explore creative effects, or address highly specific editing needs.

1. Enhanced Creative Effects

Many plug-ins focus on unique visual styles, film emulation, or artistic transformations that are either time-consuming or impossible to replicate manually.

• Example: Nik Collection by DxO offers filters like Analog Efex for retro looks or Silver Efex for advanced black-and-white processing.

• Benefit: Saves time on complex layer and adjustment setups while delivering consistent results.

2. Advanced Retouching Tools

Specialized portrait plug-ins such as PortraitPro or Luminar Neo’s FaceAI allow you to smooth skin, enhance eyes, adjust facial proportions, and even relight portraits in seconds.

• Benefit: Great for wedding, fashion, and portrait photographers who need high-quality results quickly.

3. Workflow Automation

Some plug-ins speed up repetitive tasks by applying batch adjustments, resizing, watermarking, or exporting to specific formats or platforms.

• Example: ImagenAI analyzes your past edits to apply your personal style automatically to new photos.

4. Specialized Corrections

While editors like Photoshop and Lightroom have built-in correction tools, plug-ins can take them further with deep learning models or lens-specific adjustments.

• Example: DxO ViewPoint corrects perspective distortions in architectural images with a single click.

5. Seamless Integration

Most major image editing software programs (e.g., Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One) allow plug-ins to be accessed from the main menu or as filters. This means you don’t have to jump between separate apps — you can work inside your familiar interface.

Bottom line: Plug-ins act like power-ups for your existing software, expanding its creative range and technical capabilities without requiring you to learn a completely new tool.

Final Thoughts

The best photo editing software depends on your needs. Professionals may favor Photoshop, Capture One, or Lightroom, while budget users can excel with GIMP, Photopea, or Pixlr.

Why Use Plox for Your Photos

Once your edits are complete, store them securely with Plox. Upload images, create PDF portfolios, and track engagement to see which photos get the most attention. Plox is your hub for storing, presenting, and analyzing your creative work.