Photoshop has long been the benchmark of photo editing software — a mainstay of the photographic world for decades. But it's far from the only option, and depending on your workflow, skill level, and budget, there may be a better fit for you. Here's our updated rundown of the best photo editing programs available in 2026.
1. Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop (Photography Plan) — Mac & PC
Adobe remains the industry standard for a reason. The Photography Plan bundles both Lightroom and Photoshop into a single subscription, giving you a comprehensive toolkit for virtually any editing task.
Lightroom is the go-to for non-destructive RAW processing, photo organisation, and batch editing. Its AI-powered masking, colour grading tools, and seamless cloud sync across desktop and mobile make it the preferred choice for most working photographers. Read our dedicated guide on why more photographers choose Lightroom to find out what makes it so popular. Photoshop takes over for detailed retouching, compositing, and advanced image manipulation — with Generative Fill and AI-powered tools now deeply integrated into the workflow.
The Photography Plan is available from Adobe's website and remains the most complete solution for serious photographers at any level. Find out more at Adobe.com
2. Affinity Photo 2 — Mac, PC & iPad
Affinity Photo 2 is the most capable Photoshop alternative on the market, and it's now available across Mac, Windows, and iPad. Serif moved to a subscription model in 2024, though it remains competitively priced compared to Adobe.
Standout features include live blend modes, advanced RAW processing, 32-bit HDR editing, focus stacking, frequency separation retouching, and full CMYK support — making it a genuine professional-grade tool. The iPad version is particularly impressive, offering a near-desktop experience on a tablet.
If you're looking to move away from Adobe or want a powerful alternative, Affinity Photo 2 is the strongest option available. Find out more at Affinity.serif.com
3. DxO PhotoLab 8 — Mac & PC
DxO PhotoLab has quietly become one of the best RAW processors available, particularly for photographers who prioritise image quality and noise reduction above all else. Version 8 continues to refine the software's core strengths: lens correction, optical corrections calibrated to specific camera-lens combinations, and DeepPRIME XD2S — DxO's AI-powered noise reduction that consistently outperforms the competition.
PhotoLab is available in Essential and Elite tiers. The Elite edition adds local adjustments, U Point technology, and the full suite of optical corrections. It's not the most intuitive interface for beginners, but for photographers who shoot in challenging light or with high-ISO settings, the results are exceptional. Find out more at DxO.com
4. Capture One — Mac & PC
Capture One is the preferred RAW editor for many professional photographers, particularly those shooting in studio environments or tethered to a computer. Its colour grading tools are widely regarded as the best in the industry, and its tethered shooting support is unmatched.
The software is available as a subscription or a perpetual licence, with versions tailored to specific camera brands (Sony, Fujifilm, Nikon) at a lower price point. If colour accuracy and skin tone rendering are critical to your work, Capture One is worth serious consideration. Find out more at CaptureOne.com
5. GIMP — Linux, Mac & PC (Free)
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) remains the best free photo editing option available. It's open-source, cross-platform, and surprisingly capable — covering painting tools, colour correction, selection and masking, cloning, and a broad range of filters and effects.
GIMP won't replace Lightroom for RAW processing or Photoshop for professional retouching, but for photographers on a tight budget who need a capable editor for general image work, it's hard to argue with free. The interface has a steeper learning curve than consumer-grade alternatives, but there's a large community and extensive documentation to help you get started. Find out more at GIMP.org
Which photo editing program is right for you?
The best photo editing software depends on your needs. For most photographers, the Adobe Photography Plan offers the best combination of power and workflow integration. If you're looking for a Photoshop alternative, Affinity Photo 2 is the strongest contender. For RAW quality and noise reduction, DxO PhotoLab is hard to beat. Capture One is the professional's choice for colour work, and GIMP is the best option if budget is the primary concern.
Visit a Ted's Cameras store to speak with our team about which software pairs best with your camera and shooting style, or browse the Ted's photography blog for more tips and gear advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best photo editing software for beginners?
Adobe Lightroom is the most beginner-friendly professional option — its presets, sliders, and AI masking tools make it easy to get great results quickly, while still offering depth for more advanced editing as your skills grow. For a free alternative, GIMP is capable but has a steeper learning curve. Affinity Photo 2 sits in between, offering professional features at a more accessible price point.
Do I need to subscribe to use photo editing software?
Not necessarily. Affinity Photo 2 and DxO PhotoLab both offer perpetual licence options (one-time purchase), while Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are subscription-only. GIMP is completely free and open-source. Capture One offers both subscription and perpetual licence options depending on the version.
What is the difference between Lightroom and Photoshop?
Lightroom is designed for photo organisation, RAW processing, and non-destructive editing — meaning your original files are never altered. It's ideal for managing large volumes of photos and applying consistent edits across a shoot. Photoshop is a pixel-level editor designed for detailed retouching, compositing, and creative manipulation. Most photographers use both: Lightroom for processing and organising, Photoshop for detailed finishing work.
What is RAW editing and why does it matter?
RAW files contain all the data captured by your camera's sensor, giving you far more flexibility in post-processing than a JPEG. You can recover highlights and shadows, adjust white balance, and make precise colour corrections without any loss of quality. All the software in this list supports RAW editing, though the quality of RAW processing varies — DxO PhotoLab and Capture One are particularly well regarded in this area. Read our full guide to RAW photography to learn more.
Is free photo editing software good enough for professional use?
GIMP is capable of professional-level work in the right hands, but it lacks the RAW processing quality, workflow efficiency, and AI-powered tools of paid alternatives. For most professional photographers, the time saved and quality gained from a paid solution like Lightroom, Capture One, or DxO PhotoLab justifies the cost. That said, GIMP is an excellent starting point for learning the fundamentals of photo editing.