Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is pretty much the gold standard for photo editing. However, it’s far from the only option and with today’s technology, several tools have expanded and improved. Rather than jumping right into Adobe, give some thought to some of the other photo editing apps out there. In this article, we’re reviewing the best photo editing apps to help you achieve your most compelling creative content.

While Lightroom is certainly one of the better choices for several reasons, there are other programs that are just as effective or might be an even better fit for your unique needs. We’ll cover our favorites in general, and then give some tips about specific use cases and functionality.

Our Favorite Online Photo Editing Options

Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a powerful photo editing and management tool primarily used by photographers. It offers advanced features such as non-destructive editing, RAW photo processing, and a variety of presets. Users can organize their photos into collections, apply edits across multiple images, and use tools for precise adjustments like tone curves and color grading. Lightroom is available on desktop and mobile platforms.

Pixlr

Pixlr is a versatile online photo editor that caters to both beginners and more experienced users. It offers a variety of tools and features, including layers, filters, and adjustment options. Pixlr has two versions: Pixlr X (for quick edits) and Pixlr E (for more advanced editing). It’s user-friendly and accessible through web browsers without the need for downloads.

Polarr

Polarr is known for its intuitive interface and robust editing capabilities. It allows users to create custom filters, apply advanced adjustments, and utilize AI-powered tools for enhancement. Polarr is available as a web app and mobile app, making it easy to edit photos on the go. It also offers features for batch processing and collaboration.

Canva

While primarily a graphic design tool, Canva includes photo editing features that are simple and effective. Users can edit photos, apply filters, and combine images with text and graphics for creating social media posts, presentations, and marketing materials. Canva is web-based and offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it suitable for non-designers.

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Colorcinch

Colorcinch (formerly known as Cartoonize) is an online photo editing platform that focuses on fun and creative effects. It allows users to apply cartoon effects, filters, and overlays to their photos. Colorcinch includes a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible for users looking to enhance their images without extensive editing skills.

Photopea

Photopea is an online image editor that mimics Adobe Photoshop's interface and functionality, making it a great tool for users familiar with Photoshop. It supports layers, masks, blending modes, and various file formats (including PSD). Photopea is free to use and accessible through web browsers, making it a convenient option for those who need advanced editing features without installing software.

The Best Free Photo Editor For…

Online Content

Canva excels in creating visually appealing designs for social media, blogs, and other online platforms. Its user-friendly interface, extensive template library, and drag-and-drop functionality make it easy for users to create professional-looking graphics quickly, making it ideal for online content creation.

Print Content

Lightroom is excellent for preparing photos for print due to its advanced photo editing capabilities, including precise color adjustments and high-quality RAW processing. Photographers can enhance images and ensure they meet print standards, making it the go-to choice for print content preparation.

Quick or One-Off Editing

Pixlr offers a streamlined editing experience with its two versions (Pixlr X for quick edits and Pixlr E for more advanced options). Its online platform allows users to quickly edit photos without needing extensive software, making it perfect for those who need fast results.

For Small Businesses

Again, Canva is highly beneficial for small businesses looking to create marketing materials, social media posts, and other promotional content without a large budget. Its easy-to-use templates and design tools enable small business owners to produce professional-looking graphics quickly and efficiently.

For Enterprise Organizations

Photopea serves enterprise organizations well by offering powerful editing capabilities similar to Adobe Photoshop, without the associated costs. Its ability to handle complex projects and support for various file formats makes it suitable for teams that need collaborative editing and flexibility in their workflows.

For Semi-Professionals

Polarr is ideal for semi-professionals who want an easy-to-use yet powerful editing tool. It offers advanced features such as custom filters and AI enhancements, allowing users to elevate their photography skills without the complexity of professional software, making it a great choice for those looking to refine their editing techniques.

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Key Criteria for Finding the Best Photo Editing Apps

Finding the best photo editor - let alone the best photo editing apps for free - is a daunting task. With so much available across so many specialties, it can be difficult to know where to start. We suggest evaluating these factors when deciding which photo editing app is best for you.

Functionality and Features

The primary aspect to consider when evaluating photo editing apps is their functionality and features. Users should look for a variety of editing tools, including basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, and saturation, as well as advanced features such as layers, masks, and filters. Some apps offer unique capabilities like AI enhancements, object removal, and batch processing, which can significantly enhance productivity. A well-rounded app should cater to both novice users and seasoned professionals, providing a balance of simplicity and depth.

Our Pick - Adobe Lightroom

User Interface and Ease of Use

An intuitive user interface (UI) is crucial for a positive editing experience. The best photo editing apps have a clear layout, allowing users to navigate easily between tools and features. Look for apps that offer tutorials or guided workflows, especially for beginners. The ease of use can significantly impact the speed at which users can complete their projects. A well-designed UI minimizes frustration and maximizes creativity, making the editing process enjoyable.

Our Pick - Canva 

Performance

Performance is a critical factor, particularly for resource-intensive editing tasks. Users should evaluate how well an app handles large files and multiple layers without lagging. Quick loading times and smooth transitions between tools enhance the user experience. Additionally, performance can be assessed through the app’s ability to handle various file formats, including RAW files, which are essential for professional photographers.

Our Pick - Photopea 

Integration and Compatibility

An effective photo editing app should integrate seamlessly with other software and platforms. This includes compatibility with desktop and mobile devices, cloud storage services, and social media platforms. Integration allows for a smoother workflow, enabling users to import and export images effortlessly. Compatibility with external plugins and tools can also expand an app's capabilities, making it more versatile for users with specific needs.

Our Pick - Adobe Lightroom

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Output Quality

The end product is what truly matters in photo editing. Users should assess the output quality of an app by examining the final images' resolution, color accuracy, and overall fidelity. Many apps offer export settings that allow users to choose different file types and resolutions, which is particularly important for professionals who need high-quality images for print or digital use.

Our Pick - Polarr 

Collaboration and Sharing

In an increasingly connected world, collaboration features are becoming essential. Many photo editing apps now include options for sharing directly to social media, cloud services, or collaborative platforms. This functionality allows users to work together on projects, making it easier to gather feedback and make revisions. Look for apps that support real-time collaboration or easy sharing options to streamline the creative process.

Our Pick - Pixlr 

Cost and Value

The cost of photo editing apps can vary widely, from free options with limited features to premium subscriptions that offer a full suite of tools. Users should consider the value provided by the app in relation to its cost. Many apps offer a free trial period, allowing users to assess the features and usability before committing financially. Evaluating long-term costs versus the benefits gained can help users find an app that fits their budget while still meeting their needs.

Several of the tools mentioned here are entirely free to use or at least offer a free trial option:

• Pixlr - Offers a free version with basic editing tools and features, as well as paid premium options.
• Polarr - Provides a free version with essential editing tools with additional features and filters available with a paid subscription.
• Colorcinch - A free version allows for basic editing and effects, while additional features are available in the paid version.
• Photopea - Completely free to use, with a range of advanced editing tools similar to Adobe Photoshop (accessible through web browsers).
• Canva - A free version has a variety of templates and design features, with some premium elements requiring a subscription.
• Lightroom - The mobile version has a free tier that includes some editing tools, but the desktop version requires a subscription for full access.

Our Pick - Photopea 

Privacy and Security

In an age where data privacy is paramount, the security of personal images and data should not be overlooked. Users should evaluate the privacy policies of photo editing apps, including how they handle user data and whether they share information with third parties. Look for apps that prioritize user privacy, offering features like local storage options and secure cloud backups.

Our Pick - Colorcinch 

All of these photo editing tools are a great choice for some reason or another. Start by considering how you’ll use the tool and what matters most to you - features, device support, cost, etc. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other users so you can get a feel for the best and worst parts of each app, and browse some finished products so you can see what the platform is capable of. Make sure to follow our blog for more tech tips, how-tos, and the trends you need to know.