In the year 2025, the world of photo editing software will have evolved with powerful AI tools, instinctive interfaces, and platform support. If you’re an advertising photographer, digital artist, or just love to make memories look better, there’s a photo editing program customized specifically for you.
From traditional behemoths such as Adobe Photoshop to AI-powered apps such as Luminar Neo and smartphone-optimized tools such as Snapseed, software today does so much more than filters — it is all about crafting breathtaking visuals with speed and accuracy.
In this guide to Top Photo Editor Apps, we examine the best photo editing software of 2025 to assist you in selecting the ideal one for your creative endeavors.
In 2025, photo editing will be transformed by powerful AI, intuitive interfaces, and platform availability.
Software like Snapseed, apps now do so much more than filters — they are all about creating stunning images with haste and precision.
Whether you need the top image manipulation software, professional picture retouching suites, photo enhancement packages, or the best-selling digital photo editors, this guide to top photo editing apps, programs, and platforms will assist you in finding the ideal solution for your creative purposes.
In this Top Photo Editor Apps guide, we review the top photo editing software of 2025 to help you choose the best one for your creative purposes.
List of ClipsTrust Choice Winners in Photo Editing Apps
Love editing pics? Here are the best photo editing apps, according to the research team of ClipsTrust.
Top Photo Editors for all needs include Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo, Lightroom Mobile, Affinity Photo 2, Pixlr, and Canva Pro. Each app and software caters to different needs, from advanced to quick, available on both PC and MAC.
1. Best overall Photo Editor – Adobe Photoshop 2025
- Premiere components in Adobe Photoshop are for individuals who produce videos and need quick and easy ways to cut them short, make them look fantastic, transform them into enjoyable showpieces, and share them with friends and family.
- It is meant for consumers looking for an easy and efficient way to organize, edit, create, and share their photos.
2. Best AI-Powered Editor – Luminar Neo
- It consists of stunning one-click edits with advanced AI tools like Relight AI, Sky Replacement, and portrait enhancements. Creators always look for speed + quality with minimal manual work to be done.
- Luminar Neo is an AI-powered photo editing app that provides a variety of manual editing tools to help you edit your photos. From basic adjustments to complex edits, Luminar Neo has a wide variety of features.
- When it comes to photo editing software, a clean and user-friendly interface makes your life easier, and Luminar Neo does that.
3. Best Mobile App Editor – Adobe Lightroom Mobile
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile has some pro-level features in a clean, mobile-optimized interface with AI masking and consists of cloud sync. It is best for on-the-go photographers and influencers.
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile is revolutionising photography. It is now easy to capture with complete control and then edit with the power of a desktop app while working with your mobile devices.
- Lightroom for mobile and tablets is a free app that gives you a powerful, yet simple solution for capturing, editing, and sharing your photos. And you can upgrade for premium features that give you precise control with seamless access across all your devices – mobile, desktop, and web.
4. Budget-Friendly Editor – Affinity Photo 2
- Affinity Photo 2 includes a one-time payment, all pro tools with no subscription required, and an excellent Photoshop alternative.
- It is best for freelancers who want full facilities without monthly fees.
- Affinity Photo 2 is a good photo editing software that can help create, edit, and retouch photos with features like non-destructive layers, AI enhancements, and HDR support.
5. Best Online Photo – Pixlr
- Pixlr is fast, web-based, with no downloads needed, with AI-powered tools and a clean UI. It is best for casual users and marketers so that they can edit from any device.
- It is a web-based application, so it can be accessed using any internet-enabled device, and thus it provides flexibility to the students to work on their projects anywhere.
It is cost-free to use, hence students cannot fear buying expensive software or a subscription. - It has support for several types of file formats, like JPG, PNG, and GIF.
Pixlr also offers several options for personalization, including uploading one’s own pictures and fonts, which allow students to create their own customized and personalized work.
6. Best for Social Media Creators – Canva Pro
- Canva Pro consists of built-in templates, with AI magic tools, and drag-and-drop simplicity that make content creation effortless. It is best for influencers, brands, and digital marketers.
- The Canva Premium Workstation is available exclusively to library cardholders within our service area, offering a free, professional-grade design experience.
- It provides unlimited storage for your designs and photos, offers various templates, and allows access to millions of Pro images.
Best Free Photo Editing Software
Whether you are a newcomer, a student, or just budget-conscious, there are various high-quality free photo editing applications. These applications provide an extensive feature set from simple retouching to more advanced layer-based editing, frequently equaling commercial software.
| Name | Best for | Features |
| Canva | It helps in maintaining the brand consistency across the remote teams. | It consists of a huge library of high-quality templates for all graphics, videos, and presentations. |
| GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) | It is best for advanced editing without paying. | It has various features like a full feathered layered system, consisting of retouching, cloning, masks, filters, and plug-ins. It also supports PSD and RAW files.
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| Photopea | It is best to use custom Photoshop brushes and Photoshop-style editing in the browser. | It is a completely free, highly capable Photoshop alternative. It also supports PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, and CDR formats with layers, masks, filters, and smart objects. |
| Darktable | It is most suitable for RAW photo processing and color grading | It consists of non-destructive editing, pro-level RAW editing tools, and is great for photographers. |
| Pixlr | It is optimal for an authentic Photoshop experience. | It beginner-friendly UI for text-to-image AI and advanced edits. |
| Fotor | It is suitable for AI object removal. | It is excellent and easy to use AI removal, images, and presentation. |
| Photoroom | It is perfect for product photos and social media. | It can help in background replacement for standout product photos and social media posts. |
How to Choose the Right Photo Editing Software?
Choosing the right photo editing software is essential for enhancing your images effectively, whether you are a professional or a layman looking to bring out the best in your photos. It is a very crucial step for anyone looking to elevate their image.
1. Define Your Photo Editing Goals
Before choosing any of the photo editing software, one should answer the following questions:-
- Are you doing basic edits like cropping or applying filters?
- Do you need advanced features like layers, masking, or AI editing?
- Is it a portrait, product shot, landscape, or design work?
- Will you use it for social media, professional photography, or commerce websites?
2. Evaluate Your Skill Level In Photo Editing
| Skill levels | Recommended tools |
| Beginner | Snapseed, Canva, Pixlr, Fotor |
| Intermediate | Lightroom, Luminar neo, affinity photo |
| Advanced | Adobe photoshop, DXo Photo Lab, Topaz AI |
3. Set your budget to buy AI-powered Software
| Budget | Options |
| Rs 0 (free) | GIMP, Photopea, Snapseed, Pixlr |
| Rs 500 – Rs 1000/month | Photoshop, lightroom, Canva pro |
| One-time payment | Affinity photo, Luminar neo, DXo photo lab |
4. Consider AI Features In Photo Software
If one wants quick and smart enhancement, look for AI tools like:-
- Background removal – Pixlr, PhotoRoom
- Generative Fill – Photoshop Firefly
- Portrait smoothing – Luminar Neo, PortraitPro
- Noise removal/sharpening – Topaz Photo AI
5. Choose the Right Platform for Photo Editing
| Platform | Best options |
| Windows/macOS | Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity, Luminar Neo, BXo |
| Web based | Photopea, Pixlr, Canva, Fotor |
| Mobile (Android/Ios) | Snapseed, Lightroom mobile, Lensa, Canva |
6. Check Compatibility with Files In Photo Editing – If one is shooting in RAW then he has to choose the software that supports RAW editing like lightroom, DXo, Affinity, GIMP. If someone needs the support of PSD, then he has to look for Photoshop-compatible tools like Photopea, Affinity Photo.
7. Try Free Trials and Demos in Photo Editing Apps – Almost all the premium tools offer trials for 7-30 days. One should try those trials and demos to test these:-
- Explore the interface
- Check the speed and responsiveness
- Check how it fits into your productivity
2025 Photo Editing Trends and Features
2025 editing trends concentrate on reality rather than beautification, moody cinematic tones, rapid edits with AI, mobile-first aesthetics, and striking, retro styles
The yar2025 is characterized by AI-led editing: Generative Fill, AI-powered enhancements, custom profiles, and refined upscaling. Authenticity and strong colors are preferred aesthetics.
1. Retro and vintage
Retro photography refers to capturing images that elicit the style of the past and evoke nostalgia for past decades. This includes the past from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Vintage photography, on the other hand, refers to the characteristics of the image that are apparent in its design and through various techniques and equipment.
Retro and vintage are now coming back in the trend, with farinaceous filmy textures, especially with faded colours.
This trend is timeless, sentimental, which feels like an image and creates fashion.
2. Bold and bright colored photography
Bold and bright colored photograph involves using strong tones and hues to create visually striking and impactful images.
Saturated tones and vivid images draw attention and evoke emotions from pictures, making themes attractive and perfect for campaigns and competitions.
This trend is very popular in lifestyle and fashion photography, where the combination of dark and light colours can play the leading role in creating the mood and brand identity.
3. Expansive vistas
Expansive vistas or sweeping landscapes have always been a major focus in photography.
It refers to aims and captures the grandeur and scale of the natural environment.
With the advances of cameras, photographers can create more immersive images and environmental campaigns or competitions.
This photography highlights the beauty of nature and the world around us, connecting the viewers with nature.
4. Combining the Imagery with Art in a Photo Editing Program
Combining the imagery with art, also known as mixed media photography, which simply means combining traditional photography with other art forms to create a unique design and works of art.
This kind of photography came into trend through social media.
Such images are playful and vibrant.
5. Portraits in Photo Editing
Portrait is a photo genre that is focused on capturing the personality and identity. This set of photographs has a set to becomes even more personal and emotional.
It involves using various techniques like lighting, posing, and background. The primary objective is on the individual or the personal being portrayed by highlighting their unique features.
6. Drone Photography in the Photo Editor App
Drone photography includes using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones to capture images, offering a fresh perspective on everything from landscapes to architecture.
These photos are taken by drones, which are controlled remotely.
These drones are equipped with cameras and stabilization systems to capture high-quality images and videos.
Whether used for real estate, events, or drones gives creatives the ability to explore new heights literally.
7. Undersea Photography in Photo Editing Software
Undersea photography is the practice of taking photos beneath the surface of the water. This photography will always be fascinating to the audience.
Advances in waterproof gear and lighting techniques make it easier for photographers to explore the beauty of life beneath the surface, whether in oceans, lakes, or even pools.
8. Motion Photography in Photo Editing Apps
Motion photography captures the movement of the image. It is a trend that emphasizes the dynamic feel of action, whether the picture consists of a human or anything.
The duration the camera’s shutter is open directly impacts how motion is captured. Slower speeds create blur, while faster speeds freeze action.
Motion blur is a visual effect where moving objects appear blurred, indicating movement.
Comparison Between Paid and Unpaid Video Editing Software
| Feature | Free Softwares | Paid Softwares |
| Popular names | Photopea, Snapseed, Pixlr x, GIMP | Adobe photoshop, lightroom, Luminar neo, Canva pro |
| Cost | Completely free to use, perfect for students, beginners, or normal users. | Subscription purchase or it can be one-time purchase. |
| Future set | It offers basic tools like crop, rotate, filters, and brightness etc. | It offers advanced tools like layers, masks, colour grading, etc. |
| AI tools | AI tools in free software are limited. Some offer background blur, face retouching. | Here, AI tools are very advanced. Photoshop has generative fill, Luminator Neo has sky AI, Face AI, etc. |
| File format support | It mostly supports JPEG, PNG. Here, RAW support may be a little slow. | It supports RAW, PSD, TIFF, DNG, and many more. It can be needed for professional photography. |
| Mobile experience | Great mobile apps like Snapseed, Pixlr x. It is easy for social media and quick edits. | Apps like Lightroom give pro editing options. It also syncs with laptops. |
| Workflow efficiency | It helps in manual editing, one image at a time, hence it makes the editor tedious. | It provides offers for editing, cloud sync, and boosts speed for heavy workloads. |
| Speed and performance | It is lightweight in browsers or mobile phones. | It has been optimized for high performance. It can handle large files, RAW files, and helps in fast rendering. |
| Customization | It offers basic templates and some filter flexibility. | It offers deep, customized options like brushes, actions. |
| Updates | It gives occasional updates. | It gives regular updates, customer support, and AI model updates. |
| Ideal for | It is ideal for beginner students, social media creators, etc | It is ideal for photographers, graphic designers, marketing teams, and content professionals. |
Top Recommendations for Paid and Unpaid Tools
| Need | Recommended unpaid tool | Recommended paid tool |
| Mobile edits | Snapseed | Lightroom mobile |
| Browser based | Photopea | Adobe photoshop |
| Drag and drop designs | Canva free | Canva pro |
| Open source with advanced tools | GIMP | Affinity photo |
Reviews About Photo Editing Software
- Great review. I’m a user of DxO Photolab since it was called DxO Optics Pro 3, now using version 6. sources – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/dxo-photolab
- Thanks for the in-depth write-up. While a few of the modern ‘AI’ features are interesting, source = https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/adobe-lightroom
- source – FOTOR – Every person or client I’ve created Art for has been very impressed & satisfied with the final results I provide them with. For complete reviews, kindly go to https://www.capterra.in/reviews/181589/fotor
- I picked up Skylum Luminar Neo last week, and I really like it. The relight is really handy. Source – https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/skylum-luminar
Conclusion: Final Thought
By 2025, the world of photo editing will be smarter, faster, and more accessible.
Free Softwares like Snapseed, Photopea, and GIMP offer powerful editing features without any cost. They cover everything from basics to some advanced features for everyday use.
On the other hand, paid software such as Adobe software, Lightroom, and Luminar Neo continue to lead this field with AI-powered tools and efficient workflow.
Hence, in a world where every image tells a story, the right editing software is your brush – choose the one that lets your creativity shine without limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the 5 interesting facts about photo editing?
Ans: Not everything can be fixed during editing. The format you shoot in does matter. Editing gives it a special touch. Presets do not validate your work, and Photo editing does not make your picture look fake.
Q2. What is the main purpose of editing?
Ans: Its main purpose is to manipulate and enhance the photos.
Q3. Which photo editing software is used by many people?
Ans: Adobe Photoshop Express is used by many people.
Q4. How does photography work?
Ans. Photography works by capturing the light and converting it into an image.
Q5. Are there any free photo editing apps?
Ans. Yes, there are many free photo editing apps including GIMP, Snapseed, Pixlr.
Q6. Who is the most famous photographer?
Ans. Ansel Adams
I'm Ajuni Shah. I'm a dedicated and ambitious BBA student at JIMS, Kalkaji, with a strong academic track record. I have a deep interest in business strategy, digital marketing, content writing with social media management and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and am always enthusiastic about engaging in creative projects.
Ajuni, meaning eternal – beyond birth or death, reflects the depth I bring in my personality and work ethic.
Outside my academic pursuits, I'm also passionate about modeling, dancing, and music. I'm also a travel enthusiast, always eager to explore new places and cultures.