Every Photo Editing Tool Compared: Features, Pricing, and Platform Support in 2026

Fourteen applications. Side-by-side specs. No affiliate links, no sponsored placements, no rankings. Just the facts you need to compare them yourself.

The photo editing software market in 2026 is the most competitive it has ever been. Subscription models, perpetual licenses, free tools backed by big tech, and AI-powered newcomers all compete for the same workflow. Below is a factual comparison of every major option available to photographers today, organized by the information that actually matters: what each tool does, what it costs, and where it runs.

Adobe Lightroom Classic

RAW processing and catalog-based photo management. Non-destructive editing with develop presets, masking tools (including AI-powered subject and sky selection), HDR merge, panorama stitching, tethered capture, and map module. Extensive plugin ecosystem. Requires catalog import workflow.

Pricing: .99/month as part of the Adobe Photography Plan (includes Photoshop and 20GB cloud storage). No perpetual license available. Annual commitment with early termination fee if paying monthly.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

AI features: AI masking (subject, sky, people, objects), Denoise AI, adaptive presets.

Adobe Lightroom (Cloud)

Simplified version of Lightroom with cloud-first architecture. Automatic syncing across devices. Streamlined interface with fewer modules than Classic. Same core RAW processing engine. No map module. No tethered capture.

Pricing: Included in Photography Plan (.99/month) or standalone at .99/month with 1TB cloud storage.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web browser.

Adobe Photoshop

Pixel-level image editor with layer-based compositing, advanced selection tools, content-aware fill, generative AI (Firefly), extensive filter library, actions and batch processing. The January 2026 update added Clarity, Dehaze, and Grain as non-destructive adjustment layers. Not a DAM tool — designed for single-image editing.

Pricing: Included in Photography Plan (.99/month) or standalone at .99/month. No perpetual license.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS (limited feature set on iPad).

AI features: Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Remove Tool, neural filters, Firefly image generation (credits-based).

Capture One Pro

Professional RAW editor known for color science and tethered shooting. Session and catalog-based workflows. Layer-based local adjustments, color editor with advanced color grading tools, Style Brushes. Capture One Live enables real-time client collaboration during tethered sessions. Match Look feature applies tone/style from reference photos. No built-in HDR merge or panorama stitching.

Pricing: Subscription: –/month depending on tier (Pro Desktop, All-in-One, Studio). Perpetual license: approximately 9 (does not include future feature updates; minor patches only). Brand-specific licenses (Sony, Fujifilm, Nikon) available at reduced pricing.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS.

AI features: AI-based auto adjustments, Smart Adjustments, Match Look.

ON1 Photo RAW MAX 2026

All-in-one editor combining DAM, RAW processing, layer-based editing, and effects in a single application. Browse-based file management (no forced catalog import). Includes Resize AI, NoNoise AI, Sky Swap AI, Portrait AI, and Generative Erase. HDR merge, panorama stitching, focus stacking. Lightroom catalog migration tool included. Can function as a plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop (MAX edition).

Pricing: Perpetual license: .99 (Photo RAW) / 9.99 (Photo RAW MAX with plugin support). Subscription: .99/month. Free updates within the 2026 version cycle; major version upgrades require purchase.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Skylum Luminar Neo

AI-driven photo editor with one-click enhancement tools. Sky replacement, relighting, face AI, body AI, background removal. Can run standalone or as a Lightroom/Photoshop plugin. Catalog/library management added but limited compared to dedicated DAM tools. Layer support with masking. Extension-based model for additional AI features (HDR Merge, Upscale AI, Background Removal AI, etc.).

Pricing: Perpetual license: approximately 9–9 depending on edition and extensions included. Subscription: Explore plan ~/month, Pro plan ~/month. 30-day money-back guarantee, no free trial.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

DxO PhotoLab 8

RAW editor built on DxO's lens and camera optical correction database. Automatic corrections for distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting, and lens softness based on hardware-specific measurements. DeepPRIME XD2s noise reduction is widely regarded as industry-leading. U Point local adjustment technology. No tethered shooting. Limited DAM capabilities. ELITE edition required for DeepPRIME and advanced features.

Pricing: Perpetual license only — no subscription option. Essential: ~9. ELITE: ~9. Upgrade pricing available for existing users.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Affinity Photo 2 (by Canva)

Layer-based image editor with RAW processing, HDR merge, panorama stitching, focus stacking, frequency separation, liquify, non-destructive filters. Acquired by Canva in 2024. The new unified Canva-integrated Affinity app is free with a Canva account; some AI features require Canva premium subscription. Existing V2 perpetual license holders retain their licenses. Strong PSD file compatibility. No catalog/DAM system — browser-based file access only.

Pricing: Free (unified Canva app with account). Legacy Affinity Photo 2 perpetual license was .99. No subscription required for core features.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPadOS.

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2026

All-in-one DAM and editor for Windows. Catalog management, RAW processing, layer-based editing, face recognition, keyword management. 2026 version adds AI-powered masking, super-resolution upscaling, and enhanced face detection — all processed locally. Develop mode (non-destructive RAW) and Edit mode (layer-based pixel editing) in one application.

Pricing: Perpetual license: 9.98 (Ultimate) / 9.98 (Professional). Subscription: Home Plan /year. Free trial available.

Platforms: Windows only.

CyberLink PhotoDirector

Photo editor and organizer with layer support, RAW processing, and generative AI tools including background removal, sky replacement, object removal, and AI style transfer. Face editing tools for portrait work. Stock library integration. Moderate DAM capabilities.

Pricing: Perpetual license: .99. Subscription: .33/month (annual). 30-day free trial.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Photo Mechanic Plus

Photo browser and DAM optimized for speed. Industry standard for sports, press, and event photographers who need to ingest, sort, and deliver thousands of images fast. IPTC metadata editing, star ratings, color labels, code replacement for templated captioning. Plus version adds full catalog management. No editing — pairs with Lightroom, Capture One, or Photoshop for processing.

Pricing: Photo Mechanic: 9 perpetual. Photo Mechanic Plus (with catalog): 9 perpetual. Upgrade pricing available.

Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Darktable

Free, open-source RAW editor and photo workflow application. Non-destructive editing with a module-based processing pipeline. Over 60 processing modules including exposure, color calibration, filmic tone mapping, denoise (profiled), lens correction, and local adjustments via drawn masks. Lighttable mode for culling and organization. Tethered capture support. Active community development with frequent releases. Steep learning curve; interface differs significantly from Lightroom.

Pricing: Free (open source, GPL-3.0).

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

RawTherapee

Free, open-source RAW processor focused on image quality. Advanced demosaicing algorithms (AMaZE, RCD, LMMSE). Extensive color management, wavelet editing, film simulation presets, flat-field correction, and batch processing queue. Minimal organizational features — works as a file browser, not a catalog. Can integrate with GIMP for pixel editing. Designed for technically demanding users who want maximum control over RAW conversion.

Pricing: Free (open source, GPL-3.0).

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

GIMP

Free, open-source pixel-level image editor. Layer support, advanced selection tools, customizable interface, extensive plugin/script ecosystem. Supports PSD files with limitations. No non-destructive RAW processing — requires separate RAW conversion (via darktable, RawTherapee, or UFRaw plugin). The closest free equivalent to Photoshop for compositing, retouching, and graphic work, though the interface and workflow differ substantially.

Pricing: Free (open source, GPL-3.0).

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

Quick-reference comparison

Pricing and features verified as of February 2026. All prices in USD. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers. Check each vendor's website for current pricing.