Link copied to clipboard # GIMP vs Paintshop Pro Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/gimp/paintshop-pro/export.csv) GIMPPaintshop Pro[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **GIMP** [ 4.3/5(1,484) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews#reviews) **Paintshop Pro** [ 4.1/5(207) ](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews#reviews) Pricing **GIMP** No pricing available **Paintshop Pro** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **GIMP** 2 months Based on 81 responses **Paintshop Pro** 2 months Based on 8 responses Return on Investment **GIMP** 7 months6 months sooner Based on 71 responses **Paintshop Pro** 13 months Based on 7 responses Perceived Cost **GIMP** $$$$$ **Paintshop Pro** $$$$$ Average Discount **GIMP** 18% **Paintshop Pro** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **GIMP** [ Free Services (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1760614&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (11) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1760654&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Learning Curve (11) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1760579&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limitations (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1760414&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Paintshop Pro** [ Ease of Use (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1272862&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Photo Editing (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1272507&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cost (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2065628&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Learning Curve (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1272913&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **GIMP** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0d6021e1f6253f85ed0eb22a67eb101b/adobe-photoshop.png "Product Avatar Image") Photoshop ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6112c138e20f80a02a073469ac6e865c/blender.gif "Product Avatar Image") Blender ](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_77d7429c23569c5165fdc429d10c2644/canva.png "Product Avatar Image") Canva ](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0ebb966d70992e2e13848f1f2b8e64fa/dall-e.jpg "Product Avatar Image") DALL·E ](https://www.g2.com/products/dall-e/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/integrations) **Paintshop Pro** Not enough data Screenshots **GIMP** ![GIMP screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/37176/GIMP_screenshot1_20_1_.png) **Paintshop Pro** No screenshot available Ratings Meets Requirements **GIMP** 8.6 8.61,299 **Paintshop Pro** 8.4 8.4177 Ease of Use **GIMP** 7.5 7.51,305 **Paintshop Pro** 8.4 8.4179 Ease of Setup **GIMP** 8.7 8.7168 **Paintshop Pro** 8.3 8.334 Ease of Admin **GIMP** 8.4 8.4126 **Paintshop Pro** 8.4 8.429 Quality of Support **GIMP** 7.5 7.5903 **Paintshop Pro** 8.1 8.1144 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **GIMP** 8.5 8.5106 **Paintshop Pro** 8.2 8.226 Product Direction (% positive) **GIMP** 7.7 7.71,273 **Paintshop Pro** 7.5 7.5174 Features Photo Editing[Hide 35 FeaturesShow 35 Features](javascript:void(0);) 6.7 48 8.5 15 Generative AI AI Text-to-Image 6.8 40 8.4(won by 1.6) 15 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) AI Text-to-3D 6.0 34 8.5(won by 2.5) 14 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Photos/Images Not enough data Not enough data Generative AI Not enough data Not enough data Agentic AI - Photo Editing Cross-system Integration 7.4(won by default) 15 Not enough data Additional Functionality File Conversion Not enough data Not enough data Image Editing Not enough data Not enough data Real Time Editing Not enough data Not enough data Social Sharing Not enough data Not enough data File Management Not enough data Not enough data Animations & Transitions Not enough data Not enough data Watermarking Not enough data Not enough data User Management Not enough data Not enough data Presentation Tools Not enough data Not enough data AI Copilot Not enough data Not enough data File Sharing Not enough data Not enough data Multiple Output Formats Not enough data Not enough data File Storage Not enough data Not enough data Customizable Templates Not enough data Not enough data Task Management Not enough data Not enough data Image Library Not enough data Not enough data Collaboration Tools Not enough data Not enough data Batch Processing Not enough data Not enough data Project Management Not enough data Not enough data API Not enough data Not enough data Content Sharing Not enough data Not enough data Content Import/Export Not enough data Not enough data Drag & Drop Not enough data Not enough data Pre-built Templates Not enough data Not enough data Preview Functionality Not enough data Not enough data Search/Filter Not enough data Not enough data Image Protection Not enough data Not enough data Media Management Not enough data Not enough data Alerts/Notifications Not enough data Not enough data Activity Dashboard Not enough data Not enough data Show 1 feature category with incomplete data Graphic Design[Hide 36 FeaturesShow 36 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data Not enough data Additional Functionality Data Visualization Not enough data Not enough data Mobile App Not enough data Not enough data AI Copilot Not enough data Not enough data Commenting/Notes Not enough data Not enough data Text Editing Not enough data Not enough data Custom Brushes Not enough data Not enough data Generative AI Not enough data Not enough data Watermarking Not enough data Not enough data Engagement Tracking Not enough data Not enough data Pattern, Color & Art Storage Not enough data Not enough data Version Control Not enough data Not enough data API Not enough data Not enough data Third-Party Integrations Not enough data Not enough data Collaboration Tools Not enough data Not enough data Design Templates Not enough data Not enough data Search/Filter Not enough data Not enough data Secure Data Storage Not enough data Not enough data Workflow Management Not enough data Not enough data Data Storage Management Not enough data Not enough data Interactive Content Not enough data Not enough data Drag & Drop Editor Not enough data Not enough data Video Editing Not enough data Not enough data Preview Functionality Not enough data Not enough data Multi-Language Not enough data Not enough data Image Editing Not enough data Not enough data Content Import/Export Not enough data Not enough data Customizable Branding Not enough data Not enough data Content Management Not enough data Not enough data CAD Tools Not enough data Not enough data Content Library Not enough data Not enough data Custom Fonts Not enough data Not enough data 3D Digital Asset Management Not enough data Not enough data Design Management Not enough data Not enough data Presentation Tools Not enough data Not enough data Social Media Integration Not enough data Not enough data Print Management Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![GIMP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_c1ef7dba448cecec96775ad06eb16ca8/gimp.png "GIMP")](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) GIMP Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 68.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 20.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 10.9% [![Paintshop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_18f1fd11b8c180bb3cd0000ab786f77f/paintshop-pro.png "Paintshop Pro")](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews) Paintshop Pro Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 67.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 17.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 15.3% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 68.2% 67.3% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 20.9% 17.3% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 10.9% 15.3% Reviewers' Industry [![GIMP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_c1ef7dba448cecec96775ad06eb16ca8/gimp.png "GIMP")](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) GIMP Design 9.1% Computer Software 7.8% Information Technology and Services 5.7% Graphic Design 5.5% Marketing and Advertising 5.3% Other 66.6% [![Paintshop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_18f1fd11b8c180bb3cd0000ab786f77f/paintshop-pro.png "Paintshop Pro")](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews) Paintshop Pro Design 9.4% Graphic Design 6.9% Photography 5.4% Marketing and Advertising 5.0% Internet 4.5% Other 68.8% FAQs ## GIMP vs Paintshop Pro FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between GIMP vs Paintshop Pro? GIMP is distinguished by its free, open-source model and higher G2 rating, while Paintshop Pro is a paid solution with a slightly lower rating but similar setup and support scores. | [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) | [Paintshop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (1485 reviews) | 4.1/5 (207 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.7 | 8.3 | | 7.5 | 8.1 | | Free Services (12 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of GIMP and Paintshop Pro compare? GIMP is considered the stronger value due to its free, open-source nature and higher satisfaction with price/cost among reviewers. - **GIMP:** Reviewers consistently highlight that GIMP is completely free, removing the cost barrier for professional-grade photo editing. - **Paintshop Pro:** Reviewers appreciate Paintshop Pro's one-off purchase model as more affordable than subscription-based competitors, but note that some features require additional payment. - **Switching Reason:** Many reviewers mention switching to GIMP specifically to avoid ongoing subscription costs associated with other platforms. ### What are the best alternatives to GIMP and Paintshop Pro? According to G2, the best alternatives to GIMP and Paintshop Pro are Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop, and Canva. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1485 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, open-source | Free Services (12 all-time mentions) | | [Paintshop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews) | 4.1/5 (207 reviews) | Small-Business | One-off purchase, affordable | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) | | [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) | 4.6/5 (3298 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Advanced photo editing capabilities | | [Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) | 4.6/5 (13406 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Industry-standard editing tools | | [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) | 4.7/5 (7656 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and quick design | ### Which Photo Editing features should I prioritize when comparing GIMP and Paintshop Pro? Buyers should prioritize ease of use, photo editing capabilities, feature set, learning curve, and performance when comparing GIMP and Paintshop Pro. - **Ease of Use:** GIMP 7.5, Paintshop Pro 8.4 - **Photo Editing:** GIMP (11 all-time mentions), Paintshop Pro (2 all-time mentions) - **Features:** GIMP (10 all-time mentions), Paintshop Pro (recent reviews highlight AI-powered tools and layer-based editing) - **Learning Curve:** GIMP (11 all-time mentions), Paintshop Pro (recent reviews note a learning curve but less frequently) - **Performance:** Both products have reviewer-cited slow performance in complex projects (GIMP: 4 all-time mentions; Paintshop Pro: recent reviews note occasional slowdowns) ### What are the pros and cons of GIMP vs Paintshop Pro? GIMP's headline strength is its free, open-source model, while Paintshop Pro's is its ease of use and affordable one-off pricing. - **GIMP strengths:** Free Services (12 all-time mentions), robust photo editing tools (11), feature-rich (10), efficiency (9), versatility (4), affordable (3), customizable and supports plugins. - **GIMP trade-offs:** Steep learning curve (11), slow performance on large projects (4), limited advanced features (3), interface can feel outdated, lacks native CMYK support for print workflows. - **Paintshop Pro strengths:** Ease of use (2), affordable one-off purchase, AI-powered editing tools, strong photo editing and retouching, supports a wide range of file formats, layer-based editing, and customizable workspace. - **Paintshop Pro trade-offs:** Some features require additional payment, learning curve for advanced tools, occasional performance issues, limited plugin ecosystem compared to competitors, Windows-only support. ### Is GIMP or Paintshop Pro better for small businesses? GIMP is the better fit for small businesses, as both products' largest reviewer segment is Small-Business, but GIMP's free model and reviewer sentiment make it especially attractive. - **GIMP:** Small-Business is the largest segment; reviewers consistently cite the lack of cost and robust features as ideal for startups and small teams. - **Paintshop Pro:** Small-Business is also the largest segment; reviewers appreciate the affordable one-off pricing but note some features require extra payment. ### Which Photo Editing platform has better integrations? GIMP is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions than Paintshop Pro. - **GIMP:** Integrates with Adobe Photoshop (160 all-time mentions), Python (14), and Canva (8); reviewers highlight plugin and scripting support. - **Paintshop Pro:** Reviewers mention integration with technical documentation suites and compatibility with Adobe file formats, but no all-time mention counts are supplied. ### How do GIMP and Paintshop Pro compare on customer support? GIMP and Paintshop Pro are rated within 0.4 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity with GIMP at 7.5 and Paintshop Pro at 8.1. - **GIMP:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, though some note slower updates and less polish compared to paid competitors. - **Paintshop Pro:** Reviewers report positive experiences with support, citing responsive customer service and helpful tutorials, with several reviews rating support at the highest level. ### Which is easier to implement, GIMP or Paintshop Pro? GIMP and Paintshop Pro score within 0.4 points on Ease of Setup, indicating near parity with GIMP at 8.7 and Paintshop Pro at 8.3. - **GIMP:** Reviewers frequently describe setup as quick and straightforward, with installation requiring only a download and basic prompts. - **Paintshop Pro:** Reviewers note easy installation and minimal learning curve for basic use, with some mentioning a slightly more involved setup for advanced features. Alternatives **GIMP Alternatives** ![Adobe Photoshop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/30c9f0e49d9f66a2e51fbb889f0a74e7/adobe-photoshop.svg "Adobe Photoshop") [ Photoshop ](/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) ![Canva](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/020885d89318f0483f6222194b3ee8ff/canva.svg "Canva") [ Canva ](/products/canva/reviews) ![Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9564ba120f5c03c806b95f934cfb3ec2/adobe-photoshop-lightroom.svg "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom") [ Adobe Photoshop Lightroom ](/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) ![Photoshop Elements](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e8f77dbb61f08ce0a35a81a4205d4a28/photoshop-elements.svg "Photoshop Elements") [ Photoshop Elements ](/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) **Paintshop Pro Alternatives** ![Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9564ba120f5c03c806b95f934cfb3ec2/adobe-photoshop-lightroom.svg "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom") [ Adobe Photoshop Lightroom ](/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) ![Photoshop Elements](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e8f77dbb61f08ce0a35a81a4205d4a28/photoshop-elements.svg "Photoshop Elements") [ Photoshop Elements ](/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) ![ACDSee](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19cd466d837e9d56c88843d8c7339fee/acdsee.svg "ACDSee") [ ACDSee ](/products/acdsee/reviews) ![Luminar Neo](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_74418aef0c411b72a21f6e043d566f71/luminar-neo.png "Luminar Neo") [ Luminar Neo ](/products/luminar-neo/reviews)