Link copied to clipboard # GIMP vs Photoshop Elements Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/gimp/photoshop-elements/export.csv) GIMPPhotoshop Elements[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **GIMP** [ 4.3/5(1,484) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews#reviews) **Photoshop Elements** [ 4.3/5(801) ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews#reviews) Pricing **GIMP** No pricing available **Photoshop Elements** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **GIMP** 2 months Based on 81 responses **Photoshop Elements** 2 months Based on 29 responses Return on Investment **GIMP** 7 months1 month sooner Based on 71 responses **Photoshop Elements** 8 months Based on 25 responses Perceived Cost **GIMP** $$$$$ **Photoshop Elements** $$$$$ Average Discount **GIMP** 18%11% more **Photoshop Elements** 7% 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) **Photoshop Elements** [ Ease of Use (21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1788905&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Efficiency (15) ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1789323&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Features (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1789085&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Customization (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1789147&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) **Photoshop Elements** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_631289741aefb94562cf8cdf404fa7b6/adobe-photoshop-lightroom.png "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Photoshop Lightroom ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_631289741aefb94562cf8cdf404fa7b6/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-classic.png "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Photoshop Lightroom... ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-classic/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_20c010d5090054533c1b561ee4a019f9/dropbox.png "Product Avatar Image") Dropbox ](https://www.g2.com/products/dropbox/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/integrations) 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) **Photoshop Elements** No screenshot available Ratings Meets Requirements **GIMP** 8.6 8.61,299 **Photoshop Elements** 8.5 8.5644 Ease of Use **GIMP** 7.5 7.51,305 **Photoshop Elements** 8.5 8.5646 Ease of Setup **GIMP** 8.7 8.7168 **Photoshop Elements** 8.9 8.994 Ease of Admin **GIMP** 8.4 8.4126 **Photoshop Elements** 8.8 8.857 Quality of Support **GIMP** 7.5 7.5903 **Photoshop Elements** 8.4 8.4496 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **GIMP** 8.5 8.5106 **Photoshop Elements** 8.4 8.451 Product Direction (% positive) **GIMP** 7.7 7.71,273 **Photoshop Elements** 7.8 7.8624 Features Photo Editing[Hide 35 FeaturesShow 35 Features](javascript:void(0);) 6.7 48 7.8 48 Generative AI AI Text-to-Image 6.8 40 7.9(won by 1.1) 44 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) AI Text-to-3D 6.0 34 7.1(won by 1.1) 37 (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 15 8.5(won by 1.1) 17 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 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% [![Photoshop Elements](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e8f77dbb61f08ce0a35a81a4205d4a28/photoshop-elements.svg "Photoshop Elements")](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) Photoshop Elements Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 70.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 18.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 10.8% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 68.2% 70.6% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 20.9% 18.7% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 10.9% 10.8% 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% [![Photoshop Elements](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e8f77dbb61f08ce0a35a81a4205d4a28/photoshop-elements.svg "Photoshop Elements")](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) Photoshop Elements Photography 9.0% Marketing and Advertising 7.2% Design 7.2% Graphic Design 6.7% Higher Education 4.6% Other 65.2% FAQs ## GIMP vs Photoshop Elements FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between GIMP vs Photoshop Elements? GIMP and Photoshop Elements both score 4.3/5 on G2, but GIMP is free and open-source with a steeper learning curve, while Photoshop Elements is praised for its ease of use and guided edits. | [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) | [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (1,485 reviews) | 4.3/5 (800 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.7 | 8.9 | | 7.5 | 8.4 | | Free Services (12 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (21 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of GIMP and Photoshop Elements compare? GIMP is considered the stronger value due to its free, open-source model, while Photoshop Elements is praised for its one-time purchase option but is sometimes viewed as expensive. - **GIMP:** In recent reviews, many highlight that GIMP is completely free, removing the cost barrier for photo editing and design work. - **Photoshop Elements:** Reviewers appreciate the absence of a subscription and the one-time purchase model, but some mention the price as a drawback, especially compared to free alternatives. - **Switching Reason:** Several reviewers state they switched to GIMP specifically to avoid ongoing costs associated with paid software. ### What are the best alternatives to GIMP and Photoshop Elements? Photoshop, Canva, and Pixlr are the top three alternatives to GIMP and Photoshop Elements according to G2 rankings. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1,485) | Small-Business | Free, open-source | Free Services (12 all-time mentions) | | [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) | 4.3/5 (800) | Small-Business | One-time purchase, no subscription | Ease of Use (21 all-time mentions) | | [Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) | 4.6/5 (13,406) | Small-Business | Subscription required | Professional-grade editing tools | | [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) | 4.7/5 (7,656) | Small-Business | Free and paid plans available | Ease of use and templates | | [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) | 4.4/5 (750) | Small-Business | Free and affordable paid options | Quick online editing | ### Which Photo Editing features should I prioritize when comparing GIMP and Photoshop Elements? Buyers should prioritize ease of use, feature set, AI-powered tools, learning curve, and cost when comparing GIMP and Photoshop Elements. - **Ease of Use:** GIMP 7.5, Photoshop Elements 8.5; Photoshop Elements is cited for ease of use in 21 all-time mentions, while GIMP is mentioned in 11. - **Feature Set:** GIMP (Features: 10 all-time mentions), Photoshop Elements (Features: 10 all-time mentions); both products are praised for robust editing tools, but Photoshop Elements is noted for guided edits and AI tools (6 all-time mentions). - **AI-Powered Tools:** Photoshop Elements (AI Tools: 6 all-time mentions); reviewers highlight AI-driven background removal and smart fixes as differentiators. - **Learning Curve:** GIMP (Learning Curve: 11 all-time mentions); GIMP is frequently cited for its steeper learning curve compared to Photoshop Elements. - **Cost:** GIMP is consistently praised for being free (Free Services: 12 all-time mentions), while Photoshop Elements is noted for its one-time purchase model but also for being expensive (Expensive: 2 all-time mentions). ### What are the pros and cons of GIMP vs Photoshop Elements? GIMP's headline strength is its free, open-source model, while Photoshop Elements is most praised for its ease of use and guided editing features. - **GIMP strengths:** Free Services (12 all-time mentions), robust photo editing features (11), versatility, and efficiency. - **GIMP trade-offs:** Steep learning curve (11), interface limitations, slower performance on large projects, and limited advanced features. - **Photoshop Elements strengths:** Ease of use (21 all-time mentions), guided edits, AI-powered tools (6), and efficient workflow (15). - **Photoshop Elements trade-offs:** Limited advanced features (12), less customization (5), higher cost compared to free alternatives, and slower performance with large files. ### Is GIMP or Photoshop Elements better for small businesses? GIMP is the better fit for small businesses due to its free cost and strong small-business reviewer sentiment. - **GIMP:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight the value of free, open-source access for startups and small teams. - **Photoshop Elements:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate its ease of use and guided features, but cost is cited as a drawback for budget-conscious small businesses. ### Which Photo Editing platform has better integrations? GIMP is favored for integrations due to broader reviewer-cited integration mentions. - **GIMP:** Integrates with Adobe Photoshop (160 all-time mentions), Python (14), and Canva (8); reviewers note smooth integration with automation and social media tools. - **Photoshop Elements:** Integrates with Adobe Photoshop (62 all-time mentions); reviewers mention ease of integration within the Adobe ecosystem. ### How do GIMP and Photoshop Elements compare on customer support? Photoshop Elements leads on Quality of Support with a 0.9-point advantage over GIMP (8.4 vs 7.5). - **GIMP:** Reviewers describe support as helpful but sometimes slow or limited, with several citing the open-source community as the main support channel. - **Photoshop Elements:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and helpful support, with many noting positive experiences and quick resolutions. ### Which is easier to implement, GIMP or Photoshop Elements? Photoshop Elements and GIMP are at parity on Ease of Setup, both scoring above 8.7, with reviewers describing both as easy to implement. - **GIMP:** Reviewers frequently mention straightforward installation and setup, though some note a learning curve after initial setup. - **Photoshop Elements:** Reviewers highlight a quick and simple installation process, with guided onboarding making it easy for new users to get started. 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) ![Pixlr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_ffe46f2ca4b34fd92c06d6ec0ee8e036/pixlr.jpg "Pixlr") [ Pixlr ](/products/pixlr/reviews) **Photoshop Elements Alternatives** ![Pixlr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_ffe46f2ca4b34fd92c06d6ec0ee8e036/pixlr.jpg "Pixlr") [ Pixlr ](/products/pixlr/reviews) ![CorelDRAW](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_6cb6dce76837a8c34937bb03040a7889/coreldraw.jpg "CorelDRAW") [ CorelDRAW ](/products/coreldraw/reviews) ![ACDSee](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19cd466d837e9d56c88843d8c7339fee/acdsee.svg "ACDSee") [ ACDSee ](/products/acdsee/reviews) ![Paintshop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_18f1fd11b8c180bb3cd0000ab786f77f/paintshop-pro.png "Paintshop Pro") [ Paintshop Pro ](/products/paintshop-pro/reviews)