# GIMP vs Photoshop Elements Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that GIMP excels in providing a comprehensive suite of photo editing tools at no cost, making it an attractive option for users who want powerful features without the financial commitment. Users appreciate its capabilities for graphic design, digital retouching, and creating web graphics, highlighting its versatility for both print and web projects. - **According to verified reviews** , Photoshop Elements stands out for its user-friendly interface, particularly for beginners. Users mention that the software offers guided edits and intuitive tools like background removal and motion effects, making it easier for novices to enhance their photos without feeling overwhelmed. - **Reviewers mention** that while GIMP is a robust tool, it can sometimes present a steeper learning curve compared to Photoshop Elements. Users note that although it has all the utilities of a professional photo editor, the complexity may be challenging for those who are new to photo editing. - **Users say** that Photoshop Elements benefits from recent AI enhancements, which have improved its functionality significantly. Features like object removal and motion effects are particularly praised, as they allow users to achieve premium-looking edits with minimal effort. - **G2 reviewers highlight** that GIMP's community support is a valuable resource, especially for those who are self-taught. Users appreciate the wealth of tutorials and forums available, which can help them navigate the software's more complex features and maximize its potential. - **According to recent feedback** , while both products have similar star ratings, Photoshop Elements has a slight edge in overall user satisfaction, particularly in areas like ease of setup and quality of support. Users feel that the guided features and responsive support make their editing experience smoother and more enjoyable. | | GIMP | Photoshop Elements | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 1,484 | 799 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (68.2% of reviews) | Small-Business (70.5% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### GIMP Pros: - Free Services (12 reviews) - Ease of Use (11 reviews) Cons: - Learning Curve (11 reviews) - Limitations (4 reviews) ### Photoshop Elements Pros: - Ease of Use (21 reviews) - Efficiency (15 reviews) Cons: - Limited Features (12 reviews) - Limited Customization (5 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | GIMP | Photoshop Elements | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (1299 reviews) | 8.5 (643 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 7.5 (1305 reviews) | 8.5 (645 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.7 (168 reviews) | 8.9 (93 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (126 reviews) | 8.8 (56 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 7.5 (903 reviews) | 8.4 (495 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (106 reviews) | 8.3 (50 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.7 (1273 reviews) | 7.8 (624 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### GIMP #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### Photoshop Elements #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Photo Editing | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **GIMP** | 6.7/10 | 48 | | **Photoshop Elements** | 7.8/10 | 47 | #### Generative AI | Feature | GIMP | Photoshop Elements | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.8 (40 reviews) | 7.9 (43 reviews) | | **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.0 (34 reviews) | 7.1 (37 reviews) | #### Agentic AI - Photo Editing | Feature | GIMP | Photoshop Elements | |---|---|---| | **Cross-system Integration** | 7.4 (15 reviews) | 8.5 (17 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Photo Editing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Unique to GIMP (1):** [Drawing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/drawing) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | GIMP | Photoshop Elements | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 68.2% | 70.5% | | **Mid-Market** | 20.9% | 18.7% | | **Enterprise** | 10.9% | 10.8% | ### By Industry #### GIMP - **Design:** 9.1% - **Computer Software:** 7.8% - **Information Technology and Services:** 5.7% - **Graphic Design:** 5.5% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 5.3% - **Internet:** 4.3% - **Higher Education:** 3.2% - **Education Management:** 2.9% - **Arts and Crafts:** 2.3% - **Entertainment:** 2.1% - **Other:** 51.8% #### Photoshop Elements - **Photography:** 9.0% - **Design:** 7.2% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 7.1% - **Graphic Design:** 6.7% - **Higher Education:** 4.6% - **Architecture & Planning:** 3.6% - **Information Technology and Services:** 3.2% - **Retail:** 3.1% - **Education Management:** 3.0% - **Media Production:** 2.2% - **Other:** 50.2% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to GIMP - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13364 reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (7496 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (3290 reviews) - [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (747 reviews) - [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (553 reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (489 reviews) - [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (421 reviews) - [Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/fotor-photo-editor/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (340 reviews) - [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (281 reviews) - [Affinity Photo](https://www.g2.com/products/affinity-photo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (234 reviews) ### Alternatives to Photoshop Elements - [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (747 reviews) - [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (553 reviews) - [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (281 reviews) - [Affinity Photo](https://www.g2.com/products/affinity-photo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (234 reviews) - [Paintshop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/paintshop-pro/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (206 reviews) - [Luminar Neo](https://www.g2.com/products/luminar-neo/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (112 reviews) - [Capture One Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/capture-one-pro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (78 reviews) - [PhotoDirector](https://www.g2.com/products/photodirector/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (50 reviews) - [Corel AfterShot Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/corel-aftershot-pro/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (49 reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (7496 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### GIMP - Title: [should gimp release mobile app](https://www.g2.com/discussions/should-gimp-release-mobile-app) — 3 comments, 3 upvotes > **Top comment:** "I don't see why. There are plenty of mobile apps out there that let you do lite image manipulation. Why would GIMP waste their time building a mobile app..." - Title: [What is the best way to use this software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-use-this-software) — 3 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "gimp.org has many tutorials to help you get started." - Title: [What is GIMP used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-gimp-used-for) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "Gimp is an open-source photo editor, a free alternative to Photoshop" - Title: [How do you guys keep up with industry standards and produce great software year after year](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-you-guys-keep-up-with-industry-standards-and-produce-great-software-year-after-year) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "This is true, I began using GIMP over 25 years ago with v. 0.9. On MacOS 8x. I'm grateful for all and every improvement. It is a wonderful product! " - Title: [what is the best way of using multiple layers on GIMP?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-of-using-multiple-layers-on-gimp) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Linking your layers in the Layers palette is the quickest way to perform a transform operation, such as scale, rotate, or move, to several layers in GIMP...." ### Photoshop Elements - Title: [What is Photoshop Elements used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-photoshop-elements-used-for) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** " Adobe Photoshop Elements is a user-friendly software for entry-level photo and video editing. It offers basic photo editing tools, guided edits for..." - Title: [When do you know it’s time to upgrade besides needing a few more elements?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/when-do-you-know-it-s-time-to-upgrade-besides-needing-a-few-more-elements) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "when a tool can have more creative uses" - Title: [Is Photoshop Elements 2020 worth the upgrade?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-photoshop-elements-2020-worth-the-upgrade) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Yes, it offers more powerful tools and creative options." - Title: [Is Photoshop Elements any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-photoshop-elements-any-good) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Yes its good to use" - Title: [Is Photoshop Elements the same as Photoshop?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-photoshop-elements-the-same-as-photoshop) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "No, I'd say it's better." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/gimp-vs-photoshop-elements)