# Top 10 GIMP Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 1,485 The Photo Editing Software solutions below are the most common alternatives that users and reviewers compare with GIMP. Photo Editing Software is a widely used technology, and many people are seeking high quality, secure software solutions with ai text-to-image and ai text-to-3d. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to GIMP include features and design software. The best overall GIMP alternative is Adobe Photoshop. Other similar apps like GIMP are Canva, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop Elements, and Pixlr. GIMP alternatives can be found in [Photo Editing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) but may also be in [Content Creation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/content-creation) or [Vector Graphics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vector-graphics). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to GIMP - [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) - [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) - [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) - [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) - [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) - [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) - [Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/fotor-photo-editor/reviews) - [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to GIMP Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how GIMP stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Design, Graphic Design, and Higher Education, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) By Adobe **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 13,388 Software delivers even more imaging magic, new creative options, and the Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine for blazingly fast performance. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Adobe Photoshop is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - Better at support Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-gimp) **Compare Adobe Photoshop with other alternatives:** - [Adobe Photoshop vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-canva) - [Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) - [Adobe Photoshop vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Adobe Photoshop vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-pixlr) - [Adobe Photoshop vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-coreldraw) - [Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-adobe-photoshop-express) - [Adobe Photoshop vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-picmonkey) - [Adobe Photoshop vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Adobe Photoshop vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop) ### 2. [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) By Canva **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 7,590 Canva is an online design and publishing platform that provides user friendly design tools for non-designers. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Canva is: - More expensive - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-gimp) **Compare Canva with other alternatives:** - [Canva vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-canva) - [Canva vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-canva) - [Canva vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Canva vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-pixlr) - [Canva vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-coreldraw) - [Canva vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-canva) - [Canva vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-picmonkey) - [Canva vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Canva vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-canva) ### 3. [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) By Adobe **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 3,296 Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a comprehensive photo editing and management application designed for photographers of all skill levels. It offers a suite of tools to import, organize, edit, and share digital images seamlessly across desktop, mobile, and web platforms. Lightroom's non-destructive editing ensures that original photos remain unaltered, preserving image quality while allowing creative experimentation. Key Features and Functionality: - Generative Remove: Quickly eliminate unwanted objects or distractions from photos with a few taps, enhancing image composition effortlessly. - Lens Blur: Apply AI-powered blur effects to create depth and focus, simulating professional lens effects without specialized equipment. - Adaptive Presets: Utilize one-tap presets to enhance specific areas of a photo, such as brightening skies or smoothing skin tones, streamlining the editing process. - Assisted Culling: Leverage AI to intelligently filter and group similar shots, expediting the photo selection process by highlighting the best images. - Cross-Platform Accessibility: Edit and manage photos seamlessly across devices, with cloud storage ensuring that edits and collections are synchronized and accessible anywhere. Primary Value and User Solutions: Lightroom addresses the needs of photographers by providing an intuitive platform that simplifies the photo editing workflow. Its AI-driven features reduce the time spent on manual adjustments, allowing users to focus more on creativity and less on technicalities. The non-destructive editing approach ensures that original images are preserved, offering peace of mind and flexibility. With cloud integration, photographers can access and edit their work from any device, facilitating collaboration and sharing. Overall, Lightroom empowers users to produce professional-quality photos efficiently, enhancing both productivity and creative expression. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is: - More expensive - Slower to reach roi - Better at support Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-gimp) **Compare Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with other alternatives:** - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-canva) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-pixlr) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-coreldraw) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-picmonkey) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) ### 4. [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) By Adobe **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 799 Adobe Photoshop Elements is a user-friendly photo editing software designed for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists. It offers a range of tools powered by Adobe Sensei AI technology, enabling users to perform quick fixes and create advanced photo projects with ease. The software provides Quick, Guided, and Advanced editing modes, catering to various skill levels and allowing users to enhance their photos effortlessly. Key Features and Functionality: - AI-Powered Editing: Utilize Adobe Sensei AI to generate new backgrounds and images, add elements to photos, restore damaged pictures, and remove unwanted objects seamlessly. - Guided Edits: Access 59 step-by-step tutorials to learn essential photo editing techniques, including color correction, lighting adjustments, and unique effects application. - Creative Templates: Showcase photos using Photo Reels and collages, and access thousands of free Adobe Express templates for social media posts, videos, posters, and more. - Effortless Organization: Quickly import from popular cloud services, sort and back up automatically, and find photos fast with automatic tagging, curation, and face recognition. - User-Friendly Interface: Choose from Quick, Guided, and Advanced editing modes to match your skill level and editing needs. Primary Value and Solutions: Photoshop Elements simplifies the photo editing process, making it accessible to users without professional experience. By integrating AI-powered tools and guided tutorials, it enables users to enhance their photos, create artistic projects, and organize their media efficiently. This comprehensive approach allows users to transform their images into personalized creations, share them across various platforms, and preserve memories with professional-quality results. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Photoshop Elements is: - More expensive - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/gimp-vs-photoshop-elements) **Compare Photoshop Elements with other alternatives:** - [Photoshop Elements vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/photoshop-elements-vs-pixlr) - [Photoshop Elements vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/photoshop-elements-vs-picmonkey) - [Photoshop Elements vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Photoshop Elements vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-photoshop-elements) ### 5. [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) By Pixlr **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 749 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software and services. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Pixlr is: - More usable - Slower to reach roi - More expensive Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/gimp-vs-pixlr) **Compare Pixlr with other alternatives:** - [Pixlr vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/photoshop-elements-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/picmonkey-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-pixlr) - [Pixlr vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-pixlr) ### 6. [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) By Corel Corporation **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 556 Versatile drawing and tracing tools. Professional photo editing and Easy website design. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, CorelDRAW is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - More usable Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-gimp) **Compare CorelDRAW with other alternatives:** - [CorelDRAW vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-coreldraw) - [CorelDRAW vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-coreldraw) - [CorelDRAW vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-coreldraw) - [CorelDRAW vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-photoshop-elements) - [CorelDRAW vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-pixlr) - [CorelDRAW vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-coreldraw) - [CorelDRAW vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-picmonkey) - [CorelDRAW vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [CorelDRAW vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-coreldraw) ### 7. [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) By Adobe **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 493 Adobe Photoshop Express is a mobile application designed for quick and intuitive photo editing, catering to users of all skill levels. Available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enable users to enhance, retouch, and share their images effortlessly. Whether you're looking to apply aesthetic filters, create collages, or perform advanced edits, Photoshop Express provides a user-friendly platform to transform your photos into captivating visuals. Key Features and Functionality: - Photo Enhancer: Utilize a range of editing tools and presets, including red-eye correction, dehazing, and aesthetic filters. Adjust photo dimensions and correct camera angles with ease. Smooth over imperfections and retouch portraits swiftly. Create stunning photo collages using ready-to-use grid layouts. - Video Editor: Trim clips, adjust speed, recolor, resize, and rotate videos for high-resolution exports directly from your device. Combine multiple videos into a single project and access a vast library of music tracks to set the perfect mood for your edits. - Personalized Image Design: Add text to photos with a wide array of fonts and layouts. Incorporate personalized touches using camera filters, stamps, custom watermarks, and more. - Retouch Features: Employ AI-powered tools for skin smoothing, content-aware healing, and face-aware liquify to enhance selfies and portraits. Adjust facial features, remove unwanted objects, and apply makeup effects seamlessly. - Integration with Creative Cloud: Send PSD files directly from your mobile device to Photoshop for more advanced editing capabilities. Primary Value and User Solutions: Photoshop Express empowers users to create professional-quality edits without the need for extensive technical knowledge. Its intuitive interface and powerful features address common photo editing challenges, such as correcting imperfections, enhancing colors, and creating engaging content for social media. By providing a comprehensive yet accessible toolset, Photoshop Express enables users to express their creativity and share polished images effortlessly. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Adobe Photoshop Express is: - More expensive - Slower to reach roi - More usable Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-gimp) **Compare Adobe Photoshop Express with other alternatives:** - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-adobe-photoshop-express) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-canva) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-pixlr) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-coreldraw) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-picmonkey) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Adobe Photoshop Express vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop-express) ### 8. [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) By Shutterstock **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 422 PicMonkey is a photo editing solution that provides creative tools for photo editing and graphic design. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, PicMonkey is: - More expensive - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/gimp-vs-picmonkey) **Compare PicMonkey with other alternatives:** - [PicMonkey vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/photoshop-elements-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/picmonkey-vs-pixlr) - [PicMonkey vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-picmonkey) - [PicMonkey vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-picmonkey) ### 9. [Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/fotor-photo-editor/reviews) By Chengdu Everimaging Co., Ltd. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5 **Total Reviews:** 342 Fotor is an all-in-one photo editing platform that combines editing, design and AI image generation features. In addition to the online platform, Fotor covers all other platforms such as Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, Fotor Photo Editor is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - More usable Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-gimp) **Compare Fotor Photo Editor with other alternatives:** - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/canva-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-lightroom-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-photoshop-elements) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-pixlr) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/coreldraw-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-photoshop-express-vs-fotor-photo-editor) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/fotor-photo-editor-vs-picmonkey) - [Fotor Photo Editor vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-fotor-photo-editor) ### 10. [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) By ACD Systems **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 283 ACDSee is recognized the world over as a leader in image editing, management and technical illustration software. Reviewers say compared to GIMP, ACDSee is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - More usable Categories in common with GIMP: [Photo Editing](https://www.g2.com/categories/photo-editing) **Compare:** [GIMP vs ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-gimp) **Compare ACDSee with other alternatives:** - [ACDSee vs Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop) - [ACDSee vs Canva](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-canva) - [ACDSee vs Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop-lightroom) - [ACDSee vs Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-photoshop-elements) - [ACDSee vs Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-pixlr) - [ACDSee vs CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-coreldraw) - [ACDSee vs Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-adobe-photoshop-express) - [ACDSee vs PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-picmonkey) - [ACDSee vs Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/compare/acdsee-vs-fotor-photo-editor) --- ## GIMP Alternatives FAQs ### What are the best alternatives to GIMP? The best alternatives to GIMP include [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 13,368 reviews), [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) (4.7/5 stars, 7,522 reviews), and [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 3,292 reviews). These alternatives offer more polished user interfaces, extensive AI-powered editing tools, and streamlined workflows for both beginners and professionals. ### What features do alternatives offer that GIMP does not? GIMP lacks native CMYK color support, non-destructive editing features like adjustment layers, and integrated AI-powered tools such as generative fill and advanced background removal. It also has a steeper learning curve and a less intuitive, dated user interface compared to alternatives. ### Which Photo Editing tools do reviewers recommend instead of GIMP? Reviewers recommend [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) for its unmatched editing power, AI integration like Generative Fill, and professional-grade non-destructive workflows. [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) is favored for its ease of use, extensive template library, and AI-assisted design features ideal for non-designers. [Adobe Photoshop Lightroom](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews) is recommended for photographers needing efficient batch editing, AI masking, and cloud synchronization. Additionally, [Photoshop Elements](https://www.g2.com/products/photoshop-elements/reviews) is suggested for hobbyists seeking a balance of AI-powered guided edits and a one-time purchase model. [Pixlr](https://www.g2.com/products/pixlr/reviews) is noted for its browser-based accessibility and AI background removal, suitable for quick edits without software installation. [CorelDRAW](https://www.g2.com/products/coreldraw/reviews) is preferred for vector design and print-ready workflows with precise control and ease of use. [Adobe Photoshop Express](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-express/reviews) is valued for fast, mobile-friendly editing with AI enhancements. [PicMonkey](https://www.g2.com/products/picmonkey/reviews) is appreciated for its user-friendly interface and branding tools, ideal for social media content creation. [Fotor Photo Editor](https://www.g2.com/products/fotor-photo-editor/reviews) is recognized for its AI background remover, batch processing, and all-in-one editing and design platform. [ACDSee](https://www.g2.com/products/acdsee/reviews) is recommended for fast photo management, batch editing, and straightforward editing tools without subscription requirements. These alternatives collectively address GIMP’s limitations in AI integration, ease of use, non-destructive editing, and professional print workflows. ### How does GIMP compare to Photoshop? According to G2 data, [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) has an average rating of 4.3/5 from 1,484 reviews, while [Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) holds a higher average rating of 4.6/5 from 13,368 reviews. Photoshop leads GIMP in meeting requirements (9.4 vs 8.6) by 0.8 points and in better support (8.3 vs 7.5) by 0.8 points. Photoshop also scores 0.3 points higher in usability (7.8 vs 7.5) and 0.2 points higher in ease of administration (8.5 vs 8.4). GIMP scores slightly better in ease of setup (8.7 vs 8.5) and ease of doing business with (8.5 vs 8.7), but the differences are marginal. User reviews highlight that GIMP is praised for being free, offering professional-grade photo manipulation tools, and flexibility with layers and plugins. However, it has a steeper learning curve, a less modern interface, occasional performance issues, and lacks some advanced features like CMYK support. Photoshop is recognized for its powerful, versatile editing tools, advanced AI-powered features like Generative Fill, seamless integration with other Adobe apps, and professional-grade performance. It is noted for a steep learning curve and high system resource demands but offers a smoother workflow and more polished user experience. Overall, Photoshop is favored for professional use and advanced capabilities, while GIMP is valued as a cost-effective, capable alternative for users willing to manage its learning curve and interface limitations. ### Why do users choose Photoshop over GIMP? Users choose [Photoshop](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews) over [GIMP](https://www.g2.com/products/gimp/reviews) primarily for its advanced, professional-grade features and superior usability. Photoshop’s AI-powered tools, such as Generative Fill and advanced selection, significantly reduce editing time and enhance creative possibilities, which are highly valued by 41 mentions of AI tools in reviews. Its seamless integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem allows efficient workflows across multiple design applications, improving productivity. Photoshop’s layer system, masking capabilities, and smart objects provide non-destructive editing with precise control, making it the industry standard for complex projects. Despite a steep learning curve and higher system requirements, users appreciate Photoshop’s polished interface and extensive toolset, with 122 mentions of ease of use and 98 mentions of features. The subscription model, while costly and a common complaint (88 mentions of expense), is accepted by professionals who require continuous updates and support. In contrast, GIMP’s free and open-source nature appeals to budget-conscious users, but its less intuitive interface, slower performance, and limited advanced features lead many to prefer Photoshop for professional and high-end editing needs. ## Explore Articles - [Which file converter platforms connect well with cloud storage systems like Google Drive or SharePoint so files move automatically without manual uploads?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-file-converter-platforms-connect-well-with-cloud-storage-systems-like-google-drive-or-sharepoint-so-files-move-automatically-without-manual-uploads) - [Top auto dialer services for call centers](https://www.g2.com/discussions/top-auto-dialer-services-for-call-centers) - [Best marketing analytics software for my business](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-marketing-analytics-software-for-my-business-opinions) - [What MFA tool supports biometric authentication methods?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-mfa-tool-supports-biometric-authentication-methods) - [Which are the most trusted enterprise service bus platforms by integration architects based on user reviews?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-are-the-most-trusted-enterprise-service-bus-platforms-by-integration-architects-based-on-user-reviews) - [What are the best feature management platforms for product teams shipping features without code recompilation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-feature-management-platforms-for-product-teams-shipping-features-without-code-recompilation) ## Spotlight Categories - [Chatbots Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/chatbots) - [Bot Platforms Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/bot-platforms) - [Customer Service Automation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-service-automation)