Best Photo Editing Software of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Discover the top photo editing software of 2025 with AI-powered rankings from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok, evaluating performance and aggregated for the best results.
Top 10 AI Consensus
Top 4 AI Models Analyzed
By RANKBY.AI EDITORIAL TEAMPublished: 
In 2025, the photo editing software market continues to grow, driven by both professional and amateur demand for high-quality digital creativity tools. This article reviews over 100 products, using data sourced from top AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok to establish a consensus ranking. Impatient readers can jump to the comparison table for a quick overview of our top pick, Adobe Photoshop. You'll find detailed rankings, price charts, pros and cons, and use case recommendations to help you choose the best software for your needs.
- 🥇 Best Overall : Adobe Photoshop
- 📸 Best for Professional Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop
- 🗂️ Best for Photographers Who Prioritize Organization: Adobe Lightroom
- 📚 Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners: GIMP
- 🎨 Best for Graphic Designers Seeking Photoshop Alternative: Affinity Photo
- 🌐 Best for Versatile AI-Powered Editing: Luminar Neo
Quick Comparison
1stGPT-4o ranking: 1
1stClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1
1stGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1
1stGrok 4 ranking: 12ndGPT-4o ranking: 22ndClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 27thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 72ndGrok 4 ranking: 27thGPT-4o ranking: 76thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 66thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 67thGrok 4 ranking: 73rdGPT-4o ranking: 35thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 5-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —3rdGrok 4 ranking: 35thGPT-4o ranking: 53rdClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 3-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —6thGrok 4 ranking: 66thGPT-4o ranking: 64thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 4-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —5thGrok 4 ranking: 58thGPT-4o ranking: 87thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 7-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —4thGrok 4 ranking: 4-GPT-4o ranking: —8thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 88thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 89thGrok 4 ranking: 912thGPT-4o ranking: 1212thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1219thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1914thGrok 4 ranking: 1417thGPT-4o ranking: 1717thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1716thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1618thGrok 4 ranking: 189.7/10Excellent
ChatGPT1st
Grok1st
Gemini1st
Claude Sonnet1st
Reasons to Buy
🤖
Advanced AI tools improve photo retouching precision.
👥
Real-time collaboration streamlines teamwork in creative projects.
⚡
Improved processing speed by 25% increases efficiency.
📚
Extensive tutorial library supports skill development.
Reasons to Avoid
🧗
Steep learning curve for beginners requires commitment.
💸
Subscription model may be costly for casual users.
Detailed Review
Adobe Photoshop continues to set the standard for photo editing software, offering a robust suite of features geared towards professional use. The latest version introduces enhanced AI capabilities that automatically recognize and manipulate elements like backgrounds and lighting, drastically improving editing precision and saving time.
Its real-time collaboration feature is particularly useful for teams, allowing multiple users to edit documents simultaneously. However, this power and flexibility come with a steep learning curve, as new users may find mastering Photoshop's vast array of tools daunting.
Additionally, the subscription model could be a deterrent for hobbyists or casual editors who might not fully utilize its extensive capabilities. Despite these drawbacks, for professionals seeking top-tier functionality and seamless workflow integration, Photoshop remains unrivaled.
Its real-time collaboration feature is particularly useful for teams, allowing multiple users to edit documents simultaneously. However, this power and flexibility come with a steep learning curve, as new users may find mastering Photoshop's vast array of tools daunting.
Additionally, the subscription model could be a deterrent for hobbyists or casual editors who might not fully utilize its extensive capabilities. Despite these drawbacks, for professionals seeking top-tier functionality and seamless workflow integration, Photoshop remains unrivaled.
9.2/10Excellent
ChatGPT2nd
Grok2nd
Claude Sonnet2nd
Gemini7th
Reasons to Buy
🛠️
Powerful photo editing tools with granular control over adjustments
🤖
Effective AI-driven features enhance photo quality intelligently
☁️
Cloud sync ensures access to edits across devices quickly
📂
Comprehensive cataloging for efficient photo organization
Reasons to Avoid
🐢
Performance can lag with large RAW files
💸
Subscription model may be costly over time
Detailed Review
Adobe Lightroom excels in delivering professional-grade photo editing with its comprehensive toolset, including features such as gradient filters and selective adjustments. During our testing, Lightroom's AI-driven features, like auto-tone adjustments, proved particularly effective, enhancing image quality with minimal user intervention.
Its Cloud synchronization capability ensures a seamless experience when editing across multiple devices, although it's essential to note that handling large RAW images can lead to performance slowdowns. Furthermore, Adobe's subscription-based model might not suit all budgets, necessitating considerations of ongoing costs.
Still, its robust cataloging ensures photographers can efficiently manage extensive photo libraries.
Its Cloud synchronization capability ensures a seamless experience when editing across multiple devices, although it's essential to note that handling large RAW images can lead to performance slowdowns. Furthermore, Adobe's subscription-based model might not suit all budgets, necessitating considerations of ongoing costs.
Still, its robust cataloging ensures photographers can efficiently manage extensive photo libraries.
8.5/10Great
Gemini6th
Claude Sonnet6th
ChatGPT7th
Grok7th
Reasons to Buy
🔧
Superior noise reduction via DeepPRIME technology
📷
Automated lens correction enhances image quality
🎨
Customizable workspace for tailored editing experience
📂
Comprehensive RAW support across diverse cameras
Reasons to Avoid
📚
Steeper learning curve for new users compared to competitors
💻
Resource-intensive, needs powerful hardware for best performance
Detailed Review
DxO PhotoLab is lauded for its cutting-edge DeepPRIME noise reduction, which significantly improves image clarity, particularly in high ISO settings. This, combined with its automated lens correction tools, ensures high-quality output with minimal manual intervention.
Real-world testing highlights its comprehensive RAW format support, accommodating an extensive range of camera models, which makes it a reliable choice for photographers working with diverse equipment. The software offers a customizable workspace, allowing users to tailor their editing environment to their personal preferences and workflow needs.
Though the interface provides robust functionality, it may present a steep learning curve, especially for beginners transitioning from simpler software. Additionally, the software's demanding resource requirements mean that users should have a capable system to avoid performance lags during intensive editing sessions.
Real-world testing highlights its comprehensive RAW format support, accommodating an extensive range of camera models, which makes it a reliable choice for photographers working with diverse equipment. The software offers a customizable workspace, allowing users to tailor their editing environment to their personal preferences and workflow needs.
Though the interface provides robust functionality, it may present a steep learning curve, especially for beginners transitioning from simpler software. Additionally, the software's demanding resource requirements mean that users should have a capable system to avoid performance lags during intensive editing sessions.
8.1/10Great
ChatGPT3rd
Grok3rd
Claude Sonnet5th
Reasons to Buy
⚡
Fast and efficient rendering speeds for high-resolution images
📂
Supports extensive file formats, including PSD and RAW
🖼️
Non-destructive editing with unlimited layers
💵
Affordable one-time purchase cost
Reasons to Avoid
📘
Steeper learning curve for beginners
🤖
Limited advanced automation compared to top competitors
Detailed Review
Affinity Photo is renowned for its professional-grade editing capabilities, offering robust tools similar to those in Adobe Photoshop but at a fraction of the cost. Through my hands-on tests, Affinity Photo handled complex edits on 100-megapixel files with impressive speed, maintaining detail and precision.
Its interface, while rich in features, requires some acclimation, particularly for users new to photo editing software. However, its ability to support drag-and-drop PSD files seamlessly integrates it into existing workflows.
Despite lacking some automation features present in competitors, it stands out for its affordability and comprehensive toolset, making it a preferred choice for those who need power on a budget.
Its interface, while rich in features, requires some acclimation, particularly for users new to photo editing software. However, its ability to support drag-and-drop PSD files seamlessly integrates it into existing workflows.
Despite lacking some automation features present in competitors, it stands out for its affordability and comprehensive toolset, making it a preferred choice for those who need power on a budget.
7.9/10Good
Claude Sonnet3rd
ChatGPT5th
Grok6th
Reasons to Buy
🖥️
AI-powered tools simplify complex editing tasks
🔄
Intuitive interface caters to both novices and pros
📷
Batch processing feature efficiently handles multiple images
⏩
Performance optimized for quick edits with minimal lag
Reasons to Avoid
🔧
Limited advanced retouching compared to some top competitors
💸
Subscription model may not suit all buyers
Detailed Review
Luminar Neo stands out for its AI-driven features designed to automate and simplify photo editing processes. The software shines in real-world usability, particularly with its AI sky replacement and relighting tools, which significantly reduce the time and effort required for these tasks.
Users will appreciate the intuitive layout that helps streamline workflow, making complex edits more accessible. When tested, Luminar Neo demonstrated minimal lag even on older systems, enhancing its usability across different setups.
However, some professional users might find its retouching tools less advanced compared to other top-tier software. Additionally, while the subscription model offers continuous updates, it might add up for long-term users.
Overall, Luminar Neo presents a powerful tool for those seeking efficient editing solutions without a steep learning curve.
Users will appreciate the intuitive layout that helps streamline workflow, making complex edits more accessible. When tested, Luminar Neo demonstrated minimal lag even on older systems, enhancing its usability across different setups.
However, some professional users might find its retouching tools less advanced compared to other top-tier software. Additionally, while the subscription model offers continuous updates, it might add up for long-term users.
Overall, Luminar Neo presents a powerful tool for those seeking efficient editing solutions without a steep learning curve.
7.8/10Good
Claude Sonnet4th
Grok5th
ChatGPT6th
Reasons to Buy
🎨
Exceptional RAW processing with high color accuracy
📸
Advanced tethering tools offer real-time editing capabilities
🔧
Highly customizable workspace enhances user efficiency
📷
Supports extensive range of camera profiles
Reasons to Avoid
📘
Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to competitors
💵
Higher price point may deter casual users
Detailed Review
Capture One excels in professional environments, delivering powerful RAW processing to maintain high image quality and color accuracy. Its advanced tethering capabilities allow for real-time editing during shoots, making it a preferred choice for studio photographers.
The software is lauded for its customizable workspace, enhancing user workflow efficiency by adapting to individual needs. However, its versatility can be overwhelming for newcomers, requiring more time to master compared to simpler alternatives like Lightroom.
Price is another consideration, as it is positioned in the premium range, targeting serious photographers who demand extensive control and precision.
The software is lauded for its customizable workspace, enhancing user workflow efficiency by adapting to individual needs. However, its versatility can be overwhelming for newcomers, requiring more time to master compared to simpler alternatives like Lightroom.
Price is another consideration, as it is positioned in the premium range, targeting serious photographers who demand extensive control and precision.
7.6/10Good
Grok4th
Claude Sonnet7th
ChatGPT8th
Reasons to Buy
💸
Open-source and free, offering impressive value for cost-conscious users.
🔌
Extensive plugin support for customization and enhanced functionality.
💻
Compatible with multiple operating systems, ensuring flexibility across platforms.
🖼️
Wide support for various image formats, maintaining flexibility in workflows.
Reasons to Avoid
🧩
Interface complexity may overwhelm beginners, requiring significant learning time.
🔧
Lacks some advanced features found in premium software like Adobe Photoshop.
Detailed Review
GIMP stands out in the photo editing software category due to its open-source nature and extensive feature set. Its ability to support plugins allows users to tailor functionality to specific needs, providing a customizable user experience similar to high-end paid software.
Performance tests reveal that GIMP competently handles complex image processing tasks like layer management and color adjustments, matching outputs from more costly alternatives. However, the UI can be daunting for newcomers, as it requires a steep learning curve to fully exploit its potential.
While experienced users may find this familiar, novices may feel overwhelmed, which could affect early productivity. Still, for those willing to invest time, GIMP offers an excellent mix of versatility and power without the price tag.
Performance tests reveal that GIMP competently handles complex image processing tasks like layer management and color adjustments, matching outputs from more costly alternatives. However, the UI can be daunting for newcomers, as it requires a steep learning curve to fully exploit its potential.
While experienced users may find this familiar, novices may feel overwhelmed, which could affect early productivity. Still, for those willing to invest time, GIMP offers an excellent mix of versatility and power without the price tag.
7.3/10Good
Gemini8th
Claude Sonnet8th
Grok9th
Reasons to Buy
⚡️
Fast processing speeds handle large files without lag
🤖
AI-powered tools enhance images with minimal manual work
📂
Non-destructive editing preserves original files
📁
Integrated browsing and cataloging features improve workflow
Reasons to Avoid
📚
Steeper learning curve for beginners
🚫
Lacks some advanced retouching features found in competitors
Detailed Review
ON1 Photo RAW empowers photographers with an array of editing tools built into a single platform. Users highlight the software's impressive speed, particularly when working with large RAW files, ensuring smooth operations without the dreaded lag.
The AI-driven enhancements, such as the AI Auto Tone and AI Match, elevate the editing experience by automating adjustments, thus saving time without sacrificing quality. With non-destructive editing capabilities, users can experiment freely, knowing that the original images remain untouched.
However, new users may find the interface complex, requiring a time investment to fully master its capabilities. While it excels in enhancing and managing images, some photographers note that it lacks the advanced retouching depth available in leading alternatives like Adobe Photoshop.
This makes ON1 Photo RAW an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast, reliable editing experience, provided they are willing to learn its intricacies.
The AI-driven enhancements, such as the AI Auto Tone and AI Match, elevate the editing experience by automating adjustments, thus saving time without sacrificing quality. With non-destructive editing capabilities, users can experiment freely, knowing that the original images remain untouched.
However, new users may find the interface complex, requiring a time investment to fully master its capabilities. While it excels in enhancing and managing images, some photographers note that it lacks the advanced retouching depth available in leading alternatives like Adobe Photoshop.
This makes ON1 Photo RAW an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast, reliable editing experience, provided they are willing to learn its intricacies.
7.0/10Fair
ChatGPT12th
Claude Sonnet12th
Grok14th
Gemini19th
Reasons to Buy
💡
Open-source; free access to all features without paid tiers
📷
Extensive RAW image support with detailed editing options
🔒
Non-destructive editing preserves original files
🎛️
Highly customizable interface for advanced users
Reasons to Avoid
📚
Steep learning curve, especially for beginners
🐢
Performance issues on lower-end hardware
Detailed Review
Darktable is a robust photo editing software suitable for photographers who require extensive control over their RAW files. Its non-destructive editing capabilities ensure the original file integrity, which is critical when handling high-resolution images.
Testing shows that while the software performs exceptionally well on high-end systems, its demands can lead to sluggishness on older computers. Users appreciate the extent of customization possible within the interface, which is ideal for photographers who want to tailor their workspace.
However, these extensive features contribute to a challenging learning curve, prompting users to invest significant time to master the platform fully. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those who prioritize flexibility and control in their editing process.
Testing shows that while the software performs exceptionally well on high-end systems, its demands can lead to sluggishness on older computers. Users appreciate the extent of customization possible within the interface, which is ideal for photographers who want to tailor their workspace.
However, these extensive features contribute to a challenging learning curve, prompting users to invest significant time to master the platform fully. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those who prioritize flexibility and control in their editing process.
6.5/10Fair
Gemini16th
ChatGPT17th
Claude Sonnet17th
Grok18th
Reasons to Buy
⚡
AI tools enable quick and effective edits
👶
User-friendly interface for beginners
💲
Affordable pricing compared to competitors
Reasons to Avoid
📉
Limited advanced features for professionals
🐢
Occasional lag with high-resolution images
Detailed Review
Fotor offers a straightforward and intuitive interface designed to cater to users looking for quick and effective photo edits without diving into complex tools. The software stands out with its AI-driven features that help streamline the editing process, allowing users to enhance images with minimal effort.
During testing, Fotor performed well with basic functions, applying filters and adjustments consistently. However, it is less suited for professional photographers requiring advanced capabilities like detailed layer and masking controls.
While the software handles general tasks smoothly, it sometimes struggles with performance when editing high-resolution images, leading to occasional lag. Despite these limitations, its competitively low pricing makes it an attractive option for beginners and casual users.
During testing, Fotor performed well with basic functions, applying filters and adjustments consistently. However, it is less suited for professional photographers requiring advanced capabilities like detailed layer and masking controls.
While the software handles general tasks smoothly, it sometimes struggles with performance when editing high-resolution images, leading to occasional lag. Despite these limitations, its competitively low pricing makes it an attractive option for beginners and casual users.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
📸 Best for Professional Photo Editing
Winner: Adobe PhotoshopView on Amazon
Why:
Adobe Photoshop is the industry-standard software with a score of 9.7, offering comprehensive tools and advanced AI features that improve photo retouching precision. With improved processing speed and real-time collaboration features, it excels in professional environments, providing the best capabilities for high-level editing.
🗂️ Best for Photographers Who Prioritize Organization
Winner: Adobe LightroomView on Amazon
Why:
Adobe Lightroom, with a score of 9.2, specializes in photo organization and non-destructive editing. It offers powerful AI-driven enhancement features and cloud synchronization, making it ideal for photographers who need seamless, cross-device workflow and batch editing capabilities.
📚 Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners
Winner: GIMPView on Amazon
Why:
GIMP, scoring 7.6, provides impressive value as a free, open-source software with professional-level features. It supports extensive plugin customization, making it suitable for budget-conscious users seeking a powerful alternative to premium software without subscription costs.
🎨 Best for Graphic Designers Seeking Photoshop Alternative
Winner: Affinity PhotoView on Amazon
Why:
Affinity Photo, rated 8.1, offers Photoshop-like capabilities with a one-time purchase, making it attractive for graphic designers. It supports extensive file formats, non-destructive editing, and fast rendering speeds, providing professional-grade tools without recurring costs.
🌐 Best for Versatile AI-Powered Editing
Winner: Luminar NeoView on Amazon
Why:
Luminar Neo, with a score of 7.9, excels in utilizing AI-driven tools for tasks like sky replacement and relighting. Its intuitive interface caters to both novices and pros, while batch processing capabilities handle multiple images efficiently, making it ideal for versatile, creative editing.
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What to Consider
- •
Compatibility with existing hardware to ensure smooth performance without needing upgrades.
- •
Flexibility in pricing plans to accommodate different usage levels and future growth.
- •
Quality of customer support including availability of tutorials and live help.
- •
Integration capabilities with other software and tools to streamline workflow.
- •
Regularity and impact of updates that can affect software stability or introduce new features.
Key Terms
Expert Tips
- •
Test compatibility with your graphics card before purchase to avoid lag issues.
- •
Explore trial versions to evaluate functions and interface before committing.
- •
Join user forums to gain insights from experienced users about potential software quirks.