--- description: "Photoshop vs Affinity Photo: Which solution wins in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and analyst ratings side-by-side to find the best Photo Editing Software for your business." --- [Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) > [Photo Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/) > [Photoshop](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop/) > Photoshop vs Affinity Photo # Photoshop vs Affinity Photo Last Updated: September 28th, 2026 We compared **[Photoshop](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop/)** vs. **[Affinity Photo](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/)** to help you decide which product makes more sense for you. Our comparison is based on proprietary **[Photo Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/)** data from our **[software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&cta=photo-editing-software)**, user reviews and publicly available information about each product’s features and pricing. [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Photoshop Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/b75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28/resources/normal/logo.png?1736783391)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Affinity Photo Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/24e87062155973c97360089add8e19d7-a9cf6956f579bbdcf80159c111f49c3e/resources/normal/logo.png?1725472057)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Photoshop&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736783391) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Photoshop&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736783391)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Photoshop&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736783391&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Photoshop&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1736783391&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Affinity%2BPhoto&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F24e87062155973c97360089add8e19d7-a9cf6956f579bbdcf80159c111f49c3e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472057) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Affinity%2BPhoto&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F24e87062155973c97360089add8e19d7-a9cf6956f579bbdcf80159c111f49c3e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472057)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Affinity%2BPhoto&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F24e87062155973c97360089add8e19d7-a9cf6956f579bbdcf80159c111f49c3e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472057&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product_name=Affinity%2BPhoto&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F24e87062155973c97360089add8e19d7-a9cf6956f579bbdcf80159c111f49c3e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725472057&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [Analyst RatingPhotoshop - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (18920 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) [Analyst RatingAffinity Photo - Analyst Score: 66 out of 100 66 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (98 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $9.99 Monthly [Free Trial is available →]() $49.99 One-Time [Free Trial is available →]() Pros What we like about Photoshop and Affinity Photo: - AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters make complex edits faster and easier - Widely recognized as the industry standard, so your skills and files work well with collaborators - Integrates directly with Illustrator, InDesign, and other Creative Cloud apps for a connected workflow - One-time purchase with no recurring fees — pay once and keep it indefinitely - Handles large files and complex edits smoothly on both macOS and Windows - Built-in tools for focus stacking, HDR merging, and panorama stitching cover specialized photography workflows Cons What we dislike about Photoshop and Affinity Photo: - Ongoing subscription means costs accumulate over time — stop paying and you lose access - Mastering the full toolset takes significant time, which can slow down photographers who are just getting started - Native RAW editing requires Adobe Camera Raw rather than a built-in dedicated workspace - Content-aware fill tools aren't as capable as Photoshop's, making complex object removal more challenging - No built-in asset management means organizing large image libraries requires a separate tool - Plugin support is more limited than Photoshop's, which can hold back specialized workflows ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Photoshop is the stronger pick if you need AI-powered editing and deep integration with other Adobe apps. Affinity Photo is the better fit if you want professional-grade tools without an ongoing subscription — especially if focus stacking, HDR, or panorama work is part of your process. Photoshop's AI features set it apart. Generative Fill and Neural Filters let you tackle edits that would take far longer with manual tools. If you're working in marketing, advertising, or publishing and need to composite, retouch, and design all within one app, Photoshop's depth is hard to match. It's also the de facto standard in most creative industries, which matters when you're sharing files or collaborating with others. Affinity Photo covers most of the same core editing ground — layers, retouching, RAW development — but adds dedicated tools for focus stacking, HDR merge, and panorama stitching that Photoshop doesn't include natively. Users also find it runs smoothly on less powerful hardware, which can make a real difference when working with large files. On pricing, Photoshop starts at $9.99 per month. Affinity Photo is a one-time purchase at $49.99 with no recurring fees. If you plan to use the software long-term, the cost math tilts toward Affinity Photo. If you rely on the Adobe ecosystem or need cutting-edge AI editing tools, Photoshop is worth the subscription. If you want capable, fast photo editing software without a recurring cost — and your work includes specialized photography tasks — Affinity Photo is a strong alternative. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Photoshop has an analyst rating of 80. By comparison Affinity Photo has an analyst rating of 66. Photoshop - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 Affinity Photo - Analyst Score: 66 out of 100 66 Features Comparison **Advanced Editing Tools** Enables precise control over image manipulation, allowing users to enhance color, adjust lighting, and apply creative effects to achieve desired visual outcomes. 96 88 **Basic Editing Tools** Provides essential tools for common image adjustments, such as cropping, resizing, and color correction, allowing users to quickly improve image quality and composition. 100 100 **Collaboration** Enables teams to work together on image projects, share feedback, and track changes, improving efficiency and communication. 75 39 Show More [Show More]() Strengths The best features of Photoshop and Affinity Photo as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Basic Editing Tools Security Advanced Editing Tools Platform Capabilities User Interface and Experience Basic Editing Tools User Interface and Experience Advanced Editing Tools ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() How Photoshop and Affinity Photo compare against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. *PhotoshopAffinity Photo+ Add Product [+ Add Product]()* Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface AndExperience 96 100 75 91 91 88 100 39 62 90 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Advanced Editing Tools** Enables precise control over image manipulation, allowing users to enhance color, adjust lighting, and apply creative effects to achieve desired visual outcomes. *92%* *8%* *0%* *85%* *8%* *7%* **Basic Editing Tools** Provides essential tools for common image adjustments, such as cropping, resizing, and color correction, allowing users to quickly improve image quality and composition. *100%* *0%* *0%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Collaboration** Enables teams to work together on image projects, share feedback, and track changes, improving efficiency and communication. *75%* *0%* *25%* *25%* *25%* *50%* **Platform Capabilities** Offers flexible deployment options, scalable architecture, and robust integrations, enabling organizations to customize and optimize their photo editing workflows. *75%* *25%* *0%* *58%* *8%* *34%* **User Interface And Experience** Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily navigate tools, adjust settings, and apply effects, enhancing the overall photo editing experience. *100%* *0%* *0%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head CUSTOMIZE NOW [CUSTOMIZE NOW]() ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Connects the photo editing software with other design and productivity tools, streamlining workflows and improving overall creative efficiency. *60%* *40%* *0%* *60%* *0%* *40%* **Security** Safeguards sensitive image data and user information, protecting intellectual property and ensuring data privacy. *100%* *0%* *0%* *80%* *0%* *20%* **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 77.4% are fully supported out of the box by Photoshop including Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Security. Affinity Photo supports 47.2% and excels at Basic Editing Tools, Advanced Editing Tools and Platform Capabilities. Photoshop has an analyst rating of 80 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 18920 reviews, while Affinity Photo has an analyst rating of 66 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 98 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Photoshop has a user sentiment rating of 92 based on 18920 reviews. Affinity Photo has a user sentiment rating of 96 based on 98 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 18920 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 98 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 92% *of users recommend this product* Photoshop has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 18920 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites. 96% *of users recommend this product* Affinity Photo has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 96% when considering 98 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores**FinancesOnline** **4.5** (19) n/a **G2.com, Inc** **4.6** (13154) **4.8** (98) **Capterra Inc** **4.8** (2381) n/a **Gartner, Inc** **4.5** (122) n/a **TrustRadius** **4.6** (3244) n/a ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Photoshop and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Photo Editing Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Basic Editing Tools and Security. Photoshop stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![Analysts' Pick Award]( "Analysts' Pick Award") ![User Favorite Award]( "User Favorite Award") Show more ![Basic Editing Tools Award]( "Basic Editing Tools Award") ![Security Award]( "Security Award") SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Affinity Photo and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Basic Editing Tools. Affinity Photo stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]( "User Favorite Award") ![Basic Editing Tools Award]( "Basic Editing Tools Award") ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Photoshop Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop/alternatives/) [Affinity Photo Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features - **RAW editing** – Processes RAW files through Adobe Camera Raw with controls for exposure, color balance, and detail enhancement. - **Retouching tools** – The Healing Brush and Clone Stamp let you remove blemishes and fix imperfections with precise pixel-level control. - **AI-powered editing** – Generative Fill and Neural Filters handle complex edits and creative effects that would otherwise take many manual steps. - **Adobe CC integration** – Connects directly with Illustrator, InDesign, and other Creative Cloud apps to keep multi-app projects consistent. - **RAW editing** – Includes a dedicated RAW development workspace built into the main app, with full controls for exposure, white balance, and tone. - **Retouching tools** – The Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Inpainting Brush give you multiple approaches for correcting and cleaning up images. - **Focus stacking** – Merges images shot at different focal distances into a single image with a wider, sharper depth of field. - **HDR merge and panorama stitching** – Combines exposure-bracketed shots into an HDR image or assembles multiple photos into a wide-angle panorama with automatic alignment. ### Top Alternatives in Photo Editing Software [![ACDSee Photo Studio Software Tool]()--- ACDSee Photo Studio](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/acdsee-photo-studio/) [![Affinity Photo Software Tool]()--- Affinity Photo](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/) [![Capture One Pro Software Tool]()--- Capture One Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/capture-one-pro/) [![DxO PhotoLab Software Tool]()--- DxO PhotoLab](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/dxo-photolab/) [![Fotor Software Tool]()--- Fotor](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/fotor/) [![GIMP Software Tool]()--- GIMP](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/gimp/) [![Lightroom Software Tool]()--- Lightroom](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/lightroom/) [![Luminar Neo Software Tool]()--- Luminar Neo](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/luminar-neo/) [![Movavi Photo Editor Software Tool]()--- Movavi Photo Editor](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/movavi-photo-editor/) [![ON1 Photo RAW Software Tool]()--- ON1 Photo RAW](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/on1-photo-raw/) [![PaintShop Pro Software Tool]()--- PaintShop Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/paintshop-pro/) [![PhotoDirector 365 Software Tool]()--- PhotoDirector 365](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/) [![Photoroom Software Tool]()--- Photoroom](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoroom/) [![Pixlr Software Tool]()--- Pixlr](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/pixlr/) [![Polarr Software Tool]()--- Polarr](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/polarr/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Affinity Photo Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Affinity Photo](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-affinity-photo/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![DxO PhotoLab Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS DxO PhotoLab](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-dxo-photolab/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Fotor Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Fotor](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-fotor/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![GIMP Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS GIMP](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-gimp/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Lightroom Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Lightroom](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-lightroom/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Luminar Neo Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Luminar Neo](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-luminar-neo/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![ON1 Photo RAW Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS ON1 Photo RAW](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-on1-photo-raw/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![PaintShop Pro Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS PaintShop Pro](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-paintshop-pro/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Photoroom Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Photoroom](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-photoroom/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Pixlr Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Pixlr](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-pixlr/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Polarr Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Polarr](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-polarr/) ![Photoshop Software Tool]() ![Ribbet Software Tool]() [Photoshop VS Ribbet](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/photoshop-vs-ribbet/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Photo%20Editing%20Software&campaign_name=Photo%20Editing%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Photo%20Editing%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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