[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 GIMP # Photoshop vs GIMP Last Updated: August 3rd, 2026 Our analysts compared [Photoshop](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoshop/) vs [GIMP](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/gimp/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Photo Editing Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/photo-editing-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Photo Editing Software&cta=photo-editing-software). [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 [![GIMP Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/abdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f/resources/normal/logo.webp?1725471667)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/gimp/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=Photoshop&product%5Flogo=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%5Fname=Photoshop&product%5Flogo=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%5Fname=Photoshop&product%5Flogo=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%5Fname=Photoshop&product%5Flogo=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%5Fname=GIMP&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fabdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1725471667) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GIMP&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fabdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1725471667) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GIMP&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fabdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1725471667&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Photo+Editing+Software&product%5Fname=GIMP&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fabdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.webp%3F1725471667&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating Photoshop - 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 Rating GIMP - Analyst Score: 60 out of 100 60 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (5034 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $9.99 Monthly [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Photoshop&category=Photo Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/b75f4cd91723baa6327b03ddf0b8ebf6-785178a3511d251cecce7698cc99aa28/resources/normal/logo.png?1736783391) $0 Free, Open-Source [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=GIMP&category=Photo Editing Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/abdcaa8e62fa9a0e2e86a0564d11bde4-c3de7b4cb3e68402955868b0e2cddb6f/resources/normal/logo.webp?1725471667) Pros What we like about Photoshop and GIMP: * AI-powered features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters make complex edits much faster. * Robust Camera Raw support gives photographers fine control over RAW files from the start. * Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Illustrator and InDesign. * Completely free and open-source, with no licensing fees at any level. * Supports automation through Python and Script-Fu scripting for repetitive tasks. * Cross-platform support across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Cons What we dislike about Photoshop and GIMP: * Subscription pricing means ongoing costs that add up over time. * Steep learning curve takes real time to get past, especially for new users. * Limited professional print support compared to dedicated prepress tools. * Lacks CMYK color support, which makes it a poor fit for professional print workflows. * Interface feels clunky and unintuitive compared to modern image editors. * Needs external plugins for native RAW editing, adding friction to photography workflows. ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Photoshop is the stronger choice if you need professional-grade tools and work inside the Adobe ecosystem. GIMP is the right pick if cost is a real constraint or you want a capable free editor for general image work. Photoshop's AI-powered tools set it apart in day-to-day editing. Features like Generative Fill and Neural Filters let you handle complex retouching and compositing with less manual work than GIMP requires. For photographers, the Camera Raw plugin integrates directly within Photoshop, providing deep control over RAW file processing without leaving the app. GIMP holds its own on core editing tasks. Layers, masks, advanced filters, and path tools are all there, and the plugin ecosystem lets you extend it for specialized needs. It also supports scripting through Python and Script-Fu, which is useful if you want to automate repetitive workflows. That said, users find the interface less intuitive and more time-consuming to learn than Photoshop's. On pricing, Photoshop starts at $9.99 per month, while GIMP is free. If you need CMYK color support for print production, GIMP isn't a viable option — it doesn't support it. Photoshop handles that natively. If you're already using Illustrator, InDesign, or other Adobe apps, Photoshop fits naturally into that workflow. GIMP runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it's a solid option if you need flexibility across platforms without a licensing cost. For professional creative work where AI tools and print-ready output matter, Photoshop is the clearer fit. If you're on a tight budget or doing general editing without print production demands, GIMP gets the job done. ### 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 GIMP has an analyst rating of 60\. Photoshop - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 GIMP - Analyst Score: 60 out of 100 60 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 82 **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 98 **Collaboration** Enables teams to work together on image projects, share feedback, and track changes, improving efficiency and communication. 75 35 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) Strengths The best features of Photoshop and GIMP 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 ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) How Photoshop and GIMP compare against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Photoshop GIMP \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) Advanced Editing Tools Basic Editing Tools Collaboration Platform Capabilities User Interface AndExperience 96 100 75 91 91 82 98 35 63 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% 69% 23% 8% **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% 0% 50% 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% 67% 0% 33% **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% 80% 20% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs**and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Photo Editing Software) 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% 40% 20% 40% **Security** Safeguards sensitive image data and user information, protecting intellectual property and ensuring data privacy. 100% 0% 0% 0% 20% 80% **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. GIMP supports 45.3% and excels at Basic Editing Tools, User Interface And Experience and Advanced Editing Tools. Photoshop has an analyst rating of 80 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 18920 reviews, while GIMP has an analyst rating of 60 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 5034 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Photoshop has a user sentiment rating of 92 based on 18920 reviews. GIMP has a user sentiment rating of 87 based on 5034 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 18920 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 5034 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. 87% of users recommend this product GIMP has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 5034 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **FinancesOnline** **4.5** (19) n/a **G2.com, Inc** **4.6** (13154) **4.3** (1449) **Capterra Inc** **4.8** (2381) **4.4** (3509) **Gartner, Inc** **4.5** (122) n/a **TrustRadius** **4.6** (3244) **4.4** (76) ### 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]() ![User Favorite Award]() Show more ![Basic Editing Tools Award]() ![Security Award]() No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 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/) [GIMP Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/photo-editing-software/gimp/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Layer-based editing** – Supports non-destructive editing with layers and masks, letting you stack and adjust image elements without changing the original file. * **AI-powered tools** – Generative Fill and Neural Filters use AI to handle complex edits like object removal and style transfer with simplified workflows. * **Selection tools** – Includes Magic Wand, Lasso, Quick Selection, and the Pen Tool for precise area selections and vector-based paths. * **Camera Raw processing** – Handles RAW file adjustments for exposure, color balance, and detail through the Camera Raw plugin inside the app. * **Adobe CC integration** – Works directly with Illustrator, InDesign, and other Creative Cloud apps for consistent cross-app workflows. * **Layer management** – Supports multiple layers and layer groups for non-destructive editing and complex compositions, similar in scope to Photoshop's layer system. * **Script-Fu and Python scripting** – Lets you automate repetitive tasks with built-in scripting support using Python or GIMP's own Script-Fu language. * **Path and selection tools** – The path tool supports complex selections and vector-based paths for detailed editing, comparable to Photoshop's Pen Tool. * **Plugin extensibility** – A wide plugin ecosystem lets you add capabilities like animation, advanced filters, and effects beyond what ships with the base install. * **Color management** – Supports color profiles and color management workflows for accurate color reproduction in digital and print media, though CMYK output is not natively supported. ### Top Alternatives in Photo Editing Software [ ACDSee Photo Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/acdsee-photo-studio/) [ Affinity Photo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/affinity-photo/) [ Capture One Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/capture-one-pro/) [ DxO PhotoLab ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/dxo-photolab/) [ Fotor ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/fotor/) [ GIMP ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/gimp/) [ Lightroom ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/lightroom/) [ Luminar Neo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/luminar-neo/) [ Movavi Photo Editor ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/movavi-photo-editor/) [ ON1 Photo RAW ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/on1-photo-raw/) [ PaintShop Pro ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/paintshop-pro/) [ PhotoDirector 365 ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photodirector-365/) [ Photoroom ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/photoroom/) [ Pixlr ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/photo-editing-software/pixlr/) [ 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%5Fname=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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