Best Adobe Photoshop Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Adobe Photoshop? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Adobe Photoshop alongside similar software solutions including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, CyberLink PhotoDirector, Paint.NET, The GIMP, Wondershare Filmora, Nero PhotoSnap, CutOut, Adobe Illustrator and HP Photo Creations.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, CyberLink PhotoDirector, Paint.NET, The GIMP, Wondershare Filmora, Nero PhotoSnap, CutOut, Adobe Illustrator and HP Photo Creations stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Pricing Model
 Adobe Photoshop
|
Subscription-based, with monthly or annual plans, includes free 7-day trial. |
 Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Perpetual license, over a thousand dollars, with a 30-day free trial. |
 Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
One-time purchase with a free trial period; no subscription. |
 CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Paid subscription with a 30-day free trial. |
 Paint.NET
|
Free with optional paid upgrades; no subscription. |
 The GIMP
|
Free and open-source; no subscription. |
 Wondershare Filmora
|
Subscription-based with free trial; watermark on free version. |
 Nero PhotoSnap
|
Free software, part of Nero suite; purchase required for full features. |
 CutOut
|
One-time purchase with a 30-day free trial available. |
 Adobe Illustrator
|
Subscription-based, monthly or annual plans via Adobe Creative Cloud. |
 HP Photo Creations
|
Free software with no fees or subscription. |
Primary Use Case
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Professional and advanced photo editing and digital image manipulation. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Advanced photo editing with extensive capabilities similar to newer versions minus latest features. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Automatic image optimization and basic photo editing, aimed at quick fixes for users. |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Photo editing with AI features and multimedia slideshow creation. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Basic to intermediate image editing for Windows users; user-friendly for beginners. |
|
The GIMP
|
Advanced open-source image editing with extensive plugin support, used for professional graphic design. |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Video editing software aimed at beginners to intermediate users with templates and effects. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Basic photo organization and editing with some advanced features, focused on photo management. |
|
CutOut
|
Precise image background removal using AI technology and batch processing. |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Industry-standard vector graphics editor for complex illustration and design work. |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Photo project creation like cards, calendars, collages with easy sharing options for beginners. |
Supported Platforms
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Windows, macOS, and mobile versions on iOS and Android devices. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Windows and macOS (64-bit operating systems required). |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Windows (supports various versions). |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Windows only (Windows 7 and above). |
|
The GIMP
|
Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux distributions. |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Windows and Mac operating systems. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Windows only (part of Nero suite). |
|
CutOut
|
Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Windows and Macintosh computer systems. |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Adobe Photoshop stacks up against Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, CyberLink PhotoDirector, Paint.NET, The GIMP, Wondershare Filmora, Nero PhotoSnap, CutOut, Adobe Illustrator and HP Photo Creations in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
|
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
|
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
125.1MB |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
0.9MB |
|
Paint.NET
|
|
|
The GIMP
|
|
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
1.2MB |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
1.4MB |
|
CutOut
|
29.2MB |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
3MB |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
License
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Commercial |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Demo |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Commercial |
|
Paint.NET
|
Freeware |
|
The GIMP
|
Open Source |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Commercial |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Commercial |
|
CutOut
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Commercial |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Commercial |