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5 Best Photo Editing Apps 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Adobe Lightroom | Photo editing and organizing software | 12-month Subscription with auto-renewal

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,323
User Interface (UI)
Editing Tools
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
161 reviews

User Interface (UI)
The user interface is streamlined and user-friendly across various platforms.
Editing Tools
The AI-assisted tools like Generative Remove and Lens Blur significantly simplify complex editing tasks.
Price and Subscription Model
Adobe Lightroom offers great value, especially during sales like Black Friday.
Customer Support and Community
Customer support is responsive, offering refunds and assistance with subscription issues.

Adobe Lightroom offers an impressive suite of photo-editing tools suitable for both amateur and professional photographers. Its user interface is streamlined across desktop, mobile, and web platforms, making it accessible and user-friendly. The editing tools are robust, featuring AI-assisted options such as Generative Remove and Lens Blur, which simplify complex tasks like removing distractions and creating portrait effects.

Performance-wise, Lightroom is known for its speed and efficiency, which is crucial for handling large batches of photos without lagging. Compatibility with both PC and Mac ensures that it caters to a wide user base, and the ability to sync edits across devices is a significant advantage for users who work on multiple platforms. Export options are comprehensive, allowing various formats and quality settings for different needs.

The subscription model includes 1TB of storage and AI credits, which can be beneficial but might be considered pricey by some users. Auto-renewal can be convenient but requires mindful management to avoid unexpected charges. The customer support and community are strong, providing ample resources and assistance for users. Adobe's reputation and the app's award-winning recognition further bolster its credibility. However, some users might find the subscription model and AI credit limitations restrictive. Adobe Lightroom excels in the key areas essential for a photo-editing app, making it a top choice for users seeking powerful, AI-enhanced photo editing capabilities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,323
User Interface (UI)
Editing Tools
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
161 reviews

User Interface (UI)
The user interface is streamlined and user-friendly across various platforms.
Editing Tools
The AI-assisted tools like Generative Remove and Lens Blur significantly simplify complex editing tasks.
Price and Subscription Model
Adobe Lightroom offers great value, especially during sales like Black Friday.
Customer Support and Community
Customer support is responsive, offering refunds and assistance with subscription issues.
#2

Adobe Photoshop | Photo, Image, and Design Editing Software | 12-Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal, PC/Mac

Rating
9.8
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
45 reviews

Price and Subscription Model
Activating the annual subscription can be unexpectedly difficult when purchased from third-party sellers like Amazon.

Adobe Photoshop is a well-known photo-editing application that offers a wide range of features. Its user interface is professional and packed with advanced tools, which may feel overwhelming for beginners but offers extensive customization options for experienced users.

Photoshop excels with its powerful features for photo enhancement, illustration creation, 3D artwork, web and mobile app design, and video editing. The application's performance and speed are generally reliable, but it can be resource-intensive, requiring a strong computer to run smoothly. Compatibility is a strong point, with support for both PC and Mac systems.

When it comes to export options, Photoshop offers a variety of formats that cater to different professional needs, making it versatile. The price and subscription model may be a drawback for some users, as it requires a 12-month commitment with auto-renewal, which can be costly over time. Customer support from Adobe is generally good, and there is a large community of users that can provide additional help and resources. While Adobe Photoshop is a robust tool for professional photo editors and designers, it might be overkill for casual users or those on a budget.

Rating
9.8
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
45 reviews

Price and Subscription Model
Activating the annual subscription can be unexpectedly difficult when purchased from third-party sellers like Amazon.
#3

Photomatix Pro 6

Rating
9.6
User Interface (UI)
Editing Tools
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
539 reviews

User Interface (UI)
Photomatix Pro is incredibly easy to use, making HDR photo creation simple even for beginners.
Editing Tools
The software offers two tone-mapping options, allowing for detailed adjustments and artistic control, but requires a good eye to avoid garish results.
Price and Subscription Model
Photomatix Pro 6 is praised for its affordability and the opportunity it provides to create stunning HDR images with ease.

Photomatix Pro 6 offers specialized features for HDR photography, allowing users to merge bracketed exposures and apply tone mapping and exposure fusion. It's equipped with automatic alignment for hand-held photos and advanced ghost removal tools, making it ideal for users looking to enhance high dynamic range images. The batch mode can be handy for processing multiple photos at once, and the plugin for Adobe Lightroom adds flexibility for those already using this popular photo-editing software.

On the performance front, the software is generally robust, but it may not be as fast as some competitors when processing large batches of high-resolution images. Compatibility is strong, especially for users of Adobe Lightroom. Export options are fairly standard, allowing users to save their edited images in various formats. Pricing is a one-time purchase, which can be more economical than subscription models if you plan to use the software long-term. However, for those who prefer constant updates and support, the lack of a subscription model might be a drawback.

The user interface is straightforward but may feel dated compared to newer apps, and while the community is supportive, official customer support could be more responsive. If you need powerful HDR processing tools and prefer a one-time payment model, Photomatix Pro 6 could be a great fit. However, if you prioritize speed, modern UI, and active customer support, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.6
User Interface (UI)
Editing Tools
Price and Subscription Model

Most important from
539 reviews

User Interface (UI)
Photomatix Pro is incredibly easy to use, making HDR photo creation simple even for beginners.
Editing Tools
The software offers two tone-mapping options, allowing for detailed adjustments and artistic control, but requires a good eye to avoid garish results.
Price and Subscription Model
Photomatix Pro 6 is praised for its affordability and the opportunity it provides to create stunning HDR images with ease.

Buying Guide for the Best Photo Editing Apps

Choosing the right photo-editing app can significantly enhance your ability to create stunning images. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the right app can make a big difference in your workflow and the quality of your final product. When selecting a photo-editing app, it's important to consider several key specifications that will determine how well the app meets your needs. Here are some important factors to consider and how to navigate them.
User Interface (UI)The user interface (UI) of a photo-editing app is crucial because it affects how easily you can navigate and use the app. A good UI should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to find and use tools without a steep learning curve. If you're a beginner, look for apps with simple, clean interfaces and guided tutorials. For more experienced users, a more complex UI with customizable options might be preferable.
Editing ToolsEditing tools are the core features of any photo-editing app. These include basic tools like cropping, resizing, and color correction, as well as advanced tools like layers, masks, and filters. The importance of these tools depends on your editing needs. Beginners might only need basic tools, while professionals will require a comprehensive set of advanced tools. Evaluate what kind of edits you plan to make and choose an app that offers the necessary tools.
Performance and SpeedPerformance and speed refer to how quickly and efficiently the app processes your edits. This is important because slow performance can be frustrating and time-consuming. Apps with high performance and speed are essential for professional work where time is of the essence. If you often work with large files or perform complex edits, look for apps known for their fast processing times and stability.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to how well the app works with your device and other software. It's important to choose an app that is compatible with your operating system (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) and can handle the file formats you use. Additionally, consider whether the app integrates well with other software you use, such as cloud storage services or other editing tools. Ensure the app supports your workflow and device capabilities.
Export OptionsExport options determine how you can save and share your edited photos. This includes the file formats available (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, etc.), resolution settings, and sharing options (social media, email, cloud storage). Depending on your needs, you might require high-resolution exports for printing or specific formats for web use. Choose an app that offers the export options that align with your intended use of the edited photos.
Price and Subscription ModelWhile budget is not the focus here, it's important to consider the price and subscription model of the app. Some apps offer one-time purchases, while others require monthly or yearly subscriptions. Evaluate how often you will use the app and whether the cost aligns with the value it provides. Free apps might be sufficient for casual use, but professionals might find that paid apps offer more advanced features and better support.
Customer Support and CommunityCustomer support and community can be important, especially if you encounter issues or need help learning how to use the app. Good customer support can provide timely assistance, while an active community can offer tutorials, tips, and inspiration. Look for apps with strong support systems and active user communities to enhance your learning and problem-solving experience.

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