5 Best Photo Editing Apps 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.