Adobe Photoshop vs GIMP2026
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings to help you choose.
The industry standard for photo editing and digital art.
Free and open source image editor.
Our verdict
Photoshop vs GIMP is the paid professional vs free open-source comparison. Photoshop leads in every professional metric — AI features, non-destructive editing, performance, and support. GIMP is a capable free alternative that handles most common editing tasks but requires workarounds for professional workflows.
Bottom line
GIMP is the right choice if budget is the primary constraint. Photoshop is worth the subscription for anyone earning income from their work — the time saved pays for itself quickly. There is no free tool that matches Photoshop's breadth.
Our recommendation: Adobe Photoshop
Side-by-side comparison
Green highlight = advantage on that metric.
| Feature | A | G |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | Open Source |
| Free tier | — | |
| Ratings | ||
| User rating | 4.7 | 4.0 |
| Features & Capabilities | ||
| Tracked features | 3 | 1 |
| AI-powered | — | |
| Offline Mode | ||
| Version History | — | |
| Listing | ||
| Verified listing | ||
Key differences
Best for
Pricing comparison
Adobe Photoshop
Subscription
The industry standard for photo editing and digital art.
Pricing information is verified periodically. Visit each vendor's pricing page for current rates.
Feature comparison
Both tools
Only in Adobe Photoshop
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Adobe Photoshop and GIMP?
GIMP is the right choice if budget is the primary constraint. Photoshop is worth the subscription for anyone earning income from their work — the time saved pays for itself quickly. There is no free tool that matches Photoshop's breadth.
Is Adobe Photoshop cheaper than GIMP?
GIMP has a free tier, making it more accessible than Adobe Photoshop which requires a paid plan.
Can I switch from Adobe Photoshop to GIMP?
Yes — most teams can migrate from Adobe Photoshop to GIMP. GIMP offers a free tier so you can test it before committing.
Does Adobe Photoshop or GIMP offer a free tier?
GIMP offers a free tier. Adobe Photoshop does not currently offer a free plan.
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