While Photoshop and Lightroom are the #1 choices when it comes to photo editing, you'll find plenty of free software for non-experts who don't want to spend money. Photo editing doesn't have to be expensive.
GIMP is easily considered one of the best Photoshop alternatives available and is also the ideal way to open PSD files without Photoshop. GIMP is free to download and also comes with a portable version. You can customize its interface to suit your needs, personalize brushes, and even install additional plug-ins. GIMP is open source software, which means it is constantly evolving to meet user needs.

GIMP also has some more advanced features, like face swapping, smart dragging for easy selection, layer masking, and even gives you the ability to create GIFs.
Even if you're just a beginner, you might enjoy cropping, applying enhancements to photos, and experimenting with GIMP's many filters. Just note that GIMP's interface isn't the most intuitive and will take some time to learn.
Advantage
- Provides advanced image editing features
- Opens most file types and can save in many different formats
- Runs smoothly on most operating systems
Disadvantages
- Messy interface
- Waste of time to learn
Note: GIMP is available on desktop (Windows, macOS and Linux) and is well suited for users with advanced knowledge.
Pixlr E has an interface reminiscent of Photoshop. It's much easier to use if you're familiar with Photoshop, but that's just a plus – Photoshop experience isn't necessary to enjoy Pixlr E.

The software provides levels and exposure adjustments, as well as layers and masks. However, there are some features that make it more comprehensive. First, you can open images directly from the URL. It also has a library of royalty-free images and suggested templates if you're creating a design.
Some Pixlr E tools are only available in the Premium version, and you can only work on one image at a time.
Advantage
- Open files from multiple locations
- Provides extensive image editing features
- No installation required
Disadvantages
- There are ads
- Some features require a Premium subscription
- You can only work on one image at a time
Note: Pixlr E is available on web and desktop (Windows and macOS), great for advanced editing.
Picsart is one of the best AI photo editors, with tools like expand, transform, and replace available without a paid subscription. The app also has some useful editing sliders, like changing the hue and white balance of your photo.

You can also adjust the lighting in your photos by changing contrast, shadows, brightness, and highlights. Picsart's light filters and color correction options are also pretty cool. Furthermore, you can add a vintage effect to your photos using different stenciler options.
While HSL and background removal are paid features, you'll get enough free tools to create a great edit.
Advantage
- Comprehensive light filter
- Some useful free AI editing tools
- Many grid and collage options
Disadvantages
- HSL slider is only available with the Pro plan
Note: Picsart is available on web and mobile (iOS and Android), great for AI photo editing.
Many people consider Photopea to be a great alternative to Photoshop. It offers many of the same features, such as multiple filters, layers, quick selection tools, and the ability to work on multiple photos at once. It even allows you to edit PSD files.

Since this app is web-based, you don't need to download anything and can open it on any computer. You don't even need to register. However, because the tool is online, you may encounter problems, especially when doing a lot of editing.
Additionally, some features are a bit difficult to use in this app. For example, if you want to make the background transparent, this is a complicated process and does not always produce the best results.
Advantage
- Can open PSD files
- Allows you to edit from any computer without installation
- There are many editing tools
Disadvantages
- Performance may decrease with heavy editing
- Some features don't work well
Note: Photopea is only available on the web and is great for editing on the go.
Canva is not really a free photo editor but a design tool. Canva is web-based software that requires registration and also offers a paid version. However, the free version is more than enough if your main goal is to create digital designs – and you can use Canva for many purposes as a photographer.

There are countless templates for everything from Instagram posts to animated presentations or even company logos. This app has a simple drag-and-drop interface, with basic photo editing tools to help you tweak existing images. For example, you can add multiple filters and adjust brightness and shadows.
You can also add various effects like blur. It's recommended to use the app with another editing tool if possible, but otherwise you'll have enough tools to make simple adjustments.
Advantage
- Hundreds of great design templates
- Easy drag and drop functionality
- 5GB of free cloud storage on all plans
Disadvantages
- Lacks detailed photo editing tools
- Some templates, stock images, and elements are only available upon registration
Note: Canva is available on web, desktop (macOS and Windows) and mobile (iOS and Android).
Adobe Express is mainly for graphic design and is very similar to Canva. However, although photo editing is not the main use of this app, it still has some useful features to help you in this area. For example, you can easily increase or decrease saturation.

When using Adobe Express, you also have the option to sharpen and blur your images. Furthermore, you will have access to tools like cropping and object deletion.
Adobe Express also has a number of effects. The free version is great, but Adobe Express Premium is well worth it.
Advantage
- Resize your photos for different platforms (e.g. LinkedIn banners and Instagram posts)
- Easy synchronization with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem
- Add different layers to your edit to make the process more concise
Disadvantages
- The filters are quite poor
- Overall photo editing features are limited
Note: Adobe Express is available on web and mobile (iOS and Android).
Photo editing apps don't have to be expensive to have great features. You'll find many great free tools, many of which require no download. Sometimes, you don't even need to register an account.