In today’s digital age, photography has become an integral part of our lives. With smartphones equipped with high-resolution cameras, capturing moments has never been easier. However, to take our photography to the next level, we need the help of photo editing apps that can transform ordinary pictures into stunning masterpieces.

In this comprehensive article, we present the 20 best photo editing apps available in the market. Each app is meticulously analyzed, providing you with detailed information on their unique features, pricing plans, pros, and cons. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional photographer, these apps will help you unleash your creativity and create extraordinary images that leave a lasting impression.

Criteria for Evaluation: Choosing the Best Photo Editing Apps

1. Adobe Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express is a user-friendly, mobile version of the popular Adobe Photoshop software. It is designed to provide essential photo editing tools and features for quick and easy image enhancements on the go. With a simplified interface, users can perform tasks such as cropping, rotating, adjusting brightness and contrast, applying filters, and removing red-eye from photos. The app also supports various file formats and allows users to save their edited images directly to their device or share them on social media platforms. Adobe Photoshop Express is a convenient option for those who want to edit and improve their photos without the need for extensive technical knowledge or complex software.

Features:

• Crop, rotate, and flip images.
• Auto-fix feature for quick enhancements.
• Extensive collection of filters and effects.
• Advanced editing tools, including noise reduction and color correction.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for additional features.
• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription offers access to premium features.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Comprehensive editing options.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription.

2. Snapseed

Snapseed is a powerful and intuitive mobile photo editing app developed by Google. It offers a wide range of tools and filters that allow users to enhance and transform their photos with ease. The app includes features like basic adjustments for brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, as well as advanced editing options such as selective editing, healing brush, and perspective correction. Snapseed’s user-friendly interface and non-destructive editing process make it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers. Additionally, it offers various creative filters and styles to add unique touches to images. With its comprehensive set of editing tools and seamless integration with social media platforms, Snapseed is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to take their mobile photography to the next level.

Features:

• Healing brush for removing imperfections.
• Selective filter brush for targeted adjustments.
• Glamour Glow and Lens Blur effects.
• RAW file support for professional photographers.

Pricing:

• Free to use.

Pros:

• Professional-level editing capabilities.
• Non-destructive editing.
• Intuitive user interface.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for beginners due to complexity.

3. VSCO

VSCO, short for Visual Supply Company, is a popular mobile photo editing app and social platform for creative individuals. Known for its impressive array of high-quality filters and editing tools, VSCO allows users to transform their photos and give them a unique and artistic touch. The app’s minimalist and user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate through the various editing options and presets. VSCO also serves as a social platform where users can share their edited images, follow other users, and discover inspiring content. It has become a favorite among photographers, influencers, and visual enthusiasts, providing a space to showcase creativity and connect with a like-minded community. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just a casual photo enthusiast, VSCO offers a seamless and enjoyable experience for elevating your mobile photography skills.

Features:

• A vast library of film-inspired presets.
• Editing tools for exposure, color, and grain adjustments.
• Photo-sharing platform for a creative community.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for additional filters and features.
• VSCO Membership offers access to the entire filter library.

Pros:

• Beautiful film-like presets.
• Social platform for sharing and discovering art.
• Clean and user-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Some filters require a VSCO Membership.

4. Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a widely-used and powerful photo editing and organization software designed for both desktop and mobile devices. With its comprehensive set of tools and features, Lightroom allows photographers and enthusiasts to enhance, retouch, and manage their images efficiently. The software offers non-destructive editing, enabling users to make adjustments without altering the original image file. Lightroom’s intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through various editing options, including exposure, color, contrast, and more. Additionally, it provides advanced features like batch processing and the ability to sync edits across multiple devices, making it a go-to choice for professionals who require a seamless workflow. Furthermore, Lightroom’s organizational capabilities allow users to create collections, tag images, and apply keywords for effortless image management. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned photographer, Adobe Lightroom offers a versatile and indispensable toolset for achieving stunning results with your photos.

Features:

• RAW image editing.
• Tone curves and split toning.
• Advanced presets and profiles.
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features.
• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for access to full capabilities.

Pros:

• Professional-grade editing tools.
• Organizational features for efficient workflow.
• Syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud.

Cons:

• Advanced features require a subscription.

5. PicsArt

PicsArt is a popular and feature-rich mobile photo editing and creative app that has gained widespread popularity among users. With a diverse range of editing tools and filters, PicsArt offers a comprehensive platform for users to enhance, manipulate, and transform their photos into stunning artworks. The app’s creative possibilities extend beyond basic adjustments, as it also provides options for adding text, stickers, and overlays, allowing users to express their creativity in unique ways. PicsArt’s social networking aspect enables users to share their creations, explore content from other users, and engage in a thriving creative community. Moreover, the app offers a variety of in-app challenges and tutorials, which further encourage artistic growth and experimentation. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, digital artist, or simply want to add flair to your photos, PicsArt is a versatile and enjoyable app that caters to a wide range of creative interests.

Features:

• Drawing and painting tools.
• Collage maker with customizable templates.
• Photo remixing and editing.
• Community for sharing and discovering art.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features.
• PicsArt Gold subscription unlocks exclusive content.

Pros:

• Versatile editing and creative tools.
• Active and supportive community.
• Regularly updated with new features.

Cons:

• Ads may be intrusive in the free version.

6. Prisma

Prisma is an innovative mobile app that has gained significant popularity for its unique approach to photo editing. Unlike traditional photo editing apps, Prisma uses artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms to transform photos into stunning artworks with a range of artistic styles inspired by famous artists and art movements. Users can choose from an extensive collection of filters that mimic the styles of renowned painters like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Munch, among others. The app’s ability to apply these sophisticated artistic filters to photos with precision and detail has captured the attention of photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Prisma’s seamless integration with social media platforms makes it easy for users to share their transformed images with friends and followers. Its ability to turn ordinary photos into captivating and artistic masterpieces has made Prisma a favorite among those seeking to add a touch of creativity and flair to their visual storytelling.

Features:

• Over 300 art filters inspired by famous artists.
• High-resolution image processing.
• Prisma AI for real-time style suggestions.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for additional filters.
• Prisma Premium offers unlimited access to filters.

Pros:

• Unique and artistic filters.
• Simple and user-friendly interface.
• Real-time style suggestions.

Cons:

• Some filters are exclusive to Prisma Premium.

7. Afterlight

Afterlight is a popular and user-friendly mobile photo editing app that offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and filters. With an intuitive interface, users can effortlessly enhance their photos by adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and other essential parameters. The app also provides a variety of creative filters, textures, and frames to add unique and artistic touches to images. Afterlight’s simplicity and ease of use make it a go-to choice for quick and efficient photo editing on the go. Additionally, the app offers features like selective color adjustments and advanced tools for fine-tuning details, making it a suitable option for both amateur and professional photographers. Whether you want to enhance your selfies or create captivating landscapes, Afterlight provides a versatile and enjoyable editing experience for anyone looking to elevate their mobile photography game.

Features:

• Dust and light leak overlays for vintage effects.
• Advanced editing tools for precise adjustments.
• Curated filter packs for various themes.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium content.
• Afterlight+ subscription offers access to all features.

Pros:

• Minimalist and intuitive interface.
• Abundance of filters and textures.
• Regularly updated with new content.

Cons:

• Some premium content requires a subscription.

8. Enlight

Enlight is a powerful and versatile mobile photo editing app that offers a wide array of creative tools and features. With its user-friendly interface, the app allows users to transform their photos into stunning works of art. Enlight provides a comprehensive set of editing options, including basic adjustments, filters, and various artistic effects. One of its standout features is the ability to apply selective edits to specific areas of an image, allowing for precise enhancements and adjustments. Moreover, the app offers advanced tools for retouching, blending, and adding text and graphics to create visually appealing and unique compositions. Enlight’s impressive capabilities cater to both amateur and professional photographers, offering a platform for unleashing creative potential and producing captivating and polished images. Whether you’re a casual smartphone photographer or a creative enthusiast, Enlight provides an enjoyable and enriching experience for elevating your mobile photo editing skills.

Features:

• Artistic filters and effects.
• Advanced editing tools for precise adjustments.
• Masking and layering capabilities.

Pricing:

• Paid app with no in-app purchases or subscriptions.

Pros:

• Versatile editing capabilities.
• Layer support for creative compositions.
• No subscription model.

Cons:

• Initial learning curve for new users.

9. TouchRetouch

TouchRetouch is a popular and handy mobile photo editing app designed to remove unwanted elements and imperfections from images with ease. Its intuitive interface and powerful retouching tools make it simple for users to eliminate objects, blemishes, and distractions from their photos seamlessly. The app’s “Quick Repair” and “Lasso” tools enable precise selection and removal of unwanted elements, while the “Clone Stamp” tool helps to replicate surrounding pixels for a clean and natural look. TouchRetouch is particularly valuable for photographers who want to enhance the composition of their images by erasing unsightly objects or retouching minor flaws. Whether you need to remove a photobomber, erase power lines from a landscape, or fix minor imperfections, TouchRetouch offers a user-friendly solution for achieving polished and professional-looking results right from your mobile device.

Features:

• One-touch removal of unwanted objects.
• Clone stamp tool for seamless retouching.
• Single-flick line removal for easy corrections.

Pricing:

• Available for purchase with a one-time fee.

Pros:

• Specialized and efficient object removal.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• No recurring subscription costs.

Cons:

• Limited editing capabilities beyond object removal.

10. Facetune

Facetune is a popular and powerful mobile photo editing app that is specially designed for portrait retouching and enhancing selfies. With its user-friendly interface and advanced tools, Facetune allows users to transform and refine facial features with precision and ease. The app offers a wide range of features, including teeth whitening, skin smoothing, blemish removal, and reshaping capabilities, enabling users to achieve flawless and picture-perfect portraits. Its “Patch” tool and “Tones” feature help to even out skin tone and eliminate imperfections, while the “Whiten” tool enhances smiles effortlessly. Additionally, Facetune offers creative options for applying filters, adding makeup effects, and intensifying eyes, making it a go-to choice for anyone seeking to enhance their selfies and create stunning portrait photos. Whether you’re a social media enthusiast or a professional photographer, Facetune offers a comprehensive suite of tools to take your portrait editing to the next level, producing captivating and polished results.

Features:

• Teeth whitening and brightening of eyes.
• Smoothing and reshaping of facial features.
• Artistic filters and special effects.

Pricing:

• Available for purchase with a one-time fee.

Pros:

• Targeted and effective portrait editing.
• User-friendly interface.
• No subscription or in-app purchases.

Cons:

• Limited to portrait editing only.

11. Procreate

Procreate is a highly acclaimed digital painting and illustration app designed exclusively for iPad users. Known for its professional-grade capabilities and user-friendly interface, Procreate provides a robust set of tools and features that empower artists and designers to create intricate and captivating artworks. The app offers a wide variety of brushes, including realistic ones that mimic traditional mediums, enabling users to achieve a wide range of styles and textures. Procreate’s advanced layer system allows for seamless experimentation and non-destructive editing, while its vast color options and blending modes enhance the creative process. With features like time-lapse recording and PSD support, Procreate ensures smooth workflow and easy sharing of artworks. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, Procreate has become a favorite in the digital art community, providing a powerful and portable canvas for unleashing artistic potential and producing stunning illustrations.

Features:

• High-resolution canvas for detailed artwork.
• Extensive collection of brushes and textures.
• Layer support and blending modes.

Pricing:

• Available for purchase with a one-time fee.

Pros:

• Professional-grade drawing tools.
• Endless creative possibilities.
• Suitable for both beginners and experts.

Cons:

• Not specifically designed for photo editing.

12. Canva

Canva is a popular and versatile graphic design platform that empowers users to create a wide range of visual content with ease. Whether for social media, marketing materials, presentations, or personal projects, Canva offers a user-friendly interface with a vast library of pre-designed templates, images, icons, and fonts that can be customized to suit individual needs. The drag-and-drop functionality allows for effortless design creation, even for users with little to no design experience. Additionally, Canva’s collaboration features enable team members to work together on projects in real-time. With its accessibility and diverse creative options, Canva has become a go-to choice for individuals and businesses alike, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for producing professional and eye-catching designs without the need for specialized design software or skills.

Features:

• Editing tools for filters, crop, and adjustments.
• Templates for social media graphics, posters, and more.
• Access to a vast library of stock photos and elements.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium elements.
• Canva Pro subscription unlocks additional features.

Pros:

• Versatile graphic design and photo editing.
• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Collaboration options for team projects.

Cons:

• Some premium elements require a subscription.

13. Fotor

Fotor is a popular and user-friendly online photo editing and graphic design platform that caters to both beginners and experienced users. With its intuitive interface and a wide array of editing tools, Fotor enables users to enhance their photos, apply filters, and add creative effects effortlessly. The platform also offers a selection of templates and design elements, making it easy to create eye-catching graphics for social media, marketing materials, and personal projects. Fotor’s collage maker allows users to combine multiple images into stunning compositions, and its HDR and beauty retouching tools further enhance the editing capabilities. Whether you’re looking to touch up a selfie, design captivating visuals, or edit your photos with professional-level precision, Fotor provides a versatile and accessible platform for all your creative needs.

Features:

• HDR and beauty retouching tools.
• Tilt-shift and mosaic effects.
• Collage maker with customizable templates.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for additional features.
• Fotor Pro subscription offers access to premium content.

Pros:

• All-in-one photo editing and collage-making app.
• User-friendly interface.
• Regular updates with new features.

Cons:

• Some features are limited in the free version.

14. Pixlr

Pixlr is a popular and versatile online photo editing platform that offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and creative features. With its user-friendly interface, Pixlr allows users to enhance and retouch their photos, apply filters, and add various artistic effects effortlessly. The platform supports layers, enabling advanced editing and non-destructive adjustments, and provides a wide range of filters and overlays to add unique touches to images. Pixlr also offers a suite of graphic design tools, making it suitable for creating social media graphics, banners, and posters. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional designer, Pixlr provides a convenient and accessible platform for elevating your photo editing and graphic design projects without the need for expensive software or extensive editing knowledge.

Features:

• AI-powered background removal.
• Double exposure and blending modes.
• Advanced editing tools for precise adjustments.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium effects.
• Pixlr Premium subscription unlocks full features.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of effects and tools.
• AI-powered background removal is a time-saver.
• Regularly updated with new content.

Cons:

• Some premium effects require a subscription.

15. Instasize

Instasize is a popular and user-friendly mobile photo editing app that focuses on providing a seamless experience for enhancing and sharing images on social media platforms. With a simple and intuitive interface, Instasize offers a range of editing tools, including filters, adjustments, and creative effects, allowing users to improve the quality and aesthetics of their photos effortlessly. The app also caters to Instagram users, as it enables easy resizing of images to fit the platform’s square format without cropping. Additionally, Instasize offers various templates and layouts for creating eye-catching collages and stories, making it a convenient option for anyone looking to curate visually appealing content on social media. Whether you’re an influencer, content creator, or just want to enhance your personal photos, Instasize provides a quick and effective solution for achieving polished and engaging visuals on the go.

Features:

• Filters and editing tools optimized for Instagram.
• Creative borders and backgrounds.
• Text and caption tools for adding captions to images.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features.
• Instasize Plus subscription unlocks full capabilities.

Pros:

• Tailored for Instagram users.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• Regular updates with new features.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription.

16. Polarr

Polarr is a feature-rich and advanced photo editing software available for both desktop and mobile devices. Known for its professional-grade editing capabilities, Polarr provides users with a wide range of tools and features to retouch and enhance their photos with precision and creativity. The app offers a highly customizable interface, allowing users to create their own unique editing workflow and access a plethora of adjustment options, filters, and effects. With support for RAW files and advanced color grading tools, Polarr caters to the needs of photographers and enthusiasts who seek to fine-tune every aspect of their images. Additionally, Polarr’s artificial intelligence-driven features, such as facial recognition and auto-enhancement, streamline the editing process and deliver impressive results effortlessly. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a beginner, Polarr’s versatility and professional-grade editing tools make it a go-to choice for producing stunning and professionally polished photos.

Features:

• AI-powered facial recognition for portrait retouching.
• Advanced editing tools for precise adjustments.
• Gradient and radial masking for targeted adjustments.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features.
• Polarr Pro subscription unlocks all capabilities.

Pros:

• Professional-level editing capabilities.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• AI-powered portrait retouching.

Cons:

• Some features are limited in the free version.

17. Enlight Pixaloop

Enlight Pixaloop is a powerful mobile app that combines photo editing with animation, allowing users to bring their still images to life. With its intuitive interface, Enlight Pixaloop offers a variety of tools that enable users to add dynamic and mesmerizing animations to their photos. The app’s “Anchors” feature allows users to selectively animate specific elements in the image, while the “Arrows” tool helps to control the direction and speed of the animations. From creating flowing rivers and moving clouds to adding flickering lights and dynamic effects, Enlight Pixaloop provides a unique and creative way to breathe life into static images. Whether you want to impress your social media followers or explore a new form of visual storytelling, Enlight Pixaloop offers an enjoyable and innovative platform for adding captivating animations to your photos right from your mobile device.

Features:

• Animation tools for adding movement to images.
• Overlays and effects for dynamic enhancements.
• Keyframe animations for precise control.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for additional effects.
• Pixaloop Pro subscription unlocks full potential.

Pros:

• Unique animation features for dynamic images.
• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Regular updates with new animations.

Cons:

• Some animations are exclusive to the Pro subscription.

18. ProCam

ProCam is a feature-rich and versatile camera app available for iOS devices, offering users a professional-level photography experience on their mobile devices. With its intuitive interface, ProCam provides a wide range of manual controls, including ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance, and exposure compensation, allowing photographers to have precise control over their shots. The app also supports RAW photo capture, enabling users to capture and edit images with maximum detail and flexibility. Additionally, ProCam offers advanced features such as night mode, long exposure, burst mode, and time-lapse, expanding the creative possibilities for users to capture a variety of scenes and subjects. With its ability to shoot in various formats and aspect ratios, ProCam serves as a go-to app for both casual photographers and professionals seeking enhanced capabilities and superior image quality on their iOS devices.

Features:

• Manual controls for exposure, focus, and white balance.
• RAW photo capture for maximum editing flexibility.
• Video recording with manual settings.

Pricing:

• Available for purchase with a one-time fee.

Pros:

• Professional-grade manual controls.
• Versatile for both photos and videos.
• No recurring subscription costs.

Cons:

• May be overwhelming for beginners.

19. A Color Story

A Color Story is a popular and user-friendly mobile photo editing app designed to enhance and transform images with vibrant and eye-catching colors. With its intuitive interface and a wide selection of filters, effects, and adjustment tools, A Color Story allows users to bring out the best in their photos effortlessly. The app’s emphasis on bright and lively colors makes it particularly appealing for creating vibrant and visually striking visuals for social media, blog posts, and personal projects. In addition to its editing capabilities, A Color Story offers creative tools like curves and selective editing, enabling users to fine-tune specific areas of their images with precision. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, a photography enthusiast, or just want to add a splash of color to your photos, A Color Story offers a fun and accessible way to elevate your mobile photography and create stunning and captivating visuals.

Features:

• Bright and colorful filters for vibrant images.
• Tools for adjusting curves, exposure, and contrast.
• Unique effects and textures for creative edits.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium filters.
• A Color Story+ subscription unlocks all filters.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of bright and colorful filters.
• User-friendly interface.
• Social sharing options for easy posting.

Cons:

• Some premium filters require a subscription.

20. InShot

InShot is a popular and versatile mobile video editing app that offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for creating impressive videos right from your smartphone. With its user-friendly interface, InShot allows users to trim, cut, and merge video clips effortlessly, making it easy to achieve seamless transitions and polished final products. The app also provides various video effects, filters, and text overlays, allowing users to add creative touches and enhance the visual appeal of their videos. InShot’s built-in music library and voice-over recording capabilities further enhance the editing experience, enabling users to add soundtracks and narration to their videos. Additionally, the app supports various aspect ratios, making it suitable for creating content optimized for different social media platforms. Whether you’re a content creator, vlogger, or just want to edit your personal videos, InShot offers a convenient and accessible platform for producing engaging and professional-looking videos on the go.

Features:

• Video editing tools, including trimming and transitions.
• Filters and effects for both photos and videos.
• Text and sticker overlays for creative enhancements.

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases for premium features.
• InShot Pro subscription unlocks full editing capabilities.

Pros:

• All-in-one app for photo and video editing.
• Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Regularly updated with new features.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription.

FAQs

1. Q: Can I use these photo editing apps on both Android and iOS devices?
   • A: Yes, most of the apps listed in this article are available for both Android and iOS platforms, allowing you to enjoy seamless photo editing across different devices.
2. Q: Are these photo editing apps suitable for beginners?
   • A: Yes, many of the apps mentioned in this article are designed with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features, making them suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
3. Q: Do I need to purchase a subscription to access the full features of these apps?
   • A: While most apps offer free versions with basic features, some advanced tools and filters may require a subscription or one-time purchase to unlock the full potential.
4. Q: Can I edit RAW images with these photo editing apps?
   • A: Yes, several apps on the list support RAW image editing, allowing you to retain the highest image quality and make more precise adjustments.
5. Q: Do these apps provide social sharing options for sharing edited photos directly on social media platforms?
   • A: Yes, many of the photo editing apps offer built-in social sharing options, enabling you to share your edited photos directly on popular social media platforms.
6. Q: Can I use multiple apps to edit the same photo for a more comprehensive editing process?
   • A: Absolutely! Many photographers and artists use multiple apps in their editing workflow to achieve the desired results and add unique touches to their photos.

Conclusion

In the age of visual storytelling, photo editing apps have become indispensable tools for photographers, artists, and social media enthusiasts alike. With the 20 best photo editing apps listed in this article, you can unleash your creativity, elevate your photography skills, and bring your images to life with stunning effects and enhancements.From professional-grade editing tools to artistic filters and innovative features, each app has something unique to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, these apps cater to all levels of expertise and allow you to create visual masterpieces that leave a lasting impression on your audience.Remember to explore different apps, experiment with various filters and effects, and let your creativity soar as you embark on your photo editing journey. With the right tools at your fingertips, you have the power to transform ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.So, go ahead and explore the world of photo editing apps to enhance your creativity, capture precious memories, and share your vision with the world!