Finding the right photo editing software for your PC can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking for advanced features or a beginner wanting simple tools to enhance your images, choosing the wrong software can waste both time and money.
Not all photo editing software is created equal. Some programs like Adobe Photoshop offer comprehensive professional-grade tools but require significant learning time. Others like Fotor provide beginner-friendly interfaces perfect for quick color adjustments and basic edits without the complexity.
This comprehensive guide examines 18 of the best photo editing software options for PC, covering everything from industry-standard professional tools to budget-friendly alternatives. We’ll explore their key features, pricing, pros and cons, and help you determine which software best fits your skill level and editing needs.
Professional Photo Editing Software
Adobe Photoshop
Price: $20.99/month standalone or $54.99/month with Creative Cloud
Free Trial: 7 days
Adobe Photoshop remains the gold standard for professional photo editing software. This powerful program supports layered editing, allowing multiple overlays that act as masks, filters, and shadows. You can manipulate raster images, alter colors and textures, and work with virtually any file format.
Key Features:
- Advanced layered editing system
- Comprehensive tool collection
- Regular monthly updates
- Support for all major file formats
- Extensive third-party plugin ecosystem
Pros:
- Industry-standard professional tools
- Constant improvements and new features
- Massive community and learning resources
- Unmatched versatility for complex projects
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Complex interface can be overwhelming
- Subscription-based pricing only
Best For: Professional photographers, graphic designers, and advanced users who need comprehensive editing capabilities.
Adobe Lightroom
Price: Starting at $9.99/month with 1TB storage
Free Trial: 7 days
Adobe Lightroom excels at color correction and batch photo editing. Unlike Photoshop’s complexity, Lightroom offers a user-friendly interface specifically designed for photographers who need efficient workflow management and professional color grading tools.
Key Features:
- Professional color correction tools
- Batch editing capabilities
- Cloud storage and synchronization
- Extensive preset library
- Non-destructive editing workflow
Pros:
- Intuitive interface for photographers
- Excellent batch processing
- Automatic source file saving
- Strong mobile app integration
Cons:
- Limited advanced retouching capabilities
- Catalog system can be confusing
- Requires subscription
Best For: Wedding photographers, event shooters, and anyone who processes large volumes of photos regularly.
Capture One Pro
Price: $24/month or $179/year
Free Trial: 30 days
Capture One Pro delivers exceptional color handling and supports cameras from Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon. This professional-grade software offers layer-based image blending and advanced masking tools for complex editing projects.
Key Features:
- Superior color processing engine
- Advanced masking and layer tools
- Tethered shooting capabilities
- Professional-grade RAW processing
- Cloud storage integration
Pros:
- Outstanding color accuracy
- Robust professional toolset
- Excellent RAW file support
- Layer-based editing capabilities
Cons:
- Requires powerful hardware
- Complex user interface
- Limited learning resources
- Higher price point
Best For: Professional photographers who prioritize color accuracy and work with supported camera brands.
User-Friendly Editing Software
Luminar Neo
Price: Starting at $4.96/month or $199 one-time purchase
Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
Luminar Neo combines powerful AI-driven tools with an intuitive interface. This software makes advanced editing techniques accessible to beginners while providing enough depth for experienced users.
Key Features:
- AI-powered editing tools
- One-click presets and filters
- Background replacement technology
- Portrait enhancement tools
- Non-destructive RAW editing
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Powerful AI automation
- Regular feature updates
- Reasonable pricing options
Cons:
- Limited organizational features
- Not optimized for mobile
- Fewer manual controls than professional software
Best For: Enthusiast photographers who want professional results without extensive technical knowledge.
PhotoDirector 365
Price: $14.99/month or $169.99 one-time purchase
Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
PhotoDirector 365 offers smart editing tools with AI-powered features like sky replacement and content-aware object removal. The software provides a good balance between functionality and ease of use.
Key Features:
- AI sky replacement
- Content-aware object removal
- GIF animation capabilities
- Face tagging and organization
- Wide format support (TIFF, JPEG, RAW)
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface
- Regular updates with new features
- Good value for the feature set
- Non-destructive workflow
Cons:
- Can be slow to launch
- Limited organizational tools
- Switching between modes can be confusing
Best For: Hobbyist photographers and content creators who need versatile editing capabilities.
Fotor
Price: $39.99/year for Pro features
Free Trial: 3 days
Fotor provides one-click photo editing with smart filters and effects. This cloud-based editor works well for quick enhancements and social media content creation.
Key Features:
- One-click editing tools
- Extensive filter collection
- Collage maker functionality
- RAW file converter
- Cloud-based workflow
Pros:
- Very user-friendly interface
- Comprehensive free version
- Good for social media content
- Cross-platform availability
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing options
- Contains advertisements in free version
- Not suitable for complex projects
Best For: Casual photographers, bloggers, and social media content creators who need quick, simple edits.
Budget-Friendly Options
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Price: $69.99 one-time purchase
Free Trial: 30 days
Photoshop Elements offers many professional features at a fraction of the cost. This stripped-down version of Photoshop includes guided edits and automatic enhancements perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
- Simplified Photoshop tools
- Guided editing tutorials
- Photo organizer included
- RAW image support
- Slideshow and video creation
Pros:
- One-time purchase model
- Includes helpful tutorials
- Good balance of features and simplicity
- Photo management tools
Cons:
- Less frequent updates than full Photoshop
- Some advanced features missing
- Interface feels somewhat dated
Best For: Beginners who want Photoshop-like capabilities without the complexity or subscription cost.
Movavi Photo Editor
Price: $69.95 lifetime or $49.95/year
Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
Movavi Photo Editor focuses on simplicity without sacrificing essential features. The software includes photo restoration tools for repairing old or damaged images.
Key Features:
- Photo restoration capabilities
- Automatic object recognition
- 3D image effects
- Background removal tools
- Format conversion options
Pros:
- Low system requirements
- Straightforward interface
- Good photo restoration features
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Limited free version
- Not optimized for mobile devices
- Fewer advanced features than competitors
Best For: Users who want simple, effective editing tools without learning complex software.
PhotoWorks
Price: $19.25/year Standard, $39.20/year Pro, $79.80 lifetime Ultimate
Free Trial: 14 days
PhotoWorks provides professional-grade retouching tools in a beginner-friendly package. The software excels at portrait enhancement and offers numerous one-click effects.
Key Features:
- Advanced portrait retouching
- One-click enhancement effects
- Digital noise reduction
- Watermark and caption tools
- Batch processing capabilities
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Professional retouching capabilities
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Good customer support
Cons:
- No layer support
- Limited batch processing
- Fewer tutorials available
Best For: Portrait photographers and beginners who want professional retouching tools.
Specialized and Free Options
PhotoDiva
Price: Free (Pro version $29.40)
PhotoDiva specializes in portrait enhancement and beauty retouching. This free software uses AI to automatically improve facial features, skin texture, and apply digital makeup effects.
Key Features:
- Automatic beauty retouching
- Digital makeup application
- Hair and eye color changes
- Facial feature sculpting
- One-click portrait enhancement
Pros:
- Completely free basic version
- Specialized portrait tools
- Windows 11 compatibility
- Automatic enhancement features
Cons:
- Limited to portrait editing
- Fewer learning resources
- Basic functionality in free version
Best For: Portrait photographers and social media users who focus primarily on people photography.
ON1 Photo RAW
Price: Starting at $7.99/month
Free Trial: 14 days
ON1 Photo RAW combines the simplicity of Lightroom with advanced tools similar to Capture One Pro. The software includes powerful AI masking tools and focus stacking capabilities.
Key Features:
- Super Select AI masking
- Focus stacking functionality
- Text tools for branding
- Comprehensive RAW processing
- All-in-one workflow solution
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set
- Advanced AI tools
- Good value for the price
- Regular feature updates
Cons:
- Can be slow with large files
- Confusing pricing structure
- Performance issues on older hardware
Best For: Photographers seeking an all-in-one solution that combines organization, editing, and advanced features.
How to Choose the Right Software
When selecting photo editing software for your PC, consider these key factors:
Skill Level: Beginners should start with user-friendly options like Fotor or PhotoWorks, while professionals might prefer Photoshop or Capture One Pro.
Budget: Determine whether you prefer subscription models (Adobe products) or one-time purchases (Photoshop Elements, Movavi).
Editing Needs: Consider what type of photography you do most. Portrait photographers might prefer PhotoDiva or PhotoWorks, while landscape photographers might need Lightroom’s batch processing capabilities.
Hardware Requirements: Ensure your PC meets the software requirements. Professional tools like Photoshop and Capture One Pro require more powerful hardware.
Learning Resources: Consider the availability of tutorials and community support, especially important for complex software like Photoshop.
Making Your Decision
The best photo editing software for PC depends entirely on your specific needs, skill level, and budget. Adobe Photoshop remains the professional standard for comprehensive editing capabilities, while Lightroom excels for photographers who process many images regularly.
For beginners seeking powerful yet accessible tools, Luminar Neo and PhotoDirector 365 offer excellent middle-ground options with AI-powered features that simplify complex tasks. Budget-conscious users should consider one-time purchase options like Photoshop Elements or Movavi Photo Editor.
Don’t overlook free trials when making your decision. Most software offers trial periods that let you test features and interface design before committing. Take advantage of these trials to find the software that feels most comfortable for your workflow and editing style.
