Adobe has gotten a little out of control with its pricing models, and at this point, I’m working to replace as many programs as possible on my PC with free or cheap alternatives. I’ve used Photoshop for years, and I’ve always relied on it as my go-to image editor. But with all the AI they’ve begun implementing, as well as the extremely high monthly subscription price they’ve switched to, it’s time to start migrating to other programs.
There are two programs I’ve found myself switching between, depending on the complexity of the project, and both work well enough for me to finally hit the “Uninstall” button on Photoshop. Maybe you’ll find yourself doing the exact same thing that I did.
GIMP is legendary for a reason
This program just keeps on getting better and better
Don’t let the name push you away — GIMP is as legit as it comes. GNU Image Manipulation Program, or GIMP for short, is a fantastic free alternative to Photoshop, and rivals the program it seeks to copy in almost every regard. While it may not be an adequate replacement for professional image editors, most users can quickly switch to GIMP and not notice much difference.
GIMP is also completely open-source, so dedicated users can add features, build upon the source code, and slowly start to make it into the program that they’ve lusted after for years. There are plenty of open-source replacements to subscription-based applications, and GIMP may be the perfect stepping stone into the world of image editing that you’ve been waiting for.
- OS
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Windows, macOS, Linux
- Developer
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Simon Budig
- Price model
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Free (open-source)
PIXLR is a great, web-based alternative
I use this regularly for small work, or just resizing photos
Sometimes you just need to throw together some quick edits, resize a picture, or change the file type. I’ve been using PIXLR for years for those particular reasons, and I’m also shocked by how in-depth I can get when I need to. There are multiple different tools available for use on PIXLR, including an express editor, an in-depth editor, a background remover, and AI tools. While I don’t particularly care for the AI tools myself, some folks may find more use than I do with them.
There is a free version that lets users edit and save up to three photos a day, which may be more than enough for some users. I’ve signed up for the cheapest yearly plan for two years at this point, since I sometimes need to save upwards of 15 pictures a day after resizing or slightly editing them. It’s still much cheaper than Adobe’s $22.99 a month and offers all the features I need regularly.
Photoshop vs. Pixlr for Editing Photos: How Do They Compare?
Pro-level editing or budget-friendly convenience?
GIMP doesn’t charge a dime for any features
If you don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, this one could be for you
While I may prefer the ease of use that PIXLR provides me, there is one thing that GIMP does better than it, as well as Photoshop. The price. Or rather, the lack of any sort of price, subscription, or any hidden fees. Everything that GIMP has to offer, it offers to prospective users at no additional cost, which in the year 2026 feels almost unheard of. It always feels like there is a subscription hiding around every corner, no matter if you want to take your game console online for some multiplayer, or if you’re hoping to watch your favorite movie.
Even Adobe has gotten rid of a way to officially “own” Photoshop or any of its other products, instead offering a monthly subscription for all of its different products. It got to the point where I was quick to replace Adobe Reader with PDFGear, and it was one of the best things I’ve done recently. GIMP and PIXLR are no different, as they give me exactly what I need at little to no extra cost.
Photoshop may still be preferred for professionals
It’s hard to drop a program you’ve used for so long
While GIMP may work wonders for someone like me, it may not be the solution for those who have invested their whole life in the Adobe infrastructure. Photoshop is so well known for a reason, and so many professionals use it for a wide range of reasons. I can’t blame you if you don’t want to switch. But, even if you’re the slightest bit curious about GIMP, I strongly suggest giving it a try. You may find that with some simple patches, PhotoGIMP can look and feel just like your favorite image editor.
GIMP is worth the investment to learn — you had to start somewhere with Photoshop, didn’t you? After some time in the trenches, you may emerge feeling much more confident in your editing skills and love what the program has to offer. And if you don’t like GIMP? You can still keep rocking with Photoshop. But I suggest at least giving it a chance before you write it off.
GIMP and PIXLR both rock in their respective ways
I’m happy to save some additional cash in exchange for some of my time
I love mucking around with different things and finding ways to make them more useful for myself. No matter if it’s devoting an entire weekend to turn a Chromebook into a Linux-powered Home Assistant hub, or finding ways to make my home more accessible for the people I love, I’m not afraid to devote some time to something new. That’s why I adore both GIMP and PIXLR equally, as they provide me with a way to make my life a little simpler, cheaper, and most importantly, more productive.
It’s going to take some time to make the adjustment from Photoshop to one of these alternative programs, but if you’ve got the time to spare, you may find that you’ve been overlooking a crucial piece of software in your editing journey. Sure, the name may be a little silly, but at the end of the day, some of the best programs have the weirdest names.
