Adobe Lightroom vs Photopea: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Lightroom and Photopea comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Photo editing and organization software starting at $9.99/month with Photography plan or $11.99 standalone
- • Non-destructive editing with powerful color grading, presets, and AI-powered masking tools
Photopea
Free online photo editor
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Photopea is a free online photo editor compatible with PSD files
- • It provides Photoshop-like editing in the browser without installation
| At a Glance |  Adobe Lightroom |  Photopea |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Image Editing | Graphic Design |
Rating | 90/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Adobe Lightroom | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Image EditingColor Tools | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How Adobe Lightroom and Photopea Compare
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Paid · 90/100 score
Photopea
Free online photo editor
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Adobe Lightroom is a image editing tool. Photopea is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Photopea has a free tier. Adobe Lightroom is paid only.
Go with: Photopea
Want the highest-rated option?
Adobe Lightroom: 90/100. Photopea: 86/100.
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Adobe Lightroom is paid. Photopea is freemium. Photopea lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Adobe Lightroom is a image editing tool. Photopea is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Adobe Lightroom scores higher: 90/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Lightroom
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 86
- Our pick for this comparison
Photopea
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for graphic design
The Bottom Line
Adobe Lightroom (90/100) is our pick. Photopea has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Lightroom or Photopea better?
Adobe Lightroom scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Adobe Lightroom is paid and Photopea is freemium.
What are Adobe Lightroom and Photopea used for?
Adobe Lightroom: Photo editing and organization. Photopea: Free online photo editor.
What does Adobe Lightroom cost vs Photopea?
Adobe Lightroom is a paid tool. Photopea is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.