Affinity Photo vs GIMP: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Photo and GIMP 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Photo is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick GIMP if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Best for you if:
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • GIMP is a free and open-source image editor that rivals Photoshop in capabilities
- • It provides photo retouching, image composition, and graphic design tools
| At a Glance |  Affinity Photo |  GIMP |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Affinity Photo or GIMP?
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
Choose GIMP if
Professional image editing, free and open-source
- Completely free
- Open source
- Cross-platform
- You want a fully free tool (Affinity Photo requires payment)
| Feature | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 322 reviews | ★4.4/5 4,971 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Dated interface
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Affinity Photo vs GIMP
| Plan | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $21.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 iPad | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $169.99 one-time Universal License | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Affinity Photo pricing and GIMP pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: GIMP
Want the highest-rated option?
Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews). GIMP: 4.4/5 (4,971 reviews).
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5). GIMP: 4,971 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: GIMP
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Affinity Photo is paid. GIMP is free. Go with GIMP if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Affinity Photo is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Our pick for this comparison
GIMP
- Completely free
- Larger review base (4,971 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. That said, GIMP is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Photo or GIMP better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. Affinity Photo is paid and GIMP is free.
What are Affinity Photo and GIMP used for?
Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription. GIMP: Professional image editing, free and open-source.
What does Affinity Photo cost vs GIMP?
Affinity Photo is a paid tool. GIMP is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.