Affinity Photo vs GIMP: Which Should You Choose 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated April 16, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
GIMP
Free image editor
Best for you if:
- 0
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How Affinity Photo and GIMP Compare
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Paid
GIMP
Free image editor
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: GIMP
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
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 graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- 0
- Our pick for this comparison
GIMP
- Completely free
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 high in our evaluation. Affinity Photo is paid and GIMP is free.
What are Affinity Photo and GIMP used for?
Affinity Photo: Professional photo editing. GIMP: Free image editor.
What does Affinity Photo cost vs GIMP?
Affinity Photo is a paid tool. GIMP is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.