Affinity Photo vs Photopea: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Photo 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Photo is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick Photopea if you need a free tier to start with.
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:
- • You value community feedback (1 reviews)
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Photopea is a free online photo editor compatible with PSD files
- • It provides Photoshop-like editing in the browser without installation
| At a Glance |  Affinity Photo |  Photopea |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Affinity Photo or Photopea?
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
Choose Photopea if
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
- Free Photoshop alternative
- Browser-based
- PSD support
- Budget matters (Free vs $21.99/one-time)
| Feature | Affinity Photo | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 322 reviews | ★4.6/5 130 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Affinity Photo's one-time purchase model is exceptionally fair and generous compared to the subscription-heavy market.
Watch out
No free tier, only a 30-day trial.
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Photopea's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a fully-featured Photoshop alternative for free, albeit with ads.
Watch out
Time spent viewing ads in Free tier
Strengths
- +Free Photoshop alternative
- +Browser-based
- +PSD support
- +No install needed
- +Feature rich
Weaknesses
- -Ads on free
- -Performance varies
- -No offline mode
- -Less powerful than PS
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Affinity Photo vs Photopea
| Plan | Affinity Photo | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $21.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 iPad | $5 month Premium |
| 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 Photopea pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Photopea has a free tier. Affinity Photo is paid only.
Go with: Photopea
Want the highest-rated option?
Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews). Photopea: 4.6/5 (130 reviews).
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5). Photopea: 130 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Affinity Photo is paid. Photopea is freemium. Photopea lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Photopea
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. Photopea has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Photo or Photopea better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. Affinity Photo is paid and Photopea is freemium.
What are Affinity Photo and Photopea used for?
Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription. Photopea: Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed.
What does Affinity Photo cost vs Photopea?
Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Photopea is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.