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: Photopea is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick Affinity Photo if you need its specific feature set.
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)
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 | $69.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 | $5/monthPremium |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | - | - |
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 ($5/month vs $69.99/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
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Photopea
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Photopea
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Affinity Photo
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Photopea is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Photo or Photopea better?
Photopea 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.