Affinity Photo vs Spline: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Photo and Spline 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing software without subscription
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
Spline
3D design tool for the web
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Design | Design |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Affinity Photo | Spline |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Design | Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Affinity Photo and Spline solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Affinity Photo positions itself as "professional photo editing software without subscription" while Splinefocuses on "3d design tool for the web". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Spline
Spline is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Spline won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Spline
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Affinity Photo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Affinity Photo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Affinity Photo is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Affinity Photo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Spline has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Affinity Photo higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Spline more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Affinity Photo Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Spline If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Affinity Photo (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Affinity Photo scores higher in our analysis, but Spline might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Photo or Spline better?
Based on our analysis, Affinity Photo scores higher with 86/100. Affinity Photo ispaid while Spline is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Affinity Photo to Spline easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Affinity Photo and Spline offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Affinity Photo is paid with potential trial.Spline is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.