Coolors vs Affinity Photo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Coolors and Affinity Photo 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:
Coolors
Color palette generator and design tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ui/ux design features specifically
- • Coolors is a color palette generator that helps designers create beautiful color schemes
- • It generates harmonious palettes, extracts colors from images, and exports to any format
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
| At a Glance |  Coolors |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | UI/UX Design | Image Editing |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Coolors | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | UI/UX DesignGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Coolors and Affinity Photo solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Coolors positions itself as "color palette generator and design tool" while Affinity Photofocuses on "professional photo editing". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Coolors
Coolors makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Coolors lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Coolors
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Coolors handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Coolors
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Affinity Photo takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Affinity Photo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Coolors, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Coolors higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Affinity Photo more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Coolors Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Affinity Photo If
- 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 Coolors (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Coolors scores higher in our analysis, but Affinity Photo 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 Coolors or Affinity Photo better?
Based on our analysis, Coolors scores higher with 86/100. Coolors isfreemium while Affinity Photo is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Coolors to Affinity Photo 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 Coolors and Affinity Photo offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Coolors is freemium with a free tier.Affinity Photo is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.