GIMP vs Affinity Photo: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GIMP 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Photo is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick GIMP if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Best for you if:
- • 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
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)
| At a Glance |  GIMP |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose GIMP or Affinity Photo?
Choose GIMP if
Professional image editing, free and open-source
- Completely free
- Open source
- Cross-platform
- You want a fully free tool (Affinity Photo requires payment)
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
| Feature | GIMP | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 4,971 reviews | ★4.6/5 322 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Dated interface
- -Learning curve
Key features
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
Pricing: GIMP vs Affinity Photo
| Plan | GIMP | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $21.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 iPad |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $169.99 one-time Universal License |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GIMP pricing and Affinity Photo pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: GIMP
Want the highest-rated option?
GIMP: 4.4/5 (4,971 reviews). Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews).
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
GIMP: 4,971 reviews (4.4/5). Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: GIMP
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid. Go with GIMP if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Affinity Photo is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Our pick for this comparison
GIMP
- Completely free
- Larger review base (4,971 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. That said, GIMP is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. GIMP is free and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are GIMP and Affinity Photo used for?
GIMP: Professional image editing, free and open-source. Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription.
What does GIMP cost vs Affinity Photo?
GIMP is completely free. Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.