GIMP vs Affinity Photo: Which Should You Choose 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GIMP
Free image editor
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
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | 78/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | GIMP | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How GIMP and Affinity Photo Compare
GIMP
Free image editor
Free · 78/100 score
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Paid · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: GIMP
Want the highest-rated option?
GIMP: 78/100. Affinity Photo: 85/100.
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
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 graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Affinity Photo scores higher: 85/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 78
- Our pick for this comparison
GIMP
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo (85/100) is our pick. That said, GIMP is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo scores 85/100 in our evaluation. GIMP is free and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are GIMP and Affinity Photo used for?
GIMP: Free image editor. Affinity Photo: Professional photo editing.
What does GIMP cost vs Affinity Photo?
GIMP is completely free. Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.