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 April 14, 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:
- 0
- • 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:
- 0
- • 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 | — | — |
| Feature | GIMP | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| 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
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: GIMP
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GIMP
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
GIMP
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Affinity Photo
The Bottom Line
GIMP is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP or Affinity Photo better?
GIMP is rated high 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.