GIMP vs Photopea: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GIMP and Photopea 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:
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
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Best for you if:
- • Photopea is a free online photo editor compatible with PSD files
- • It provides Photoshop-like editing in the browser without installation
| At a Glance |  GIMP |  Photopea |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $5/monthPremium |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose GIMP or Photopea?
Choose GIMP if
Professional image editing, free and open-source
- Completely free
- Open source
- Cross-platform
- You want a fully free tool (Photopea requires payment)
Choose Photopea if
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
- Free Photoshop alternative
- Browser-based
- PSD support
| Feature | GIMP | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 4,971 reviews | ★4.6/5 130 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
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Strengths
- +Free Photoshop alternative
- +Browser-based
- +PSD support
- +No install needed
- +Feature rich
Weaknesses
- -Ads on free
- -Performance varies
- -No offline mode
- -Less powerful than PS
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: GIMP vs Photopea
| Plan | GIMP | Photopea |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $5 month Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GIMP pricing and Photopea pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GIMP is free. Photopea is freemium.
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: Photopea
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GIMP is free. Photopea is freemium. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Photopea
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
GIMP
- Completely free
- Larger review base (4,971 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Photopea is our pick. That said, GIMP is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GIMP or Photopea better?
Photopea is rated in our evaluation. GIMP is free and Photopea is freemium.
What are GIMP and Photopea used for?
GIMP: Professional image editing, free and open-source. Photopea: Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed.
What does GIMP cost vs Photopea?
GIMP is completely free. Photopea is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.