Paint.NET vs Affinity Photo: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Paint.NET 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 Paint.NET if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Free image and photo editing software for Windows.
- • Features layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and powerful 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 |  Paint.NET |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Contact us/moWindows Store Purchase | $69.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Paint.NET or Affinity Photo?
Choose Paint.NET if
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
- Free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- Fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
- User-friendly interface, easy to learn
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
| Feature | Paint.NET | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 39 reviews | ★4.6/5 322 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Paint.NET
Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.
Strengths
- +Free to download and use (with optional paid version on Microsoft Store)
- +Fast performance and optimized for modern hardware
- +User-friendly interface, easy to learn
- +Includes advanced features like layers and color management
- +Active online community with tutorials and plugins
Weaknesses
- -Only available for Windows PCs
- -Some advanced features might require plugins
- -Not as feature-rich as professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop
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: Paint.NET vs Affinity Photo
| Plan | Paint.NET | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Download | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 |
| Tier 2 | Contact us Windows Store Purchase | $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 Paint.NET pricing and Affinity Photo pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Paint.NET has a free tier. Affinity Photo is paid only.
Go with: Paint.NET
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Paint.NET
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Paint.NET is freemium. Affinity Photo is paid. Paint.NET lets you start free.
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
Affinity Photo
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Paint.NET
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. Paint.NET has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paint.NET or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. Paint.NET is freemium and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are Paint.NET and Affinity Photo used for?
Paint.NET: Powerful yet simple image and photo editing software for Windows PCs.. Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription.
What does Paint.NET cost vs Affinity Photo?
Paint.NET is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.