Photopea vs Affinity Photo: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Photopea 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 Photopea 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:
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Photopea is a free online photo editor compatible with PSD files
- • It provides Photoshop-like editing in the browser without installation
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Best for you if:
- • You value community feedback (1 reviews)
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost
| At a Glance |  Photopea |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Photopea or Affinity Photo?
Choose Photopea if
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
- Free Photoshop alternative
- Browser-based
- PSD support
- Budget matters (Free vs $21.99/one-time)
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
| Feature | Photopea | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 130 reviews | ★4.6/5 322 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Photopea
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
Photopea's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a fully-featured Photoshop alternative for free, albeit with ads.
Watch out
Time spent viewing ads in Free tier
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
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Affinity Photo's one-time purchase model is exceptionally fair and generous compared to the subscription-heavy market.
Watch out
No free tier, only a 30-day trial.
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
Pricing: Photopea vs Affinity Photo
| Plan | Photopea | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 |
| Tier 2 | $5 month Premium | $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 Photopea pricing and Affinity Photo pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Photopea has a free tier. Affinity Photo is paid only.
Go with: Photopea
Want the highest-rated option?
Photopea: 4.6/5 (130 reviews). Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews).
Go with: Photopea
Value user reviews?
Photopea: 130 reviews (4.6/5). Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Photopea is freemium. Affinity Photo is paid. Photopea lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Photopea
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. Photopea has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photopea or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. Photopea is freemium and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are Photopea and Affinity Photo used for?
Photopea: Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed. Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription.
What does Photopea cost vs Affinity Photo?
Photopea is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.