Photopea vs GIMP: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Photopea and GIMP 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Photopea |  GIMP |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthPremium | Free |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Photopea or GIMP?
Choose Photopea if
Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed
- Free Photoshop alternative
- Browser-based
- PSD support
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)
| Feature | Photopea | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 130 reviews | ★4.4/5 4,971 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
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
GIMP
Professional image editing, free and open-source
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Dated interface
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Photopea vs GIMP
| Plan | Photopea | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $5 month Premium | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Photopea pricing and GIMP 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: Photopea
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Photopea
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Photopea is freemium. GIMP is free. 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 Photopea or GIMP better?
Photopea is rated in our evaluation. Photopea is freemium and GIMP is free.
What are Photopea and GIMP used for?
Photopea: Powerful Photoshop-like image editor, no installation needed. GIMP: Professional image editing, free and open-source.
What does Photopea cost vs GIMP?
Photopea is freemium (free tier + paid plans). GIMP is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.