RawTherapee vs Affinity Photo: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between RawTherapee 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 RawTherapee if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
RawTherapee
Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free and open-source raw image processing software.
- • Offers advanced tools for high-quality image development.
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 |  RawTherapee |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose RawTherapee or Affinity Photo?
Choose RawTherapee if
Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
- Completely free and open-source
- High image quality processing capabilities
- Extensive raw file support and correction tools
- You want a fully free tool (Affinity Photo requires payment)
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
| Feature | RawTherapee | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 61 reviews | ★4.6/5 322 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingDeveloper Tools | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
RawTherapee
Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open-source
- +High image quality processing capabilities
- +Extensive raw file support and correction tools
- +Cross-platform availability
- +Active and helpful community with documentation
Weaknesses
- -Requires time to learn due to its powerful features
- -May be overwhelming for absolute beginners
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: RawTherapee vs Affinity Photo
| Plan | RawTherapee | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $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 RawTherapee pricing and Affinity Photo pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RawTherapee is free. Affinity Photo is paid.
Go with: RawTherapee
Want the highest-rated option?
RawTherapee: 4.3/5 (61 reviews). Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews).
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
RawTherapee: 61 reviews (4.3/5). Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
RawTherapee is free. Affinity Photo is paid. Go with RawTherapee if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Affinity Photo is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
RawTherapee
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick. That said, RawTherapee is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RawTherapee or Affinity Photo better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. RawTherapee is free and Affinity Photo is paid.
What are RawTherapee and Affinity Photo used for?
RawTherapee: Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.. Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription.
What does RawTherapee cost vs Affinity Photo?
RawTherapee is completely free. Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.