11 Best Photo Editing Apps for Stunning Edits

Let’s be honest; snapping a photo is only half the story. The real magic happens when you open an editing app and turn that raw shot into a masterpiece. Whether you’re a photo wizard or just trying to make small adjustments to your pics, the right editing app is a game changer. 

However, with countless options flooding app stores, selecting the best editing app for your needs can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of the 11 best photo editing apps that combine user-friendly interfaces with powerful features.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile

Adobe Lightroom Mobile is a standard tool for photographers seeking desktop-level precision on mobile. Its diverse features and tools for RAW editing cater to professionals and influencers who need extensive control over exposure, color grading, and masking.

Initially, Lightroom was available only on desktops, but it later expanded its growth to mobile. This enhances and improves digital photographs by changing the color balance, tone, clarity, cropping, noise reduction, straightening, and converting to black and white.

Key Features:

• RAW Editing: Retain maximum detail for high-end adjustments.
• AI Masking: Auto-select subjects, skies, or objects for targeted edits.
• Cloud Sync: Seamlessly switch between desktop and mobile workflows.
• Preset Sharing: Import/export presets for consistent branding.

Pros:

• Unmatched precision for exposure, curves, and HSL sliders.
• Non-destructive editing preserves original files.
• Batch editing and AI noise reduction streamline workflows.

Cons:

• Full features are locked behind a $9.99/month Adobe plan.
• Overwhelming for casual users; requires tutorial investment.

Availability: iOS, Android

Snapseed

Google’s Snapseed originally launched by Nik Software in June 2011, which has pro tools in a free, ad-free package. Ideal for hobbyists and pros alike, it offers selective adjustments, healing brushes, and RAW support without subscriptions.

Snapseed allows users to modify images using swipe gestures to apply various effects and enhancements. Additionally, there is an option for automatic adjustments of color and contrast. Snapseed preserves the history of edits, enabling users to revisit any previous action. The app also supports creating and saving custom filter combinations using the built-in filters and editing tools.

Key Features:

• Selective Adjust: Pinpoint edits with brush, gradient, or radial tools.
• Healing Tool: Remove distractions effortlessly.
• Double Exposure: Blend images creatively.

Pros:

• Zero ads or watermarks—uncommon for free apps.
• S-curves and perspective correction rival paid apps.

Cons:

• Lacks AI auto-enhance for quick fixes.
• The interface feels outdated compared to other apps.

Availability: iOS, Android

VSCO

VSCO is a platform that helps photographers grow creatively and professionally. It offers a range of 200+ presets mimicking Kodak, Fujifilm, and Ilford films. A favorite for Instagrammers seeking cohesive, moody feeds.

This enables photographers to hone their unique style and gain visibility worldwide. Simply put, VSCO provides tools, community, and opportunities for exposure to photographers everywhere.

Key Features:

• Film Presets: Authentic grain and tonal shifts (membership required).
• HSL & Split Toning: Fine-tune color moods.
• Community Hub: Share edits and discover trends.

Pros:

• Presets apply to photos and videos.
• Clean, distraction-free interface.

Cons:

• $29.99-59.99/year for full presets—pricey for casual users.
• No layer support for complex edits.

Availability: iOS, Android

PicsArt

PicsArt is home to a global community with a peak of creativity in countless ways, such as designing collages, stickers, and AI art. You can make professional collages, design and add stickers, swap backgrounds easily, and choose from hundreds of photo filters. 

PicsArt is perfect for meme creators and brands aiming to make viral visuals. Other features include turning text into art, creating AI avatars, and more.

Key Features:

• AI Effects: Transform selfies into cartoons or paintings.
• Collage Maker: 1,000+ templates for grids and stories.
• Remix Chat: Collaborate with friends on edits.

Pros:

• Endless overlays, fonts, and doodling tools.
• Video editing and green screen features.

Cons:

• $60-80/year for premium tools.
• Cluttered interface with frequent ads.

Availability: iOS, Android

Photoshop Express

Photoshop Express makes photo and video editing fun and easy for everyone. You can dive into creative editing on the go with simple, one-touch transformations and a wide range of features right at your fingertips.

Photoshop Express is the ideal photo editor for bringing your creative ideas to life. Whether you’re touching up a selfie, making edits before posting, or applying camera filters, it’s got you covered. Photoshop Express also lets you retouch, resize, and revamp your photos and videos easily and share them on social media.

Key Features:

• AI Auto-Tone: Instant exposure correction.
• Background Remover: Cut out subjects cleanly.
• Meme Generator: Add text to templates.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly with one-tap fixes.
• The free plan includes basic tools.

Cons:

• Lacks layers or advanced masking.
• Watermarks on exported videos.

Availability: iOS, Android

Afterlight

Afterlight is a versatile photo-editing app that brings powerful tools that allow you to adjust exposure, contrast, saturation, and sharpness with ease. It supports RAW images and offers a plethora of filters, dust effects, and light leaks to enhance your photos creatively. 

You can capture new images or edit existing ones with manual camera controls for shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. You can explore detailed edits with Touch Tools that let you apply changes like lightening, darkening, or blurring specific areas of a photo. Afterlight not only fine-tunes your images but also adds fun artistic touches, making it easy to share polished and personalized photos.

Key Features:

• Curves Tool: Adjust RGB channels individually.
• Textures: Overlay scratches or grunge for film realism.

Pros:

• Intuitive sliders for warmth, fade, and vignette.
• A one-time purchase unlocks all features ($2.99).

Cons:

• No healing or selective tools.
• Limited video support.

Availability: iOS, Android

Canva

Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that empowers users to create stunning visuals with minimal effort. Whether you’re designing social media posts, presentations, or marketing materials, Canva offers a vast library of templates, fonts, and images.

Its drag-and-drop editor makes customization simple, allowing you to adjust colors, text, and images quickly. Canva also features advanced tools like background remover and animation options to enhance your designs. It’s perfect for both beginners and professionals looking to create high-quality content without the steep learning curve.

Key Features:

• Template Library: Professionally designed layouts.
• Brand Kit: Save fonts, colors, and logos for consistency.
• Collaboration: Share projects in real-time.

Pros:

• The free plan includes 250K+ templates.
• Integrates with stock libraries like Getty.

Cons:

• $12.99/month for premium elements.
• Limited photo retouching tools.

Availability: iOS, Android, Web

Pixlr

Pixlr is a collection of AI-powered creative tools designed for photo editing and graphic design. It includes Pixlr.com, Designs.ai, and Vectr.com, offering everything from simple photo enhancements to more advanced editing features. 

Pixlr is cloud-based and works seamlessly across desktops, smartphones, and tablets. The platform supports various image formats like JPEG, PNG, PSD, and more. With its freemium model, users can choose from four subscription plans—Free, Plus, Premium, and Teams. Designs.ai lets users quickly create content using AI, while Vectr.com provides intuitive vector graphic design tools.

Key Features:

• AI Cutout: Remove backgrounds in one click.
• Filter Categories: Browse by mood (e.g., “Vintage,” “HDR”).
• Collage Maker: Mix photos with adjustable borders.

Pros:

• The free version includes basic tools.
• No sign-up is required for web use.

 Cons:

• $7.99/month to remove ads and unlock premium assets.
• Limited RAW support.

 Availability: iOS, Android, Web

PREQUEL

Prequel is a fun, AI-powered app designed to help users create aesthetically pleasing photos and videos. With its wide range of filters like Cartoon, Kidcore, Retro Style, and VHS, you can easily transform your content into eye-catching artwork. 

Prequel allows you to adjust facial features, add decorative elements, and even create 3D effects from 2D images. You can take photos or videos directly in the app and apply real-time filters or manually adjust brightness, exposure, and crop. The app also offers premium features for more effects and beauty tools.

Key Features:

• AI Filters: Apply ethereal, Y2K, or disco effects.
• Video Templates: Sync clips to music effortlessly.
• Skin Retouch: Smooth complexions in selfies.

 Pros:

• Trend-driven effects are updated weekly.
• User-friendly for short-form content.

Cons:

• $9.99/month for full access.
• Heavy compression on exports.

Availability: iOS, Android

Polarr

Polarr is a photo editing app that offers powerful tools with a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for both beginners and pros. Whether you’re adjusting colors, fine-tuning details, or working with AI-powered features, Polarr makes it easy to edit photos precisely. It includes over 200 free filters, 100+ adjustment tools, and features like face and subject detection for more selective editing. 

You can also create and share your own presets, apply overlays, and export photos in batches. With its macOS optimization and Photos extension, Polarr provides great flexibility for editing on your computer.

Key Features:

• AI Style Transfer: Turn photos into art.
• Face Detection: Auto-adjust skin tones and lighting.
• Custom Filters: Build and export presets.

Pros:

• The free plan includes advanced tools like curves.
• Cross-platform sync between devices.

 Cons:

• The steep learning curve for AI settings.
• Subscription needed for premium filters ($7.99/month).

Availability: iOS, Android

Lensa

Lensa is a simple yet powerful app for perfecting your selfies, available on both iOS and macOS. With intuitive tools, you can smooth skin, remove blemishes, and highlight your face for a flawless look. 

Lensa offers extra features like auto-adjust, color intensity control, and custom exposure to fine-tune every detail. You can also add dreamy effects or change the image’s mood with ease. Lensa offers both monthly and annual Premium subscriptions for full access to its advanced tools.

Key Features:

• AI Retouch: Fix blemishes, whiten teeth, and reshape faces.
• Magic Avatars: Generate 50+ AI selfies from 10 photos.
• Background Blur: Studio-quality bokeh effects.

Pros:

• One-tap enhancements for social-ready photos.
• $7.99/year for unlimited avatars.

Cons:

• Privacy concerns over uploaded selfies.
• Watermarks on free-tier exports.

Availability: iOS, Android

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