Best Photo Editing Apps for iPhone & Android for 2025

Last updated: September 2025

Photo editing apps give you the tools to upscale your photos, making it easy to enhance, adjust, and add creative touches. From quick fixes to detailed edits, these apps help your images shine and capture attention wherever they’re shared.

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photo editing

Smartphone cameras have become so advanced that it barely feels like you’re compromising. But capturing great photos is only part of the process — editing images is just as important. Luckily, editing software has evolved to the point where the best tool for the job is often right in your pocket. There are now plenty of fantastic photo editing apps for both iPhone and Android that are just as capable and efficient as any desktop or online alternative. With so many options available, it’s important to choose one that fits your style, skill level, and creative goals.

Best Photo Editing Apps for iPhone & Android

Brand Logo
Adobe Photoshop Photo Editing
Starting from:
$19.99 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Not Available
Adobe Photoshop continues to be the gold standard for photo editing, now bolstered by AI-powered features that transform everyday image editing into an art of possibilities. Tools like Generative Fill enhance image quality with precision, using the Firefly Image 3 Model to understand complex descriptions and generate detailed, high-quality photographic results. This allows photographers to refine their images with unprecedented control and creativity​. Its robust and intuitive tools facilitate everything from simple edits to advanced digital art, serving a broad range of users, from freelancers to multinational corporations.
Features

Writing Features

v-pro
Grammar and Style Checks
v-pro
SEO Optimization
v-pro
Plagiarism Check
v-pro
Collaboration Features
v-pro
Multilingual Support
v-pro
API Access
v-pro
Text Editing and Formatting
v-pro
Compliance and Security Measures

Video Editing Features

v-pro
Background Noise Reduction
v-pro
Green Screen
v-pro
Text-to-Video
v-pro
Object Tracking
v-pro
Pre-Built Templates
v-pro
Drag-and-Drop Editor

Photo Editing Features

v-pro
Drag-and-Drop Editor
v-pro
Object Removal
v-pro
AI Filters and Effects
v-pro
Pre-Built Templates
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Layer Support

Image Generating Features

v-pro
Text-to-Image Generation
v-pro
Scene Composition
v-pro
Style Emulation
v-pro
Interactive Editing

Available on

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Web
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Windows
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macOS
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Android
v-pro
IOS
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Extensive set of photo correction and manipulation tools
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Slick user interface with a lot of guidance
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Tools for mobile and web design
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Adobe Suite integration for easy workflow

Cons

x-con
Requires a powerful computer as it runs many processes
x-con
Steep learning curve due to many features
x-con
No option for a perpetual license
Brand Logo
Adobe Lightroom
Starting from:
$9.99 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Adobe Lightroom review.
In the design world, Adobe has become a go-to software provider for almost every graphic and video designer globally. For the very few people who haven’t heard about Adobe, it’s a world-renowned brand that proudly stands behind editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom. Adobe Lightroom is a powerful photo editing tool designed to streamline workflows with intuitive and efficient solutions for managing, editing, and sharing photos. Key features include advanced color correction, exposure adjustments, and non-destructive editing, making it an essential image editing software for both professionals and enthusiasts. Additionally, Lightroom's cloud-based storage and synchronization capabilities ensure seamless access and collaboration across devices.
Features

Key Features

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Image Editing Capabilities

Supported File Formats

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JPG
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PNG
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RAW

Pricing plans

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Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly subscription
v-pro
Annual subscription

Platform available on

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
Windows
v-pro
macOS

Usability

v-pro
Offline Capabilities

Advanced Editing Tools

v-pro
Filters and Effects
v-pro
Layer Support
v-pro
Color Correction

Sharing and Export

v-pro
Cloud Storage Integration

Export Formats

v-pro
JPG
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MP4
v-pro
PNG
v-pro
TIF
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Advanced editing features
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Great for beginners and professionals
v-pro
Free trial
v-pro
Incredible customer support

Cons

x-con
Requires ongoing monthly payments
x-con
Full features are available only with internet access
x-con
Additional costs for more cloud storage​
Brand Logo
Facetune
Starting from:
$19.99 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Facetune review.
Facetune is one of the most advanced AI-driven photo editing apps on the market; it’s an easy-to-use app that allows you to do everything - from removing blemishes to adding makeup, hair, and blemish filters - in a matter of seconds!
Features

Key Features

v-pro
Image Editing Capabilities

Supported File Formats

v-pro
JPG

Pricing plans

v-pro
Free Trial
v-pro
Monthly subscription
v-pro
Annual subscription

Platform available on

v-pro
iOS
v-pro
Android

Usability

v-pro
Offline Capabilities

Advanced Editing Tools

v-pro
Filters and Effects

Sharing and Export

v-pro
Direct Social Media Sharing
v-pro
Cloud Storage Integration

Export Formats

v-pro
JPG
Pros & Cons

Pros

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Extremely easy to use
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Amazing filters and effects
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Intelligent AI editing options
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AI-powered styling and makeup

Cons

x-con
Has limited support options
x-con
No customization options for the app
Brand Logo
Canva Presentation
Starting from:
$0 /yr
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Canva Presentation review.
Since its launch in 2013, Canva has grown into a widely used online design platform with over 130 million monthly active users. This versatile tool has empowered users to create more than 15 billion designs, making it a go-to resource for both personal and professional projects. Canva Presentations is an AI tool that provides robust features for creating visually appealing slides quickly and efficiently. Users can easily craft professional presentations with on-brand layouts, customizable templates, and interactive elements. The platform supports real-time team collaboration and integrates brand kits to ensure consistent styling. Export options in various formats add flexibility, making Canva Presentations a versatile tool for any business.
Features

Writing Features

v-pro
Grammar and Style Checks
v-pro
SEO Optimization
v-pro
Plagiarism Check
v-pro
Collaboration Features
v-pro
Content Personalization
v-pro
Multilingual Support
v-pro
API Access
v-pro
Text Editing and Formatting
v-pro
Compliance and Security Measures

Available on

v-pro
Web
v-pro
Windows
v-pro
macOS
v-pro
Android
v-pro
IOS
Pros & Cons

Pros

v-pro
Over 28,000 templates and design options are available
v-pro
Allows multiple users to collaborate and edit presentations
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Over a dozen different useful AI tools
v-pro
Extremely easy to use

Cons

x-con
Some advanced features and templates are only available with a pro subscription
x-con
Some features might work differently on different devices or browsers.
Brand Logo
Figma
Starting from:
$0 /mo
Free plan / Free trial:
Available
Learn more about Figma review.
Figma is a powerful web design software that allows you to create and collaborate on designs for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. With Figma, you can easily create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using a range of intuitive tools and features.
Features

Design Features

v-pro
Pre-Built Templates
v-pro
Mockup Templates
v-pro
Customization Ability
v-pro
Customized Branding
v-pro
Drag and Drop Editor
v-pro
Collaborative Editing

Content Features

v-pro
User Management
v-pro
Rich Text Editor

Marketing Features

v-pro
Hosting
Pros & Cons

Pros

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Ultimate collaboration tool
v-pro
Powerful prototyping tools
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Wide range of design elements & templates
v-pro
Integrates with other platforms

Cons

x-con
Limited offline functionality
x-con
Does not support all file types
x-con
No ability to edit code

Top Mobile Photo Editing Apps – Quick Comparison

App Free trial/plan  Top Features Ideal For Availability
Adobe Photoshop Subscription Professional tools, AI features Professionals, Designers  iOS, Android
Adobe Lightroom Subscription RAW editing, color grading Photographers, casual users iOS, Android
Facetune Subscription Portrait retouching Social media influencers iOS, Android
Canva Free & Paid Templates, graphic overlays Marketers, casual users iOS, Android
Figma  Free & Paid Collaborative design tools Design teams iOS, Android
Pixlr  Free & Paid Filters, layer-based editing Beginners, casual users iOS, Android

Our Top Picks

The right photo editing app can transform ordinary shots into stunning visuals with just a few taps. From AI-powered enhancements to professional-grade tools, these top-rated apps for iPhone and Android make it easy to edit, retouch, and refine your photos effortlessly.

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop Photo Editing
Text to Image for unique custom creations
Starting from:
$19.99 /mo
Check Image Generative Expand to extend images easily
Check Image Vast library of brushes and textures

Adobe Photoshop is widely recognized as the best photo editing software in the world. Trusted by professionals and creatives for decades, Photoshop has become synonymous with advanced picture editing, graphic design, and digital artistry.

A good photo editing app offers versatile tools, precision, and unparalleled capabilities that have made it the go-to solution for photographers, designers, and artists alike.

Key Features

  1. Remove objects tool: The remove tool has been upgraded with AI-driven options to detect and remove distractions. Features like the wires and cables function allow power lines to be removed with a single click, while the people tool identifies and eliminates unwanted individuals from the background without affecting the main subject. 
  2. Generate similar feature: With the generate similar tool, variations of ai-generated elements can be automatically created. For example, additional designs similar to the selected variation can be produced after generating an object like a camping tent.

  3. Generate background: Backgrounds can now be generated by entering a descriptive prompt. After the subject’s background is removed, photoshop’s AI can be instructed to fill the space with creative, customized environments.

  4. Firefly image model 3 integration: Photoshop 2025 has been integrated with Adobe’s Firefly image model 3, which has been optimized to deliver:

  5. Improved photographic realism: Enhanced details and textures for more natural results.

  6. Better prompt understanding: More accurate generation based on complex descriptions.

  7. Greater variety: Broader and more creative output options for user prompts.

  8. Reference image matching: A reference image can now be used to guide the generation of AI-driven elements. This feature allows styles, patterns, or colors from a reference to be replicated, resulting in edits that are more cohesive and aligned with the desired vision.

  9. Generative workspace: A generative workspace has been introduced to streamline ideation. Variations of an image can be created by using prompt variables, producing multiple designs at once. 

  10. Substance 3D viewer: Although direct 3D editing is no longer supported, photoshop’s Substance 3D viewer has been added for working with 3D objects. Lighting, reflections, and shadows can be adjusted, and generative AI tools can be used to apply realistic textures and materials.

Adobe Photoshop - photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Versatile for photo editing, design, and digital art.
    • Trusted, professional-grade tools.
    • Customizable workspace for efficient workflows.
    • Frequent updates with new features.
    • Integrated with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
    • Access to tutorials, templates, and community support.
  • Cons
    • Complex for beginners.
    • Requires a pricey subscription.
    • Demands high-performance hardware.
    • Mobile version lacks advanced features.
    • Internet needed for full functionality.

Who It’s For

If you want precision and versatility in your image editing and design, Adobe Photoshop is for you. In addition to detailed retouching and complex compositions, it provides high-quality outputs for photographers, graphic designers, digital artists, and marketers.


Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom
Pro editing suite powered by Lightroom
Starting from:
$9.99 /mo
Check Image Upgrade your photos with generative AI
Check Image Step-by-step tutorials inside Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a powerhouse in the world of photography. It offers professional-grade tools for editing photos, with a focus on lighting, color grading, and organization. 

Lightroom has become a staple for photographers, whether they’re working in studios or capturing moments on the go.

Key Features

Lightroom Classic has been significantly updated with a range of new AI-powered features designed to enhance editing workflows, improve image quality, and simplify creative tasks. 

  1. Generative Remove Tool: This tool has been designed to detect objects automatically and remove them from images with minimal user input. Smaller areas, especially those under 124 pixels squared, are handled with impressive resolution retention, ensuring high-quality edits.
  2. Scribble select and loop selection: Users are now able to roughly draw over unwanted elements, and the AI precisely identifies and isolates them for removal. The selection can be expanded or refined by additional scribbles, making the process highly intuitive and efficient.
  3. AI noise reduction: This feature has been enhanced to deliver superior denoising capabilities for high-ISO images. This update ensures that noise is reduced while fine details and textures are preserved. Support for additional RAW file types, including ProRAW from iPhone and Google Pixel devices, has also been added.
  4. Adaptive presets with AI masks: Seven new Adaptive Presets have been introduced, each utilizing AI masking technology to detect and enhance specific areas of an image. 
  5. HDR tone mapping with gain map: A revolutionary Gain Map feature has been incorporated to optimize HDR images for viewing on both HDR and SDR displays. This technology creates a dual-format file, ensuring that HDR images appear vibrant and detailed on compatible screens while remaining clear and balanced on non-HDR displays.
  6. Content credentials for digital provenance: You can embed creator information and edit history directly into export files with Content Credentials. In addition, attribution and licensing details can also be published to Adobe’s Content Credentials Cloud. With Web3 wallet integration, creators in the NFT space are now supported.
  7. Tethering improvements for Nikon cameras: Nikon cameras’ tethering functionality has been optimized to match the speed and reliability of the previously updated Sony tethering. Cameras can now be unplugged and reconnected without requiring a restart, ensuring uninterrupted workflows for studio photographers.

Adobe Lightroom photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Easy-to-use interface for beginners and professionals.
    • Supports RAW files for high-quality editing.
    • Customizable presets for basic adjustments.
    • Non-destructive editing protects originals.
    • Syncs across desktop, mobile, and tablet.
    • Built-in tools for photo organization.
  • Cons
    • Requires a Creative Cloud subscription.
    • Limited retouching compared to Photoshop.
    • Advanced features take time to master.
    • Relies heavily on cloud storage and internet.

Who It’s For

Lightroom is ideal for professionals handling large numbers of photos. Its intuitive interface and powerful editing tools make it the perfect solution for achieving polished, professional-quality results, whether you’re a landscape photographer, portrait artist, or hobbyist.


Facetune

Facetune
Top choice for influencers
Starting from:
$19.99 /mo
Check Image Beautify your selfies with AI technology
Check Image Enhance, brighten & retouch in seconds

Facetune is a popular app to edit images that specializes in enhancing selfies and portraits, making it a go-to tool for anyone looking to create flawless photos. Facetune is designed with simplicity in mind, offering intuitive tools for retouching and beautifying images. 

Whether you’re a social media enthusiast, influencer, or casual user, Facetune helps you achieve a polished look with just a few taps.

Key Features

Facetune is packed with tools designed specifically for enhancing selfies and portraits, making it one of the best photo editing apps for personal use. Here are some of its standout features:

  1. Skin smoothing and retouching: Users can effortlessly smooth skin and remove imperfections like wrinkles, blemishes, and acne. By using Facetune, users can create a flawless and natural-looking complexion, perfect for selfies.
  2. Teeth whitening: This feature allows users to brighten their teeth instantly, enhancing smiles realistically and naturally. The tool is designed to work seamlessly without making edits look overdone, ensuring a balanced and professional result.
  3. Face reshaping: Enables subtle adjustments to facial features like jawlines, noses, and cheekbones. These tools are perfect for refining portraits while maintaining a natural look that doesn’t distort the image.
  4. Eye and hair enhancements: With the ability to brighten eyes, remove red-eye, and add volume or color to hair, Facetune ensures that every detail of your appearance is picture-perfect. 
  5. Makeup application: Facetune includes virtual makeup tools that allow users to apply lipstick, blush, contouring, and other cosmetic effects directly onto their photos.
  6. Background customization: The app enables users to easily blur or replace backgrounds, ensuring the subject remains the focal point of the photo. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic change, the background customization tools provide endless possibilities.
  7. Filters and effects: There is a wide range of attractive filters and effects to transform photos into visually striking creations
  8. One-tap auto retouch: For quick edits, Facetune’s AI-powered auto-retouch feature adjusts lighting, tones, and textures with just one tap. 

Facetune Photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Quick and intuitive for beginners.
    • Excellent tools for face, skin, and hair edits.
    • Adjustable settings for subtle or bold results.
    • Ideal for quick touch-ups and social posts.
    • Free version available; premium is affordable.
    • Includes tools for portrait video editing.
  • Cons
    • Limited to portrait-specific editing.
    • Advanced tools require a subscription.
    • Overediting can look unnatural.
    • Free version includes ads.

Who It’s For

Facetune is a great option for content creators, social media influencers, and casual users. Its intuitive tools and quick editing capabilities are perfect for those who want polished, professional-looking results without the complexity of advanced editing software.


Canva

Canva Presentation
Presentations with your on-brand layouts
Starting from:
$0 /yr
Check Image Customizable templates for most industries
Check Image Interactive elements: Charts, graphs & hyperlinks

Canva is an all-in-one graphic design platform that empowers users to create stunning visuals with ease. With its user-friendly interface and a wide range of templates, Canva caters to both beginners and professionals. With Canva mobile editing app, you can create social media posts, marketing materials, presentations and edit photos with intuitive tools that make creativity easy. 

Key Features

  1. Drag-and-drop design: Intuitive interface for easy customization of templates and layouts.
  2. Extensive template library: Canva boasts an extensive library of templates tailored for a variety of uses, including social media posts, presentations, business cards, flyers, posters, and more. 
  3. Photo editing tools: Canva also functions as a powerful photo editing app. Its suite of photo editing tools includes options for cropping, resizing, and rotating images, as well as advanced features for adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and other color settings.
  4. Graphic elements: Access millions of stock photos, icons, fonts, and animations. These elements allow users to elevate their designs with professional-quality visuals and creative flourishes.
  5. Collaboration features: Share projects with team members for real-time editing and feedback.
  6. Canva Pro features: Advanced tools like background remover, magic resize for multiple platforms, and brand kits for consistent branding.
  7. Cross-platform availability: Seamless functionality on desktop, iOS, and Android devices.

Canva Photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Easy for beginners with no design experience.
    • Combines graphic design, photo editing, and video creation.
    • Free version includes robust tools.
    • Pre-made templates save time.
    • Collaboration-friendly for teams.
  • Cons
    • Lacks advanced features for professionals.
    • Requires internet for full functionality.
    • Canva Pro requires a subscription.
    • Templates can feel generic if not customized.

Who It’s For

Individuals, small businesses, and marketers who need a simple and efficient tool for creating visually appealing content. It’s particularly ideal for beginners, social media managers, and non-designers who want to produce professional-quality graphics and enhance photos without mastering complex design software.


Figma

Figma
The collaborative interface design tool
Starting from:
$0 /mo
Check Image Design responsively with Auto Layout
Check Image Automate your work with Plugins & Widgets

With Figma’s cloud-based design platform, teams can create and collaborate on digital projects in real-time. Due to its real-time collaboration features, it is a favorite tool for designing UIs (user interfaces) and UXs (user experiences), as well as prototyping and graphics. Figma is completely web-based, eliminating the need for downloads and allowing access from any device.

Key Features

  1. Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to edit and comment on the same project simultaneously, enhancing teamwork.
  2. Cloud-based platform: Accessible from any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for installations or specific hardware.
  3. Design and prototyping tools: Offers robust features for wireframing, UI/UX design, and interactive prototyping.
  4. Version control: Tracks changes with automatic version history, ensuring no work is lost.
  5. Component libraries: Enables reuse of design elements for consistent branding and faster workflows.
  6. Cross-platform integration: Works seamlessly with tools like Slack, JIRA, and others to streamline design-to-development workflows.
  7. Plugins and extensions: Offers a variety of plugins for additional functionality, such as adding icons, stock photos, and illustrations.

Figma photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Easy to use for beginners and advanced designers.
    • Great for team collaboration across locations.
    • Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile.
    • Cloud-based with automatic updates.
    • Scalable for individual and team projects.
  • Cons
    • Needs a stable internet connection.
    • Limited offline functionality.
    • Paid plan is required for advanced features.
    • Advanced tools have a learning curve.

Who It’s For

Figma is best for design teams, UI/UX designers, and product developers who require a collaborative, cloud-based platform to create and refine digital designs. Whether you’re a solo designer or part of a large organization, Figma’s versatile tools and collaboration features make it a top choice for modern design projects.


Pixlr

Pixlr
10+ AI-powered editing functions
Starting from:
$1.49 /mo
Check Image Mobile-friendly tools for on-the-go edits
Check Image Cloud-based for real-time team editing

Pixlr is a versatile photo editing platform designed for individuals of all skill levels. Known for its intuitive interface and extensive range of features, Pixlr makes professional-quality photo editing accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking to make quick adjustments, apply artistic filters, or create layered designs, Pixlr offers a suite of tools that deliver impressive results with minimal effort.

Key Features

  1. Web-based editing: Accessible directly from a web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations.
  2. Mobile app availability: Offers iOS and Android apps for editing on the go.
  3. Layer-based editing: Supports multiple layers for more advanced design and editing tasks.
  4. AI-powered tools: Features like background removal and auto-enhance streamline complex edits.
  5. Filters and effects: Wide range of artistic filters, overlays, and effects to stylize images.
  6. Basic and advanced tools: Includes crop, resizing, and color correction, along with advanced features like blending and masking.
  7. Template library: Pre-designed templates for social media posts, flyers, and other projects.
  8. Supports multiple file formats: Handles JPG, PNG, and PSD files, providing compatibility with other design tools.

pixlr photo editing app

Pros and Cons

  • Pros
    • Free version with offers many tools.
    • Easy for beginners, with advanced options.
    • Works on any device via the web.
    • Lightweight, ideal for low-end devices.
    • Offers creative filters, effects, and templates.
  • Cons
    • Free version includes ads.
    • Requires internet for most features.
    • Advanced tools need a subscription.
    • Less powerful than professional software.

Who It’s For

Pixlr is for casual users, small business owners, and budding creatives who need a flexible and easy-to-use app to edit images without investing in expensive software. Its intuitive tools and accessibility make it an excellent choice for quick edits, social media content, and lightweight design projects, while its premium features offer more advanced options for professionals seeking affordable alternatives.


Why Do Photo Editing Apps Matter?

Mobile photography has come a long way, but even the best cameras can’t always capture the perfect shot. Factors like lighting, framing, and unwanted distractions can impact the quality of your images. That’s where apps for editing pictures come in. These apps help users refine their own images, making it easier to achieve professional-quality results. Some of the capabilities these tools have are:

  • Adjust brightness, contrast, and colors
  • Remove blemishes or distractions
  • Add artistic effects or graphic elements
  • Enhance sharpness and detail
  • Apply presets and filters
  • Crop and resize for composition
  • Combine or merge multiple images
  • Add text or captions
  • Apply creative overlays
  • Prepare photos for platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.

What Makes the Best Photo Editing App for iPhone or Android?

Choosing the best photo editing app for iPhone or Android depends on several factors that align with your personal or professional needs. The ideal app combines functionality, ease of use, and value to provide an editing experience that enhances creativity and efficiency. When selecting the best mobile editing app, consider powerful editing features, user-friendliness, repeatable results, and fair pricing. Here’s a closer look at the key features that define a top-tier app to edit images:

1. User-friendly interface

A great photo editing app should be easy to navigate, with intuitive tools that cater to users of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the app should offer a seamless editing process without requiring extensive learning.

  • For beginners: Look for apps like Pixlr or Canva, which offer simple layouts and one-tap features.
  • For professionals: Apps like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom provide customizable workspaces and advanced tools.

2. Comprehensive editing tools

The best photo editing apps should include both basic and advanced features:

  • Basic tools: Cropping, resizing, brightness, contrast, and color adjustments are essential for everyday edits.
  • Advanced tools: AI-powered features, layer-based editing, RAW file support, and precision tools like masking or retouching are ideal for professional workflows.

3. Customization and filters

Filters and presets allow users to transform images quickly, but the ability to customize these effects makes an app stand out. Apps like VSCO and Lightroom excel at offering preset filters while allowing fine-tuned adjustments.

4. Cross-platform compatibility

A great photo editing app works seamlessly across devices, allowing you to start a project on your phone and continue editing on a tablet or desktop. Apps like Adobe Creative Cloud Suite offer cloud syncing for this purpose.

5. Speed and performance

For a smooth editing experience, the app should load quickly, handle high-resolution images without lag, and apply edits efficiently. Lightweight apps like Facetune and Pixlr are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring fast performance even on older models.

6. Affordability

Cost is a key factor for many users. The best free photo editing apps often offer a solid range of features, while paid apps justify their pricing with advanced tools and capabilities. Look for flexible subscription models or affordable one-time payment options.

7. Creative flexibility

The app should support multiple creative outputs, such as:

  • Portrait editing: Apps like Facetune specialize in enhancing selfies and facial features.
  • Graphic design: Apps like Canva are perfect for adding text, overlays, and creating designs for social media.
  • Professional editing: Photoshop and Lightroom are great for intricate edits and high-quality results.

8. Regular updates and support

Top apps consistently improve through updates, offering new features and bug fixes. Additionally, access to tutorials, customer support, and community forums adds value for users learning the ropes.

9. AI-powered features

Modern photo editing apps leverage AI to simplify complex tasks:

  • Background removal: Apps like Canva and Pixlr offer one-tap background erasers.
  • Auto-enhancements: AI tools in Lightroom and Photoshop adjust lighting and tones automatically.

10. Offline and online functionality

While cloud syncing is essential, the ability to edit offline is just as important, especially for users on the go. Apps like Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile offer offline editing modes.


Final Thoughts

The best apps for editing pictures provide a balance of powerful tools, user-friendliness, and flexibility. For casual users, apps like Pixlr, Canva, or Facetune might be the perfect fit. Advanced apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom deliver unparalleled capabilities for professionals. With more than a decade of experience in photography and app usage, we can confidently recommend these tools. By considering your specific needs — be it quick social media edits, in-depth photo retouching, or professional-quality outputs — you can find the picture editing applications that suit you best.

FAQ

Q: Is a good free photo editing app suitable for professional use?

A: Yes, several free photo editing apps offer professional-grade tools. Popular options include Pixlr and, Canva (free version). These apps provide advanced features such as RAW editing, color grading, and layer support, making them ideal for professional work.

Q: Are there apps that combine photo editing and graphic design?

A: Yes, apps like Canva and Pixlr combine photo editing features with graphic design tools, making them ideal for creating social media posts, flyers, and other visual content.

Q: Do photo editing apps work offline?

A: Some apps, like Pixlr, allow offline editing. However, cloud-based apps like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud apps may require an internet connection for full functionality.

Q: Which photo editing app is best for beginners?

A: For beginners, Canva and Pixlr are excellent choices. They offer simple, intuitive interfaces with easy-to-use tools for basic editing and creative projects.