GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor offering many Photoshop-like capabilities at no cost. It is fully scriptable and runs on every major platform.
Adobe Photoshop is the definitive tool for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital painting, used by photographers, designers, and artists worldwide. It now includes powerful generative AI (Generative Fill) via Adobe Firefly.
Completely free and open source.
From about $22.99/month, or bundled with Lightroom in the Photography plan (~$9.99/mo).
- Completely free and open source
- Cross-platform
- Highly extensible
- No subscription ever
- Industry standard
- Unmatched depth of tools
- Strong AI features
- Huge ecosystem and tutorials
- Dated interface for some
- Learning curve
- Fewer pro conveniences than Photoshop
- Subscription-only
- Overkill for simple edits
- Steep learning curve
What reviewers say
GIMP Reviews
4.3 (3)Solid choice
GIMP has been part of our stack. Completely free and open source. Minor gripe: learning curve. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been using GIMP for a while. Highly extensible. Minor gripe: fewer pro conveniences than photoshop. Would recommend.
Recommend GIMP
Tried GIMP recently. Highly extensible. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Adobe Photoshop Reviews
4.0 (2)Recommend Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop has been part of our stack. Strong AI features. Minor gripe: subscription-only. Would recommend.
Recommend Adobe Photoshop
Tried Adobe Photoshop recently. Unmatched depth of tools. Minor gripe: subscription-only. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to GIMP
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Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataPhotoshop offers industry‑leading depth and AI tools at a subscription cost, while GIMP provides a free, open‑source alternative with fewer high‑end features.
Key differences
- •Pricing model – Photoshop requires a monthly subscription; GIMP is completely free.
- •Platform support – Photoshop runs on Windows, Mac, and iOS; GIMP adds Linux but lacks iOS.
- •AI capabilities – Photoshop includes Generative Fill via Firefly; GIMP has no built‑in AI tools.
- •Ecosystem – Photoshop has a vast plugin/brush marketplace and official tutorials; GIMP’s ecosystem is smaller and community‑driven.
Pricing & value
GIMP is free and open‑source, whereas Photoshop costs $22.99/mo (or $9.99/mo bundled).
Ease of use / learning curve
GIMP’s interface is simpler for basic tasks; Photoshop is noted for a steep learning curve.
Features & depth
Photoshop offers advanced layer editing, precise masking, and AI Generative Fill; GIMP lacks comparable AI tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
Photoshop has a huge plugin/brush marketplace and Adobe ecosystem; GIMP’s plugins are community‑based and fewer.
Collaboration
Photoshop integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud for shared libraries; GIMP provides no built‑in collaboration platform.
Scalability
Photoshop’s subscription model includes regular updates and cloud services; GIMP updates rely on community releases.
Support
Adobe offers official support and documentation; GIMP relies on community forums and no formal support.
Choose GIMP if…
Budget‑conscious users or open‑source advocates needing basic raster editing across Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Choose Adobe Photoshop if…
Professional photographers or designers needing advanced tools, AI features, and Adobe ecosystem integration.
Common questions
Is there any upfront cost for Photoshop?
No, Photoshop is subscription‑only, starting at about $22.99 per month (or $9.99/mo in the Photography plan).
Can I run GIMP on a Mac without paying?
Yes, GIMP is free and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux with no subscription required.
Which tool includes AI‑driven editing like Generative Fill?
Photoshop includes AI tools via Adobe Firefly; GIMP does not provide built‑in AI features.