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PaintShop Pro alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave PaintShop Pro: windows only, and latest major release dates from 2023. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces PaintShop Pro, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Adobe Photoshop currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Adobe Photoshop logoAdobe PhotoshopPaidNoWindows, macOS, Web +25 of 562.6
2PhotoDirector logoPhotoDirectorFree plan + paidNoWindows, iOS, Android4 of 459.6
3Adobe Photoshop Elements logoAdobe Photoshop ElementsPaidNoWindows, macOS4 of 457.2
4GIMP logoGIMPOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 455.3
5ACDSee Photo Studio logoACDSee Photo StudioPaidNoWindows, iOS3 of 353.6
6Affinity logoAffinityFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS0 of 044.0
  1. Adobe Photoshop logo

    1. Adobe PhotoshopTop pick

    Best for: Professionals who need the standard retouching and compositing tool and PSD compatibility

    PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    The industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.

    Pros

    • Deepest retouching, masking and compositing toolset available
    • PSD is the de facto exchange format for layered images
    • Generative Fill and other AI tools built into the normal workflow
    • Huge pool of tutorials, plug-ins and trained users

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual licence
    • Steep learning curve for occasional users
    • Heavy on system resources for large documents
    Visit Adobe Photoshop Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Adobe Photoshop a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Purchase options
    Subscription only (Creative Cloud)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window
    14 days after trial ends
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free mobile version
    Yes, with paid premium features
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Generative AI
    Generative Fill and Generative Expand
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. PhotoDirector logo

    2. PhotoDirector

    Best for: Hobbyists on Windows who want quick AI effects and a free version to start

    Free plan + paidWindows, iOS, Android

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    Windows editor with a lifetime licence option, a free version and frequent updates.

    Pros

    • Free version with no time limit
    • Choice of subscription or lifetime licence
    • Many one-click AI fixes and effects

    Cons

    • Free version restricts AI tools and some exports
    • Less precise RAW and colour tools than pro editors
    • Upsells for assets and AI features are frequent
    Visit PhotoDirector Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is PhotoDirector a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free version
    PhotoDirector Essential, no time limit
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberlink.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Lifetime licence
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberlink.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberlink.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platform
    Windows
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberlink.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Adobe Photoshop Elements logo

    3. Adobe Photoshop Elements

    Best for: Home users who want guided photo fixes and an organiser without a monthly bill

    PaidWindows, macOS

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    Guided edits and an organiser for home users, sold as a fixed-term licence.

    Pros

    • Guided Edits teach common techniques step by step
    • Built-in Organizer for importing, tagging and finding photos
    • One payment instead of a monthly subscription

    Cons

    • Licence expires three years after redemption
    • Lacks many professional Photoshop tools and plug-in depth
    • Some AI features depend on generative credits
    Visit Adobe Photoshop Elements Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Adobe Photoshop Elements a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Licence
    One-time purchase, 3-year term
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    After expiry
    Editor stops; Organizer catalogue stays accessible
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Editing modes
    Quick, Guided and Advanced
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. GIMP logo

    4. GIMP

    Best for: Anyone who wants a capable layered image editor at no cost, especially on Linux

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    Free and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.

    Pros

    • Free and open source with no account or licence fees
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS
    • Extensible with scripts and plug-ins

    Cons

    • Interface and terms differ a lot from Photoshop
    • Limited CMYK and print-production support
    • Fewer AI-assisted tools than commercial editors
    Visit GIMP Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is GIMP a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Licence
    GNU GPL
    Checked Oct 25, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, macOS, Windows
    Checked Oct 25, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Main uses
    Retouching, composition, image authoring
    Checked Oct 25, 2026gimp.org(opens source in a new tab)
  5. ACDSee Photo Studio logo

    5. ACDSee Photo Studio

    Best for: Windows users who want fast photo management and layered editing in one app

    PaidWindows, iOS

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    Windows editor with layers plus a strong photo manager, sold as a perpetual licence.

    Pros

    • Fast browsing and organising without importing
    • RAW development and layered editing together
    • Perpetual licences still offered

    Cons

    • Windows only for the main app
    • Busy interface with many modes
    • Generative AI features consume purchased credits
    Visit ACDSee Photo Studio Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is ACDSee Photo Studio a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Free trial
    15 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026acdsee.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Subscription option
    ACDSee 365
    Checked Oct 25, 2026acdsee.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Generative AI tools
    8+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026acdsee.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Affinity logo

    6. Affinity

    Best for: Designers who want professional vector, photo and layout tools without an Adobe subscription

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS

    44.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from PaintShop Pro

    Free for individuals, actively developed, and runs on Mac as well as Windows.

    Pros

    • Free for individuals with no subscription
    • Vector, pixel and layout tools in one app
    • Opens PSD, AI and IDML files with layers

    Cons

    • AI features need a paid Canva plan
    • Requires a Canva account to use
    • No iPad version yet after the merger
    Visit Affinity Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.360
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1515
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Affinity a good PaintShop Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best PaintShop Pro alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for most people

Adobe Photoshop

The industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.

GIMP logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for a free option

GIMP

Free and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.

PhotoDirector logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

PhotoDirector

Windows editor with a lifetime licence option, a free version and frequent updates.

GIMP logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for open source

GIMP

Free and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Adobe Photoshop Elements logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Mac

Adobe Photoshop Elements

Guided edits and an organiser for home users, sold as a fixed-term licence.

ACDSee Photo Studio logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Windows

ACDSee Photo Studio

Windows editor with layers plus a strong photo manager, sold as a perpetual licence.

GIMP logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Linux

GIMP

Free and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for iPhone and Android

Adobe Photoshop

The industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best PaintShop Pro alternative for working in the browser

Adobe Photoshop

The industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.

PaintShop Pro alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to PaintShop Pro?

Adobe Photoshop ranks first right now. The industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable. PhotoDirector and Adobe Photoshop Elements follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to PaintShop Pro?

Yes. PhotoDirector (free plan + paid), GIMP (open source) and Affinity (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to PaintShop Pro?

Yes: GIMP.

Which PaintShop Pro alternatives work on Linux?

GIMP runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from PaintShop Pro?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; latest major release dates from 2023; interface feels dated next to newer editors.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces PaintShop Pro, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.