PaintShop Pro alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
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.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 6 alternativesThe best PaintShop Pro alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for most people
Adobe PhotoshopThe industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for a free option
GIMPFree and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
PhotoDirectorWindows editor with a lifetime licence option, a free version and frequent updates.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for open source
GIMPFree and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Mac
Adobe Photoshop ElementsGuided edits and an organiser for home users, sold as a fixed-term licence.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Windows
ACDSee Photo StudioWindows editor with layers plus a strong photo manager, sold as a perpetual licence.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for Linux
GIMPFree and open source with layers and plug-ins on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for iPhone and Android
Adobe PhotoshopThe industry standard with stronger AI tools, if a subscription is acceptable.
Best PaintShop Pro alternative for working in the browser
Adobe PhotoshopThe 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.