Best The GIMP Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to The GIMP? In this comparison, we take a closer look at The GIMP alongside similar software solutions including The GIMP, Paint.NET, PixelSee, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, PhotoScape, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Adobe Photoshop, XnView, PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro and Adobe Photoshop CC.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how The GIMP, Paint.NET, PixelSee, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, PhotoScape, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Adobe Photoshop, XnView, PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro and Adobe Photoshop CC stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Pricing Model
 The GIMP
|
Free and open-source software under the GNU General Public License. |
 Paint.NET
|
Free image editing software without hidden costs, developed by a small software company. |
 PixelSee
|
Offers a 14-day free trial, cloud-based platform. |
 Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Free trial available; one-time purchase price. |
 Nero PhotoSnap
|
Free software for single session use. |
 PhotoScape
|
Free photo editing software. |
 Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Perpetual license with a price of $79.99 USD. |
 Adobe Photoshop
|
Subscription-based pricing model with free trial; considered expensive. |
 XnView
|
Free for personal and educational use; commercial license available. |
 PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
Free trial version available; purchase required for full version. |
 Adobe Photoshop CC
|
Subscription-based pricing with monthly or annual plans and free trial. |
Operating System Compatibility
|
The GIMP
|
Cross-platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux distributions. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Windows-based operating systems only, including Windows 7 and 10. |
|
PixelSee
|
Cloud-based platform accessible via internet connection (OS independent). |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Supports Windows and macOS operating systems. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Supports Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. |
|
PhotoScape
|
Supports Windows and Mac OS operating systems. |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. |
|
XnView
|
Supports Windows, macOS, Linux operating systems. |
|
PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
Available on Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CC
|
Supports Windows and macOS operating systems. |
Layering Support
|
The GIMP
|
Supports layering with advanced options for image editing. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Supports layers for image editing. |
|
PixelSee
|
Supports layer functionality for image editing tasks. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Not explicitly mentioned; focuses on automatic optimization and batch processing. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Supports multiple edits but no explicit mention of layering support. |
|
PhotoScape
|
Does not explicitly mention layer support; provides basic editing tools and filters. |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Layer-based editing supported, suitable for advanced users. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Full support for layers with non-destructive editing capabilities. |
|
XnView
|
Basic image editing tools; no explicit mention of layering support. |
|
PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
Supports multiple edits and batch processing; layering support not explicitly stated. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CC
|
Full layer support with advanced features including masks and selections. |
User Interface & Ease of Use
|
The GIMP
|
'Steep learning curve' but supported by active community forums; interface involves multiple windows and elements. |
|
Paint.NET
|
'Intuitive and user-friendly interface' suitable for beginners with basic to intermediate features. |
|
PixelSee
|
'Intuitive user interface' designed for easy selection and editing in a cloud platform environment. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
'User-friendly interface' focused on ease of navigation with undo/redo functions and automatic optimization tools. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
'User-friendly interface' with integrated text tools and basic organization features designed for ease of use in photo management tasks. |
|
PhotoScape
|
'User-friendly interface' targeted at beginners with simple navigation and basic editing features but some limited functionality and occasional bugs. |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
'User-friendly interface' balancing power and accessibility for both novice and advanced users with extensive training resources available. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
'Sophisticated but complex user interface' suitable for advanced users with steep learning curve; frequent updates and tutorial support available. |
|
XnView
|
'User-friendly interface' supporting image viewing, batch rename, high customization options but may encounter performance issues on large files or older hardware. |
|
PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
'Intuitive user interface' providing batch processing, comprehensive undo/redo, good value for beginner to intermediate users though limited customer support options exist. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CC
|
'Sophisticated user interface' offering powerful features requiring significant skill; supports collaboration with seamless workflow integration across Adobe products. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how The GIMP stacks up against The GIMP, Paint.NET, PixelSee, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, PhotoScape, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Adobe Photoshop, XnView, PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro and Adobe Photoshop CC in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
The GIMP
|
|
|
Paint.NET
|
|
|
PixelSee
|
|
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
125.1MB |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
1.4MB |
|
PhotoScape
|
20.3MB |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
2.6MB |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
|
|
XnView
|
|
|
PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
3.9MB |
|
Adobe Photoshop CC
|
License
|
The GIMP
|
Open Source |
|
Paint.NET
|
Freeware |
|
PixelSee
|
Commercial |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Demo |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Commercial |
|
PhotoScape
|
Freeware |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Commercial |
|
XnView
|
Freeware |
|
PhotoPad Foto-Editor Pro
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop CC
|
Commercial |