Affinity Photo vs GIMP
A side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026. Both are Photo & Image Editing tools.
Affinity Photo and GIMP both compete in the Photo & Image Editing space. Free open-source editor. GIMP leans on design. Affinity Photo is paid while GIMP is free, so budget often tips the decision.
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing software with advanced HDR merge, focus stacking, panorama stitching, and RAW processing. One-time purchase alternative to Photoshop.
vs GIMP
GIMP
Free and open-source raster graphics editor for image retouching, editing, drawing, and format conversion. Cross-platform alternative to commercial photo editing software with extensive plugin support.
vs Affinity Photo
How Affinity Photo and GIMP differ
GIMP as an alternative to Affinity Photo
Free open-source editor
Completely free, cross-platform, extensible
Pricing comparison
At a glance
| Feature | Affinity Photo | GIMP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Best for | Professional photo editing software with advanced HDR merge, focus stacking, panorama stitching, and RAW processing | Free open-source editor |
| Categories | Photo & Image Editing | Design, Photo & Image Editing |
| Website | Visit | Visit |
- Affinity Photo
- Paid
- GIMP
- Free
- Affinity Photo
- No
- GIMP
- Yes
- Affinity Photo
- Professional photo editing software with advanced HDR merge, focus stacking, panorama stitching, and RAW processing
- GIMP
- Free open-source editor
- Affinity Photo
- Photo & Image Editing
- GIMP
- Design, Photo & Image Editing
Alternatives to both Affinity Photo and GIMP
Tools curated as alternatives to both options — worth a look if neither is right for you.
Adobe Photoshop
Industry-standard raster graphics editor for photo editing, compositing, digital painting, and graphic design. Professional-grade tools for image manipulation, retouching, and creative design work.
Canva
Online graphic design platform with drag-and-drop templates for social media, presentations, posters, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Affinity Photo and GIMP?
Completely free, cross-platform, extensible
Is Affinity Photo cheaper than GIMP?
Affinity Photo is paid, while GIMP is free. Check each tool's website for current pricing details and tier limits.
Which is better, Affinity Photo or GIMP?
Neither is universally "better" — it depends on your team's needs. Affinity Photo is known for free open-source editor. GIMP has its own strengths.
Can Affinity Photo replace GIMP?
Affinity Photo can replace GIMP for many teams. Free open-source editor However, the right fit depends on which features your workflow relies on.
Which has more alternatives, Affinity Photo or GIMP?
Affinity Photo has more tracked alternatives (4) than GIMP (3). Browse the full alternatives page for each tool to see the lineup.
Are Affinity Photo and GIMP both Photo & Image Editing tools?
Yes — both Affinity Photo and GIMP are categorized as Photo & Image Editing tools, which is why they show up as alternatives to one another. Their feature emphasis and pricing differ, so the right fit depends on your workflow.
What are good alternatives to both Affinity Photo and GIMP?
Tools curated as alternatives to both include Adobe Photoshop, Canva. See the "Alternatives to both" section above.