Adobe Photoshop vs Affinity Photo
Verdict: Affinity Photo wins for hobbyists and budget-conscious professionals. Photoshop wins for power users who need the deepest feature set and industry-standard workflows.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: Affinity Photo
Adobe Photoshop: 7.1/10
Affinity Photo: 8.4/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Adobe Photoshop | Affinity Photo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99/mo (Photography Plan) | $69.99 one-time |
| 3-year cost | ~$720 | ~$70–$90 |
| Generative AI tools | Excellent (Generative Fill) | Limited |
| RAW editing | Via Lightroom (separate app) | Built-in |
| Performance | Good (improving) | Excellent (especially Apple Silicon) |
| Industry standard | Yes | Not universally |
Adobe Photoshop
What works
- Generative Fill and Neural Filters (AI features)
- Industry-standard — accepted by every client and agency
- Deepest retouching toolset in the market
What doesn't
- $19.99/mo minimum — expensive over time
- Slower launch times and heavier resource usage
- Subscription required even for basic use
Affinity Photo
What works
- One-time purchase — no subscription ($69.99)
- Faster on launch and large files
- Excellent RAW development built in
What doesn't
- Not accepted by all commercial clients (who may require PSDs)
- Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem
- Generative AI features less developed than Photoshop's
Bottom line
Our pick: Affinity Photo. It edges out the alternative on one-time purchase — no subscription ($69.99). That said, Adobe Photoshop still wins on generative fill and neural filters (ai features) — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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