For designers, photographers, and digital artists, choosing the right editing software is crucial. The debate of Affinity Photo vs Photoshop has gained attention as creatives look for powerful tools without high subscription costs.
Photoshop remains the industry standard, but Affinity Photo has been making waves with its one-time purchase model and competitive feature set. This guide puts Affinity Photo vs Photoshop head-to-head, testing performance, usability, and value to help you make the best choice.
Core Features Compared
Both tools excel at photo editing, but their approach differs:
- Affinity Photo: Known for its smooth performance and affordability, offering RAW editing, HDR merge, focus stacking, and non-destructive layers.
- Photoshop: Offers advanced AI-powered tools like Neural Filters, Generative Fill, and deep integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
If your work relies heavily on collaboration, Photoshop’s ecosystem still gives it an edge. But if you’re working solo, Affinity Photo provides similar power at a fraction of the cost.
Performance Test
To determine which is better, we ran tests for:
Speed and Responsiveness
- Affinity Photo launches faster on most systems and has lower memory usage.
- Photoshop is slightly slower on startup but handles massive files and complex smart objects more reliably.
Tool Execution
- Affinity Photo’s live filters update in real time with minimal lag.
- Photoshop’s AI-powered tools like Content-Aware Fill and Generative Expand are unmatched for automation.
File Compatibility
- Affinity Photo opens PSDs well but may struggle with complex smart filters or text layers.
- Photoshop supports PSDs natively and integrates with Illustrator and Lightroom.
These results make Affinity Photo vs Photoshop a close competition, with Photoshop winning in workflow integration and Affinity excelling in speed.
Pricing
One of the biggest factors in the Affinity Photo vs Photoshop decision is pricing:
- Affinity Photo: One-time purchase around $69, lifetime license.
- Photoshop: $20.99/month or included in Adobe Creative Cloud plans.
For freelancers or hobbyists, Affinity Photo is a clear winner for budget friendly design. Professionals who rely on Illustrator, Lightroom, or After Effects will still benefit from Photoshop’s subscription.
Best Use Cases: When to Choose Each Tool
- You want a one-time purchase with no subscription fees.
- You need fast performance on mid-range hardware.
- You work mostly with static images and standard photo retouching.
- You rely on AI automation and advanced plugins.
- You collaborate with teams using Adobe Creative Cloud.
- You create motion graphics or complex composites.
Font Pairing Inspiration for Design Projects
Typography is crucial when showcasing designs from either tool. Try these font pairings:
Affinity Photo vs Photoshop for Social Media Creators
Social media managers often need quick edits and batch processing:
- Affinity Photo offers Studio Presets to quickly switch workspaces and layouts.
- Photoshop integrates with Adobe Express for easy template creation.
If social media is your focus, Affinity’s speed makes it a joy to use, while Photoshop’s templates and integrations save time for branded campaigns.
Limitations to Consider
Even though both tools are excellent, the Affinity Photo vs Photoshop debate reveals some limitations:
- Affinity Photo: Limited third party plugin support and no direct Lightroom integration.
- Photoshop: Subscription model can become expensive over time.
Conclusion
So, which is better in the Affinity Photo vs Photoshop debate?
- Best for Solo Creatives: Affinity Photo faster, cheaper, and powerful enough for most needs.
- Best for Professional Teams: Photoshop unbeatable integrations, AI-powered tools, and industry-standard status.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to budget, workflow, and whether you value Adobe’s ecosystem or prefer a lean, cost effective solution.
