The top photo editing apps are no longer limited to professionals or desktop computers. Modern smartphones are capable of handling basic to moderate photo editing tasks, allowing users to achieve professional-looking images on the go.

The best apps combine intuitive ease of use with a diverse range of powerful tools and seamless photo sharing capabilities. Our top recommendation overall is PicsArt, praised for its extensive toolkit including AI photo effects, stickers, text overlays, and backgrounds. However, there are plenty of other excellent options to consider. We’ve extensively tested a variety of editing apps to provide you with the most informed recommendations. Here’s our list of the best photo editing apps available.

Video and photo editing apps are sophisticated tools crafted to modify and refine visual content. These platforms vary widely, ranging from simple photo editors offering basic adjustments like cropping and filtering, to advanced software such as Adobe Photoshop, which facilitates intricate image manipulation. Designed for a diverse audience, these apps cater to individuals enhancing profile pictures with appealing backgrounds, as well as professionals making precise edits on headshots or promotional videos.

Why should use these apps?

Video and photo editing apps serve purposes beyond mere beautification, proving essential for content creators, marketers, and everyday users aiming to create compelling visuals. Whether enhancing social media engagement, establishing a professional identity, or expressing personal creativity, these tools offer capabilities such as object removal, photo enhancement, and video background alteration. Apps like Canva and TikTok Editor enhance content creation with intuitive video editing features, democratizing creative expression for a broader audience.

Video and photo editing apps encompass a wide array of features, from basic adjustments to advanced capabilities. These include AI-driven photo effects, tools for editing faces, and precise techniques for removing objects from images. These apps also offer options to personalize visuals extensively, such as blurring photo backgrounds, integrating makeup effects, and generating AI-powered avatars. This diversity of features empowers users to customize and enhance their visual content with unprecedented flexibility and creativity.

For individuals looking to create birthday images or collages to commemorate special occasions, these apps provide essential tools. Furthermore, AI-driven features such as generative fill and advanced photo enhancement capabilities expand the possibilities beyond traditional editing methods. These advancements enable users to craft memorable and visually stunning compositions effortlessly.

AI in Video and Photo Editing

AI technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of photo and video editing apps, introducing innovative solutions. AI-powered photo editors such as Facetune and PhotoLeap automatically enhance photo quality, while face and beauty apps utilize AI for tasks like skin smoothing and digital makeup applications. These advancements not only streamline editing processes but also enable users to achieve professional-level results with ease and efficiency.

Video editing has undergone a revolution with apps like VideoLeap, which simplify tasks such as background removal and automated editing. AI technology plays a pivotal role in making editing more accessible and in opening up new creative possibilities.

The benefits of photo and video editing apps are extensive, streamlining the content creation process and enabling the production of professional-grade visuals. For influencers, marketers, and corporations alike, these tools are indispensable for crafting captivating content that resonates with their audience. Everyday users also benefit by refining their photos, whether it’s perfecting selfies with Facetune or creating engaging birthday collages effortlessly.

These apps democratize creative expression and empower users to achieve polished results with ease. AI integration has become a cornerstone in the digital toolbox, enabling users to achieve professional-level outcomes such as enhancing photo and video quality and generating compelling AI artworks.

How to Find the Best Editing App?

The market for photo-related apps is highly competitive and crowded. When one app introduces a popular feature, others swiftly follow suit. For instance, Snapchat’s success with its disappearing photo and video messages has spawned numerous imitators.

Generally. the best photo editing apps can be categorized into two main groups: those designed for everyday consumers and those tailored for professional photographers or prosumers. Our list includes apps from both categories, so it’s essential to assess your specific needs before making a choice. As with many apps, most of the best photo editing apps offer a limited set of features for free, with the option to unlock the full suite of features through a monthly or annual subscription.

The best photo editing apps are excellent for quick edits on a phone, but using the best photo editing software on a desktop or laptop provides several additional functionalities. Generally, these differences can be categorized into four key areas:

• Display Size: When editing a photo on a phone using an app, you’re typically working with a relatively small screen size. Even on a tablet, screen sizes generally range up to about 10 inches. In contrast, laptops start at around 10 inches and can go up to 15 inches or larger, while desktop monitors offer even larger displays. When making detailed edits, a larger screen is always preferable as it allows for better visibility and precision in handling fine details and adjustments.
• Tools and Features: Desktop photo-editing software typically provides a more robust and feature-rich editing experience compared to app versions. For example, Photoshop on desktop offers a comprehensive array of editing tools, including advanced features like working with layers and performing complex cutouts. In contrast, the app versions of such software, while still powerful, may not offer the same depth of capabilities, particularly for tasks involving advanced editing techniques.

For many people, photo editing apps typically provide all the essential tools needed, making desktop software potentially excessive—especially if the goal is simple tasks like brightening a photo for sharing on WhatsApp. However, for more creative and sophisticated editing projects, full-featured desktop software consistently offers superior capabilities and flexibility.

• Cost: The best photo editing apps are either free or cost no more than a few dollars. In contrast, many of the entries in our list of the best photo editing software for desktops can be significantly more expensive.
• Controls & Hardware: When editing on a phone or tablet, you typically use your finger, a stylus, or an Apple Pencil. On a desktop or laptop, you’re more likely to use a trackpad or mouse, along with a keyboard. Each method has its advantages, and your preference may depend on the specific task or what you’re most accustomed to using.