Editors' pick

Top 10 Best AI Alternatives to Photoshop (2026)

We tested the leading AI photo editors and visual tools so you don’t have to. Here are the top choices for 2026 — with pricing, ideal use‑cases, and standout features — led by VAKPix for its prompt‑based simplicity.

#1Best OverallFree Trial

VAKPix (Recommended)

Edit photos with plain English prompts — remove objects, swap backgrounds, retouch faces, and more.

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$9/mo Plus • Free trial: 3 editsTry free with 3 image edits
  • Natural-language edits ("remove person in background", "golden hour lighting")
  • Smart retouching, object removal, background swap
  • Clean, distraction-free UI with live preview
  • Simple pricing: Plus at $9/mo
CreatorsE-commerceNon-designers
#2Free Trial

Higgsfield AI

Cinematic AI visuals (images & short videos) with credit-based plans.

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From $9/mo (Basic) credit-basedFree tier available
  • Multi-model image/video generation (quality vs. speed tiers)
  • Camera controls, character/"Soul" features
  • Commercial-use tiers available
UGC & AdsShort clipsCreative concepts
#3Free Trial

Canva Magic Studio

AI design tools inside Canva (Magic Design, Magic Edit, Expand).

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Pro from ~$15/mo (individual); Teams priced per userGenerous free plan
  • Prompt-to-design (Magic Design)
  • Background & object edits, expand/resize
  • Massive template & asset library
Social graphicsMarketing teamsDocs & Slides
#4Free Trial

PhotoRoom

E-commerce product photos: remove backgrounds, AI scenes, shadows.

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App from ~$14.99/mo; API Basic $20/mo, Plus $100/moFree trial on app & API
  • 1-click background removal
  • AI scenes & shadows for realistic product shots
  • API for automation at scale
E-commerceMarketplacesCatalogs
#5Free Trial

Pixlr (X & E)

Web-based editor with AI cutout and handy design tools.

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Premium ~ $4.90–$7.99/mo (varies)Free plan with ads
  • AI CutOut, templates, overlays
  • Runs in browser; lightweight & fast
  • Good for simple edits and social posts
Quick web editsStudentsLight design
#6Free Trial

Fotor

Beginner-friendly photo editor with AI tools & templates.

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Pro from ~$3.99/mo; Pro+ higher tiersFree plan available
  • AI upscaler, background remover, object replace
  • Large template & asset library
  • Batch editing in Pro+
BeginnersSocial templatesBatch edits (Pro+)
#7Free Trial

Topaz Photo AI

Best-in-class denoise, deblur & upscaling with a one-time license.

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$199 one-time (desktop)30-day free trial
  • Sharpen, Denoise & Enhance in one app
  • State-of-the-art upscaling
  • Works as standalone or plugin
PhotographersOld photo clean-upsDetail recovery
#8Free Trial

Luminar Neo

Powerful desktop editor with AI lighting, sky, portrait tools.

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Subscription from ~$79/yr; occasional lifetime dealsFree trial
  • RelightAI, SkyAI, SkinAI tools
  • Extensions (panorama, focus stacking, etc.)
  • Classic desktop workflow (macOS/Windows)
HobbyistsLandscape & portraitCreative looks
#9Free Trial

remove.bg

Industry-standard background removal for web & API.

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Pay-as-you-go from ~$3; subscriptions from ~$9–$89/moFree previews (SD)
  • Reliable 1-click cutouts
  • Desktop apps & Photoshop plugin
  • API with credits & volume pricing
Background removalAutomations (API)Bulk processing
#10Free Trial

Remini

AI photo enhancer popular on mobile for portraits & restorations.

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From ~$6.99/week (mobile plans)Free tier with caps
  • Face enhance, glow & HD restore
  • Mobile-first UX (iOS/Android)
  • Quick one-tap workflows
Mobile usersPortrait fixesOld photo restorations

Quick Comparison

ToolBest ForPricing (indicative)Free?Highlights
VAKPix (Recommended)Creators, E-commerce, Non-designers$9/mo Plus • Free trial: 3 editsTry free with 3 image editsNatural-language edits ("remove person in background", "golden hour lighting")
Higgsfield AIUGC & Ads, Short clips, Creative conceptsFrom $9/mo (Basic) credit-basedFree tier availableMulti-model image/video generation (quality vs. speed tiers)
Canva Magic StudioSocial graphics, Marketing teams, Docs & SlidesPro from ~$15/mo (individual); Teams priced per userGenerous free planPrompt-to-design (Magic Design)
PhotoRoomE-commerce, Marketplaces, CatalogsApp from ~$14.99/mo; API Basic $20/mo, Plus $100/moFree trial on app & API1-click background removal
Pixlr (X & E)Quick web edits, Students, Light designPremium ~ $4.90–$7.99/mo (varies)Free plan with adsAI CutOut, templates, overlays
FotorBeginners, Social templates, Batch edits (Pro+)Pro from ~$3.99/mo; Pro+ higher tiersFree plan availableAI upscaler, background remover, object replace
Topaz Photo AIPhotographers, Old photo clean-ups, Detail recovery$199 one-time (desktop)30-day free trialSharpen, Denoise & Enhance in one app
Luminar NeoHobbyists, Landscape & portrait, Creative looksSubscription from ~$79/yr; occasional lifetime dealsFree trialRelightAI, SkyAI, SkinAI tools
remove.bgBackground removal, Automations (API), Bulk processingPay-as-you-go from ~$3; subscriptions from ~$9–$89/moFree previews (SD)Reliable 1-click cutouts
ReminiMobile users, Portrait fixes, Old photo restorationsFrom ~$6.99/week (mobile plans)Free tier with capsFace enhance, glow & HD restore

Pricing is indicative and may vary by region, billing cycle, or plan. Always check the provider’s site.

Why we ranked VAKPix #1

Prompt‑based editing means you don’t wrestle with layers or masks. Describe the vibe; get the edit — perfect for creators and entrepreneurs who need quick, consistent results.

Natural‑language edits3 free edits to startPlus plan $9/mo