Adobe Photoshop vs GIMP: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Adobe Photoshop
GIMP
Starting Price
$20.99/mo
Free
Free Plan
No
Yes
Users
30M+
10M+
Founded
1988
1996
Rating
4.7/5
4.3/5
Best For
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers do...
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Adobe PhotoshopGIMP
93Ease of Use88
98Features90
92Value for Money90
89Customer Support81
91Integrations83
92Mobile App84
AI Verdict
Adobe Photoshop leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 86 for GIMP. Adobe Photoshop is best suited for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing, while GIMP excels for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.
CHOOSE ADOBE PHOTOSHOP IF:
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing.
CHOOSE GIMP IF:
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Photoshop better than GIMP?
Adobe Photoshop scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe Photoshop is best for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.
Does Adobe Photoshop have a free plan?
No, Adobe Photoshop does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Can I migrate from Adobe Photoshop to GIMP?
Migration between Adobe Photoshop and GIMP depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Design Tools category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.