GIMP vs Photopea: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
🖌️
GIMP
Design Tools
86
SoftScout Score
VS
🎨
Photopea
Design Tools
92
SoftScout Score
RECOMMENDED

Quick Comparison

GIMP
Photopea
Starting Price
Free
$5/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
10M+
20M+
Founded
1996
2013
Rating
4.3/5
4.6/5
Best For
Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop altern...
Anyone needing a free, browser-based Photoshop alt...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

GIMPPhotopea
88Ease of Use94
90Features96
90Value for Money96
81Customer Support87
83Integrations89
84Mobile App90
AI Verdict

Photopea leads with a SoftScout Score of 92 vs 86 for GIMP. Photopea is best suited for Anyone needing a free, browser-based Photoshop alternative for PSD 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 GIMP IF:

Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing.

CHOOSE PHOTOPEA IF:

Anyone needing a free, browser-based Photoshop alternative for PSD editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GIMP better than Photopea?
Photopea scores 92/100 on SoftScout compared to GIMP's 86/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. GIMP is best for Users wanting a free, open-source Photoshop alternative for image editing. Photopea is best for Anyone needing a free, browser-based Photoshop alternative for PSD editing.
Does GIMP have a free plan?
Yes, GIMP offers a free plan. Paid plans start from Free.
Does Photopea have a free plan?
Yes, Photopea offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $5/mo.
Can I migrate from GIMP to Photopea?
Migration between GIMP and Photopea 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.