Adobe Photoshop vs Affinity Designer: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Adobe Photoshop
Affinity Designer
Starting Price
$20.99/mo
$169.99 one-time
Free Plan
No
No
Users
30M+
3M+
Founded
1988
2014
Rating
4.7/5
4.7/5
Best For
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers do...
Freelance designers wanting professional tools wit...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Adobe PhotoshopAffinity Designer
93Ease of Use93
98Features98
92Value for Money92
89Customer Support89
91Integrations91
92Mobile App92
AI Verdict
Adobe Photoshop leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 94 for Affinity Designer. Adobe Photoshop is best suited for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing, while Affinity Designer excels for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.
CHOOSE ADOBE PHOTOSHOP IF:
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing.
CHOOSE AFFINITY DESIGNER IF:
Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Photoshop better than Affinity Designer?
Adobe Photoshop scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to Affinity Designer's 94/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe Photoshop is best for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing. Affinity Designer is best for Freelance designers wanting professional tools without subscription costs.
Does Adobe Photoshop have a free plan?
No, Adobe Photoshop does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Does Affinity Designer have a free plan?
No, Affinity Designer does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $169.99 one-time.
Can I migrate from Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Designer?
Migration between Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Designer 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.