Adobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Starting Price
$20.99/mo
$20.99/mo
Free Plan
No
No
Users
25M+
30M+
Founded
1987
1988
Rating
4.7/5
4.7/5
Best For
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector...
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers do...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Adobe IllustratorAdobe Photoshop
93Ease of Use93
98Features98
92Value for Money92
89Customer Support89
91Integrations91
92Mobile App92
AI Verdict
Adobe Illustrator leads with a SoftScout Score of 94 vs 94 for Adobe Photoshop. Adobe Illustrator is best suited for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos, while Adobe Photoshop excels for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing. Both are strong options in the Design Tools space.
CHOOSE ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR IF:
Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos.
CHOOSE ADOBE PHOTOSHOP IF:
Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Illustrator better than Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Illustrator scores 94/100 on SoftScout compared to Adobe Photoshop's 94/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Adobe Illustrator is best for Graphic designers and illustrators creating vector artwork and logos. Adobe Photoshop is best for Photographers, retouchers, and visual designers doing image editing.
Does Adobe Illustrator have a free plan?
No, Adobe Illustrator does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Does Adobe Photoshop have a free plan?
No, Adobe Photoshop does not offer a free plan. Plans start from $20.99/mo.
Can I migrate from Adobe Illustrator to Adobe Photoshop?
Migration between Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop 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.