GIMP vs Affinity Photo
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor offering many Photoshop-like capabilities at no cost. It is fully scriptable and runs on every major platform.
Affinity Photo is a professional raster editor that rivals Photoshop’s core features but is sold as a one-time purchase rather than a subscription. It is known for fast performance and a polished, pro-level toolset.
Completely free and open source.
Around $69.99 one-time (frequently discounted).
- Completely free and open source
- Cross-platform
- Highly extensible
- No subscription ever
- One-time purchase
- Fast and responsive
- Strong PSD compatibility
- Great value
- Dated interface for some
- Learning curve
- Fewer pro conveniences than Photoshop
- Smaller ecosystem than Adobe
- No generative AI (yet)
- Fewer tutorials than Photoshop
What reviewers say
GIMP Reviews
4.3 (3)Solid choice
GIMP has been part of our stack. Completely free and open source. Minor gripe: learning curve. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been using GIMP for a while. Highly extensible. Minor gripe: fewer pro conveniences than photoshop. Would recommend.
Recommend GIMP
Tried GIMP recently. Highly extensible. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Affinity Photo Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend Affinity Photo
Tried Affinity Photo recently. Fast and responsive. Minor gripe: fewer tutorials than photoshop. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been using Affinity Photo for a while. Strong PSD compatibility. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Recommend Affinity Photo
We rolled out Affinity Photo last quarter. One-time purchase. Minor gripe: smaller ecosystem than adobe. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to GIMP
View all →
Alternatives to Affinity Photo
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAffinity Photo offers a fast, one‑time‑purchase professional editor, while GIMP provides a completely free, open‑source alternative with a steeper learning curve.
Key differences
- •Pricing model: Affinity Photo is a paid one‑time purchase (~$69.99); GIMP is free.
- •Platform support: Affinity runs on Windows, Mac, iOS; GIMP runs on Windows, Mac, Linux.
- •Ecosystem & tutorials: Affinity has a smaller ecosystem and fewer tutorials than Adobe; GIMP has fewer built‑in pro conveniences.
- •Open‑source vs proprietary: GIMP is open‑source and extensible via plugins; Affinity is closed‑source with no API.
Pricing & value
GIMP is completely free, whereas Affinity Photo costs around $69.99 one‑time.
Ease of use / learning curve
Affinity Photo is noted for fast, responsive performance and has a more modern UI; GIMP’s interface is considered dated.
Features & depth
Affinity offers strong PSD compatibility, live filters, and professional raster tools; GIMP lacks some pro conveniences.
Integrations & ecosystem
Affinity has a smaller ecosystem than Adobe but still offers PSD compatibility; GIMP has no official ecosystem and no API.
Collaboration
Both lack built‑in collaboration features; neither provides specific collaboration tools.
Scalability
Affinity’s fast performance and live filters scale well for professional workloads; GIMP may struggle with larger projects.
Support
Affinity offers commercial support channels; GIMP relies on community support only.
Choose GIMP if…
Budget‑conscious users or open‑source advocates who need a free, cross‑platform editor.
Choose Affinity Photo if…
Photographers/designers who want a professional, fast editor and can afford a one‑time fee.
Common questions
How much does each product cost?
Affinity Photo costs around $69.99 one‑time (often discounted); GIMP is completely free.
Can I run the software on Linux?
GIMP runs on Linux; Affinity Photo does not (Windows, Mac, iOS only).
Is there a subscription or hidden fees?
No. Affinity Photo is a one‑time purchase; GIMP is free with no subscription.