The world of photography is constantly evolving, with a growing need for powerful editing tools. AI photo editing software combines cutting-edge technology and creativity, offering countless options for enhancing your images. Finding the best AI photo editor can be challenging, but we're here to help!
This article explores top AI-powered photo editors designed to streamline your editing process. Whether you're a professional or amateur, these leading AI tools for photo editing will boost your creative potential. Let's dive in and find the perfect AI photo editor for your needs!
In this article
What Is AI Photo Editing Software?
AI, aka artificial intelligence photo editing software, is an editing tool like any other. It enables you to enhance your photos, make color adjustments, and improve contrast, brightness, saturation, and more.
However, instead of having you do every minute edit manually, AI photo editing software handles the entire process for you.
An AI-based photo editor uses complex algorithms to assess the photos you've taken, identify problem areas, then automatically correct them. Moreover, it often relies on machine-learning technology, meaning that the more you use the solution, the more it learns about your preferences regarding photo editing.
What Can AI-Based Photo Editors Do?
In a nutshell, an AI-powered photo editor can do virtually anything you can when using high-quality software. It's designed to perform any editing task quickly, efficiently, and professionally.
It can perform basic tasks such as cropping, resizing, straightening, sharpening, and blurring your images, but it can also handle the more complicated post-production processes. These include removing or changing the background, identifying the main subject in the photo and editing only the said subject, applying different filters and effects, improving the lighting, etc.
A high-quality AI-based photo editor can even help restore old photos that are seemingly damaged beyond repair. It can remove scratches from scanned physical photographs, add missing parts, and eliminate stains and discoloration. All without the need for your intervention in the process.
How We Picked the Best AI Tools for Photo Editing
Choosing the best AI tool for photo editing can be an overwhelming process. After all, considering the rise in popularity and availability of AI tools, there certainly isn't a shortage of tools you could try.
The problem is that not all AI photo editors are made the same. Some are simply better than others.
When creating the list of the top 10 AI tools for photo editing, we were careful to pick only the tools that stand out regarding their:
- ✌Ease of use;
- ✍Learning curve;
- 🎨Editing capabilities;
- 💰Price;
- 🎯Editing control.
Since AI tools are designed to simplify processes for you, you'll want solutions with virtually no learning curve and are perfectly user-friendly. You'll want powerful solutions with all the necessary editing features that enable you to step in and take over editing controls whenever you need to. Above all else, you'll want solutions that suit your budget.
Best 10 AI Tools for Photo Editing
As a general rule of thumb, the best AI tool for photo editing will depend entirely on your needs and preferences. Some tools will deliver different results than others, even when using the same features. Therefore, at the end of the day, whether a tool suits you or not depends on your artistic interests.
With this in mind, there are still countless great AI-based editors. The following is the list of those that meet the criteria above.
1. PicMa - Best for Android and iOS devices
Available for: Android, iOS
PicMa is an AI-based photo editing app compatible with Android and iOS devices. You can download it directly from the Google Play or Apple App Store and start using it immediately.
With PicMa, you can seamlessly edit and enhance any kind of photo - whether it's a selfie, an old, scratched-up photograph, or anything in between. Some of its most notable AI features include:
- Cartoon or comic-style avatar creation;
- Old photo retouching;
- Scratch removal;
- Photo colorization;
- Artistic sky creation.
It has a generous free version, though you will encounter several ads while using it. If you want to eliminate the ads, you'll need to upgrade to a premium plan.
PicMa offers several pricing plans to suit your needs:
- PicMa Premium Weekly - $4.99;
- PicMa Premium Monthly - $6.99;
- PicMa Premium Yearly - $44.99;
- PicMa Premium Lifetime - $64.99.
It's user-friendly, powerful, and effective.
User Ratings of PicMa
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.5/5  |
62,807 votes |
| App Store | 4.6/5 |
886 votes |
2. PhotoDirector - Best AI alternative for Adobe Lightroom
Available for: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
PhotoDirector, developed by CyberLink, is perhaps one of the most popular AI-based photo editing tools. It boasts a seamless workflow, extensive capabilities, and excellent editing tools. You can download the software directly from CyberLink's website or visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to get it for your smartphone.
If you've ever worked in Adobe Lightroom, you might find it surprisingly similar. It has all the classic Photoshop features, but the tool's AI capabilities make it even more usable. While you can take advantage of its Photoshop-like tools, such as adjustment layers, you can also deploy AI to take care of:
- Content removal;
- Background editing;
- Photo enhancement;
- Animation;
- Sky replacement.
PhotoDirector is best suited for professional photographers who want to invest in high-quality solutions, as it could be a bit expensive for novices:
- PhotoDirector 365 - $39.99;
- PhotoDirector Suite - $89.99;
- PhotoDirector 14 Ultra - $74.99;
- PhotoDirector 21 & PhotoDirector 14 - $169.99.
While it's certainly expensive, it's well worth it as it delivers exceptional results.
User Ratings of PhotoDirector
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.4/5.0 |
887K votes |
| App Store | 4.6/5.0 |
3.7K votes |
| Capterra | 4.3/5.0 |
6 votes |
3. Wondershare VirtuLook - Best for product photography
Available for: Online
If you mainly deal with product photography, Wondershare VirtuLook could be the solution for you. It's an online AI-based platform that enables users to generate product photos and try-on AI models. It leverages artificial intelligence technology to create realistic images of products, showcasing them in various scenarios and environments. Additionally, Additionally, VirtuLook enables online retailers to create realistic AI-generated models to showcase. This technology allows businesses to generate try-on product images without the need to hire real-life models, thus saving time and resources.
To get started, you can sign up directly on Wondershare VirtuLook's website using your PC, tablet, or smartphone. You don't need to download any app or software since it's a web-based solution that's always readily available.
Wondershare VirtuLook has a comprehensive list of AI features, and the most notable ones include:
- AI product photo generation with templates or text prompts;
- AI model try-on;
- Photo editor.
Wondershare VirtuLook has affordable pricing plans, you can choose to subscribe monthly or yearly:
- Create 40 photos for free
- Monthly plan - $39.99
- Yearly plan - $399.99
There's also an enterprise-level plan that's customizable to suit your unique needs.
User Ratings of Wondershare VirtuLook
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.2/5.0  |
1 vote |
4. Fotor - Best for beginners
Available for: Online
Fotor can be a great general-purpose AI photo editor. It's web-based, so you can access all its features directly on its website. It features virtually no learning curve, making it easy for novices to get used to it. Just a few minutes of fiddling around with the software will help you understand exactly how to use it.
It offers an array of AI-based features, including:
- AI image generation;
- Collage maker;
- Photo enhancer;
- Object removal.
While Fotor has a free version, this plan doesn't have AI capabilities. If you want to take advantage of the AI-based tools, you'll need to upgrade to paid plans:
- Fotor Pro - $3.33;
- Fotor Pro + - $7.49.
The Pro + version has more storage and 200 extra credits per month when compared to the regular Pro version.
User Ratings of Fotor
5. YouCam Perfect - Best for social media photos
Available for: Android, iOS
YouCam Perfect is an AI-based photo editing app that you can get from the Google Play Store if you're using Android devices or from the Apple App Store if you're using iOS ones.
While not as full-featured as desktop software solutions, it has extensive AI capabilities that are ideal for a photography hobbyist or someone who wants to perfect the photos they post to their social media profiles.
However, even though it's mainly used for social media content, it's surprisingly powerful, coming with AI features such as:
- AI Background removal;
- Body tuner;
- AI avatar creation.
It offers several free features, but you must upgrade to a premium plan to use its AI capabilities:
- YouCam Perfect Premium - $5.99;
- The Best Selfie Photo Editor - $7.99;
- Best Selfie & Photo Edit App - $29.99.
Though it's ideal for social media, you can also use it to create better content for your website.
User Ratings of YouCam Perfect
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.4/5.0 |
2.09M votes |
| App Store | 4.8/5.0 |
96.1K votes |
6. Luminar Neo - Best for professional use
Available for: Windows, Mac
If you prefer to edit photos on your PC rather than your smartphone, you should look into Luminar Neo. Created by Skylum, it was among the first photo editors to start introducing AI capabilities.
It features a slight learning curve, which makes it better suited to experienced photographers who already know their way around editing software. However, if you have the patience, you can master the solution relatively quickly, even if you're just starting out.
While the AI tools do an exceptional job of enhancing your images, you'll have complete control over the editing process and can easily adjust settings to suit your preferences. Its top features include:
- AI masking;
- Photo enhancement;
- Image brightener;
- Skin retouching.
As a tool designed for professional photographers, it's a bit more expensive than other solutions:
- Luminar Neo Explore - $8.25;
- Luminar Neo Pro - 9.92;
- Luminar Neo Lifetime - $149.
With the Lifetime license, you can also add the extensions pack, but the plan's price will rise to $299.
User Ratings of Luminar Neo
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.2/5.0  |
66 votes |
| PC Magazine | 4.0/5.0 |
1 vote |
7. Lensa - Best for enhancing selfies
Available for: Android, iOS
Lensa is designed for casual photographers primarily concerned with improving their selfie game. As an Android/iOS app that you can get from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, it's fully streamlined to deliver an impeccable mobile experience.
With only a slight learning curve, it's one of the top AI-based apps for your photos. Its top AI-based features include:
- Magic retouch;
- Sky replacement;
- Background editor/remover.
You can download the Lensa app for free but must pay to use its portrait effects. Its pricing plans are as follows:
- Magic Avatars packs - $3.99-$11.99;
- Unlimited Access - $2.99-$49.99;
- Membership - $35.99.
You'll have access to a 7-day free trial if you want to first explore the app's features before investing any money in it.
User Ratings of Lensa
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.1/5.0 |
178K votes |
| App Store | 4.5/5.0 |
3.5K votes |
8. Pixlr - Best value
Available for: Online
If you want more creative freedom to play around with your photos, Pixlr could be the solution for you. Intuitive and user-friendly, it boasts millions of active users who take advantage of its powerful features daily.
Whether you want to adjust the colors, enhance the image quality, remove objects, or anything in between, Its AI-powered features can help you perfect your photos without a hitch:
- Color adjustment;
- Object removal;
- Quality enhancement.
You can use most of its features for free, but with some limitations - you can only save up to three photos daily. To unlock Pixlr's full capabilities, you'll want to upgrade to one of its paid plans:
- Pixlr Plus - $1.99;
- Pixlr Premium - $7.99;
- Pixlr Team - $12.99.
As with most similar web-based solutions, you will get a monthly discount if you opt for one of its annual plans.
User Ratings of Pixlr
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| GetApp | 4.5/5.0 |
101 votes |
| Software Advice | 4.5/5.0 |
98 votes |
9. Voila - Best for photo cartoonization
Available for: Android, iOS
Voila isn't as much of a photo editor as it is a cartoon creator. It uses AI algorithms to transform your photos. Its AI capabilities allow you to:
- Cartoonize photos;
- Create regular and 3D avatars;
- Create pet avatars;
- Transform images into Renaissance paintings, pencil sketches, and caricatures.
It's a fun, easy-to-use app available on the Google Play and Apple App Store. While it's not designed for professional use, it can add a bit of humor to your photos and make them more eye-catching.
You can try Voila for free, but you'll have to pay if you want to continue using the app:
- Voila Pro Weekly - $3.99-$4.99;
- Voila Pro Monthly - $7.99-$9.99;
- Voila Pro Yearly - $39.99-$49.99.
With all plans, you'll get access to dozens of stickers, popular cartoon characters, and more.
User Ratings of Voila
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.5/5.0 |
218K votes |
| App Store | 4.8/5.0 |
82.9K votes |
10. Befunky - Best for photo editing and graphic design
Available for: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Befunky is a comprehensive photo editing and graphic design platform with extensive features and capabilities. You can either download its desktop version directly from the website, or you can get the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
You can use Befunky for all the standard editing tasks, such as resizing and cropping your photos, but it's designed to do much more.
With the help of its AI, Befunky allows you to seamlessly:
- Remove background;
- Touch up your photos;
- Transform photos into cartoons/art;
- Create digital art.
You can use Befunky for free, but as always, you'll need to upgrade to unlock its full capabilities:
- Befunky Annual - $5.99;
- Befunky Monthly - $11.99.
Whether you choose the monthly or annual plan, you'll have access to all the same features. The only difference is that the annual plan is much more affordable if you decide to continue using the editor indefinitely.
User Ratings of Befunky
| Platform | Star Rating | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.6/5.0 |
216K votes |
| App Store | 4.6/5.0 |
8.8K votes |
| G2 | 4.2/5.0 |
84 votes |
The Best AI Photo Editors at a Glance
| AI Photo Editor | Best for | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PicMa | Android and iOS devices | Artistic sky replacement | $4.99-$64.99 |
| PhotoDirector | Adobe Lightroom alternative | AI denoise | $39.99-$169.99 |
| Wondershare VirtuLook | Product photography | AI image generation | $24.99-$499 |
| Fotor | Beginners | Object removal | $3.99-$7.49 |
| YouCam Perfect | Social media photos | Body tuner | $5.99-29.99 |
| Luminar Neo | Professionals | AI masking | $8.25-$149 |
| Lensa | Enhancing selfies | Magic retouch | $3.99-$49.99 |
| Pixlr | Value | Quality enhancement | $1.99-$12.99 |
| Voila | Photo cartoonization | Avatar creation | $3.99-$49.99 |
| Befunky | Photo editing and graphic design | Background customization | $5.99-$11.99 |
Conclusion
AI photo editing tools can simplify virtually all your post-production processes. Instead of wasting hours in front of your screen, manually handling color correction, background removal, and more, you can let AI tools take care of it all within seconds.
Considering the sheer number of available AI photo editing tools, it's in your best interest to try a few different solutions before choosing the one to stick with.