GIMP vs Affinity Photo2026
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings to help you choose.
Free and open source image editor.
Professional photo editing without the subscription.
Our verdict
GIMP vs Affinity Photo is the free vs the best-value paid photo editor. GIMP is free and capable but dated in interface and workflow. Affinity Photo is a polished one-time purchase that matches Photoshop on most professional tasks.
Bottom line
Affinity Photo is worth the one-time purchase of ~$70 for any designer or photographer doing regular work. GIMP is a legitimate choice only when cost is genuinely the deciding factor. The experience difference is significant enough that most professionals find Affinity Photo's price easy to justify.
Our recommendation: Affinity Photo
Side-by-side comparison
Green highlight = advantage on that metric.
| Feature | G | A |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Open Source | One-time |
| Free tier | — | |
| Ratings | ||
| User rating | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Features & Capabilities | ||
| Tracked features | 1 | 2 |
| Offline Mode | ||
| AI-powered | — | |
| Listing | ||
| Verified listing | ||
Key differences
Best for
Pricing comparison
Affinity Photo
One-time
Professional photo editing without the subscription.
Pricing information is verified periodically. Visit each vendor's pricing page for current rates.
Feature comparison
Both tools
Only in Affinity Photo
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between GIMP and Affinity Photo?
Affinity Photo is worth the one-time purchase of ~$70 for any designer or photographer doing regular work. GIMP is a legitimate choice only when cost is genuinely the deciding factor. The experience difference is significant enough that most professionals find Affinity Photo's price easy to justify.
Is GIMP cheaper than Affinity Photo?
GIMP has a free tier, making it more accessible than Affinity Photo which requires a paid plan.
Can I switch from GIMP to Affinity Photo?
Yes — most teams can migrate from GIMP to Affinity Photo. Check whether your key files and integrations are supported before switching.
Does GIMP or Affinity Photo offer a free tier?
GIMP offers a free tier. Affinity Photo does not currently offer a free plan.