🧩 The Best Free Image Editing Tools of 2026: Alternatives to Photoshop
Sometimes you just want to make a small edit to a photo, but you can't be bothered to open Photoshop.
That's how I felt. I thought, “I'm just going to crop a photo and adjust the lighting. Is it worth opening all that software?”
Then I thought, wait a minute, maybe I can find something free and practical.
So I got lost on the internet and tried five different programs.
Some were web-based, some were desktop apps, but they all worked perfectly.
Here are my favorites 👇
🎨 1. Photopea – Photoshop Feel in Your Browser
I was shocked when I first opened Photopea.
It works in your browser but is almost identical to Photoshop.
No installation needed, just go to the site, and it even opens PSD files.
Yes, the interface is a bit cluttered, but you get used to it after a while.
There are ads, but they're not too intrusive.
Layers, brushes, masking... it has everything you need.
In short, it's a “fast but powerful” option.
🖌️ 2. GIMP – Old but Reliable
GIMP is a slightly different world.
It's been open source for years and is still being updated.
When you first open it, the interface seems confusing, yes, but once you dive in, you'll say, “Wow, this is pretty powerful.”
I use it most for color adjustments.
Layer masks, brushes, filters—whatever you need is available.
It takes patience, but it's well worth it.
Plus, it's completely free—zero cost.
✂️ 3. Fotor – Results Without the Hassle
Fotor is perfect for lazy people (those like me will understand 😂).
If you're in the “add a little contrast, fix the colors a bit, and you're done” mode, this is for you.
The interface is simple, you just click and click, and the results are pretty good.
Sometimes I only edit my blog images there.
Plus, the filters are nice, brightening the photo without overdoing it.
They've even added a background removal feature, done with a single click.
🌐 4. BgHide – Remove Background in Seconds
I discovered this site especially when editing product or profile photos.
You upload the image to BgHide, and the background disappears in seconds.
It really is a “one-click” thing.
It gives better results than I expected, especially with hair or complex edges.
I get PNGs and use them without ever opening Photoshop.
It saves time and doesn't frustrate me—I think that's reason enough.
💡 5. Canva – Intermediate Editor in No Time
Canva also has many features.
I used to think it was only good for presentations, but now it's completely different.
Blog covers, posters, social media posts... all in a few clicks.
Sometimes I start a project in Photopea and finish it in Canva.
I add text, place icons, apply a filter, and it's perfect.
The free version is more than enough; I haven't even needed the Pro version.
In short, the era of “I can't do it without Photoshop” is over.
In 2026, there's an alternative for every level of user.
Some are fast, some are detailed, some are just for fun.
I usually switch depending on the situation;
one day Photopea, the next day Fotor, sometimes directly BgHide.
The important thing is to get the job done easily — the rest is just details.