We often try to take the best images. However, minor fixes and additional flashes are inevitable when you want to keep everything looking perfect.
Indeed, online photo editing tools are great. To enjoy comfort, flexibility, and affordability, why don’t you look for the best free photo editing app?
There are many 2024 photo editing applications that you can consider.
As a result, to make your search easy and direct, here are the 15 best free photo editing apps for both iOS and Android users:
1. PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is a best free photo editing app tool meant for Android and iOS devices. CyberLink Corp developed this app to help users with proper animation of their images.
While using the PhotoDirector, there are a lot of handy features.
Some include changing the background, removing objects, collages, font stickers, body tuners, frames, and camera filters.
Key Features
- Add cool animation effects to your photos.
- Make your images pop with HDR Panorama effects.
- Get creative with artwork, logos, and graphics.
- Perfect your selfies by editing facial expressions and shapes.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use. – Provides an affordable subscription fee. | – Contains fewer advanced features. – Poses potential security risks. |
2. Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Got your eye on the best free photo editing app?
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is a famous and easy-to-use photo editing app that can be used on either tablets or smartphones.
Adobe develops it and ranks among the top free photo editing apps for both iOS and Android.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile works best in capturing, editing, and sharing images. You can go premium to unload the fantastic advanced features.
Key Features
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Batch color correction for multiple photos.
- Adjust color contrast, exposure, and temperature.
- Edit raw images seamlessly.
- Option for premium features with a purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Packed with AI-powered tools. – Easy syncing of photos to cloud storage. | – Edited images aren’t printable. – No option for layer-based editing. |
3. Afterlight
This is probably the best free photo editing app with a great learning curve. It is mainly developed for the iPhone Users. Some features in Afterlight’s free version are the exposure and cropping.
On the other hand, the subscription option of Afterlight enables the user access to powerful features such as the usage of the tone curve and gradients. One should however avoid using the android version since it is not frequently updated.
Key Features
- A free version offers basic editing tools.
- Premium features such as tone curve and gradients are only possible with the subscription.
- Advanced options for editing with plenty of filters and overlays.
- Easy-to-use editor for a user-friendly editing process.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy-to-use interface for beginners. – Access to a wide range of editing tools. – Regular updates and additions to features and filters. | – Limited functionality in the free version. – Subscription is required for access to advanced tools. – The Android version may not be as up-to-date as the iOS version. |
4. Google Photos
Many users simply consider Google Photos as just another cloud storage service. However, it still stands as one of the best free photo editing app.
When it comes to features, Google Photos has great capabilities for organizing photo collections and provides a lot of tools for manipulating the pictures.
The free version of Google Photos allows the editing of the images including changing the exposure and cropping the images. Similarly, there are the filters and features offered to Google One subscribers.
Key Features
- Basic editing tools are available for free users.
- Additional filters and features for Google One subscribers.
- Advanced editing options like Magic Edit and Magic Erase.
- Powerful organization tools for finding and organizing photos.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Excellent organization features based on locations, people, and objects. – Memories feature offers nostalgia-inducing reminders. – Seamless integration with other Google services. | – Lack of support for editing raw camera files. – Some advanced features are restricted to Google One subscribers. |
5. Pixlr
The strength of Pixlr is in the simplicity of its interface as compared to other tools but it still retains its usability.
However, it offers a large number of editing tools but does not overload the choice.
You can easily enhance your photos by using a tool to apply brushes, preset effects, overlays, and style filters like black and white, film, or sepia.
Key Features
- The most common content manipulation, alteration and photo option.
- Photo montages with collage templates for creating picture collages.
- Auto Fix function to enhance the color in the photographs.
- The use of color splash effect is for the purpose of accentuating particular colors in your images.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Intuitive interface for easy navigation. – Offers a range of basic editing tools and filters. – Simplifies photo editing with preset effects and overlays. | – Free version includes ads and limits access to editing tools. – Lacks advanced editing features found in other apps. |
6. PicsArt
PicsArt combines the functionality of a robust editing app with the engagement of a social platform.
Even though its free version may feature ads during editing, it still provides access to essential tools, stickers, collage templates, and text functions.
Users can enhance their photos directly from the camera, applying filters and effects in real time.
Additionally, PicsArt offers editing options like cropping, resizing, and enhancing images.
Key Features
- Diverse editing tools suitable for casual photographers.
- Extensive collection of stickers, filters, and customizable collage options.
- AI-powered tools including an image generator, replace, and avatar.
- Seamless integration of community features for a social editing experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Wide range of editing tools and creative assets. – Seamless integration of social features for sharing and collaboration. – Real-time editing capabilities directly from the camera. | – Premium subscriptions are relatively expensive. – Lacks some advanced editing features found in other apps. |
7. Snapseed
Snapseed is more aimed at those who want to have a very simple photo editing app without sacrificing many functionalities.
In the portrait mode, skin smoothing and eye brightening options are also offered by the app.
Besides, the Snapseed filters are user-friendly as they can be edited using the app tools that make for creativity.
Key Features
- More than 30 professional-level tools to make your corrections with precision.
- Preset and filters for touch of editing button.
- Easy navigation and editing of the user interface.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Comprehensive set of professional-quality editing tools. – Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and editing. – Free to use with no premium features. | – Learning curve may be steep for novice users. – Lacks some advanced editing features found in other apps. |
8. Adobe Photoshop Camera
Adobe Photoshop Camera utilizes Adobe Sensei, an AI function, to apply masks, special effects, and photo corrections before or after capturing an image.
Its wide range of filters, known as “lenses,” offers various colors, lighting options, and special effects.
You have the best free photo editing app if you want to transform your photos with a single click effortlessly.
Indeed, Adobe Photoshop Camera enables amateur photographers to experiment with creative effects.
Unfortunately, its lack of essential editing tools and advanced functions like animation and sky replacement may limit its appeal to serious content creators.
Key Features
- Dozens of custom and regularly updated filters for artistic effects.
- Auto-tune effects for quick adjustments.
- Face light feature for enhancing portraits.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Wide selection of custom filters for artistic effects. – Automatic editing: AI powered features for adjustments. – Changes and new filters every week. | – Does not have some of the key editing functions in other applications. – Optimal for basic editing purposes only. |
9. Werble
The design of Werble is simple and it has fun effects for adding overlays to the images which is a perfect tool for content creators on social media.
Even though it gives users the ability to create animated images, some of the effects may not be professional.
However, the platform can still become a helpful tool when it comes to adding a new visual perspective to images.
Key Features
- Dozens of visual effects templates for adding dynamic overlays.
- A solid lineup of movement presets for animated effects.
- Supports layers for creating unique animations.
| Pros | Cons |
| – The ability to use fast and easy-to-understand overlay tools. – Provides numerous options for animated effects in terms of motion presets. – Supports layers for creation of animations. | – Unable to edit the content except for overlays and animations. – Not suitable for traditional photo editing needs. |
10. Canva
Canva is still the perfect free photo editing application for both iOS and Android users. The main thing that distinguishes it from similar services is the number of templates available.
In both social media posts and other marketing channels, there are different design templates that users can select to meet their requirements.
It is true that the editing tools present in Canvas works can be insufficient, but you still have access to the main functions for changing the size of the picture, adjusting its color, and applying filters.
Key Features
- Variety of templates for all occasions, including social media posts and marketing materials.
- Text effects and photo filters for enhancing images.
- Auto-focus feature for blurring backgrounds.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Extensive library of customizable templates for various purposes. – User-friendly interface for creating visually appealing graphics. – Suitable for users with limited design experience. | – Limited photo editing capabilities compared to dedicated apps. – Not suitable for advanced photo editing needs. |
11. Polish
Polish is a best free photo editing app that is supported on Android and iOS platforms and is currently offered as freemium.
It provides strong editing capabilities. It provides strong editing capabilities.
But, like with most other platforms, some of its stunning effects and tools are available only via subscription or one time payment.
The Pro version of Polish is also said to have improved the quality of the user experience.
It contains no ads and also gives you access to all the current features.
Key Features
- Masking and other similar image-editing features akin to those found in Photoshop.
- Photo-makeup with Neural Style Transfer.
- Freemium model gives most of the features for free while the special tools can be purchased at $7.
- The Pro version can be considered as a paid version where the ads are removed and some additional features are added.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Impressive editing capabilities comparable to Photoshop. – AI-powered art style transfers for creative transformations. – Affordable pricing options for accessing advanced features. | – Some advanced features require a subscription or one-time purchase. – Presence of ads in the free version. |
12. VSCO
VSCO users can access a variety of filters and correction options.
Other features like Split Tone and HSL editing help make advanced image adjustments.
The VSCO app also supports editing raw camera files and recently added video editing capabilities.
Key Features
- Wide range of filters and correction tools.
- Community features for photographers to share and discuss posts.
- Supports editing of raw camera files.
- Advanced tools such as Split Tone and HSL editing.
- Video editing capabilities recently introduced.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Include a social community for sharing and discussing posts. – Supports editing of raw camera files. – Provides advanced editing tools for precise adjustments. | – Some advanced features are behind a paywall. – Interface may prioritize social features over editing. |
13. YouCam Perfect
YouCam Perfect provides users with powerful AI-driven tools to enhance their photos effortlessly.
From removing unwanted objects to retouching selfies, the app offers a comprehensive suite of features to cater to various editing needs.
Key Features
- Remove unwanted objects and people from photos.
- Fix blurry or dim photos with a single tap.
- Apply responsive AI photo filters for stunning selfies.
- Retouch face distortion on group selfies.
- Add favorite photos as stickers for decoration.
| Pros | Cons |
| – AI-powered tools for efficient photo editing. – User-friendly interface with easy navigation. – Includes features like Face Shaper and Cutout Tool for personalized editing. – Provides a range of pre-made templates and customizable collages. | – Some advanced features may require a VIP subscription. – Occasional ads and promotional content within the app. |
14. Fotor
Fotor is particularly attractive for its simple design and utilitarian functions: Face Swap and AI Cartoonizer.
The app offers a variety of editing features but does not compromise the app’s interface and navigation instructions.
It is still capable of operating on Android and iOS platforms and caters to learners of all proficiency levels.
Key Features
- Swap faces in photos for fun effects.
- Transform photos into cartoon-style images.
- Create sketches from photos with AI-powered tools.
- User-friendly design for seamless editing experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Neat user interface with easy navigation. – Offers a variety of AI-powered editing features. – Provides engaging tools like Face Swap and AI Cartoonizer. – Supports both Android and iOS platforms. | – There are certain advanced functionalities that allow use only with a Fotor Pro account. – Customizing in the free version is restricted.. |
15. Bazaart
Bazaart helps to make social media content in the most effective and easy way possible as they provide a lot of templates and the site is easy to use.
Bazaart is a perfect application for both business owners and social media influencers, as it gives them a unique opportunity to improve their content.
Key Features
- Offers a variety of photo and video templates for social media posts.
- Projects are automatically saved, ensuring you never lose your work.
- Templates in Reels come with trimmable music, and users can import original audio.
- Modern and clear interface for seamless editing experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Wide selection of templates for Instagram stories and reels. – The auto-save feature prevents loss of work. – Allows for music trimming and importing original audio. – Modern and intuitive interface. | – There are certain functions that cannot be performed unless the user has a Bazaart Plus subscription. – Some of the customization features are only in the paid version. |
Wrap-Up Up
In an era where everyone wants to post pictures with perfect backgrounds, getting the best free photo editing application can be a game changer.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of free photo editing applications for iOS and Android smartphones, but each has its own pros and cons.
For individuals that are more into the Adobe universe, Adobe Lightroom Mobile might be for you.
It has everything you can possibly imagine in an editor and works smoothly with other products from the Adobe system.
Just bear in mind that there are some functions that are exclusive to the paid version so you may have to pay if you want to access all of them.
Afterlight is worth a look for any iPhone enthusiasts. It has a very smooth user interface and has plenty of interesting and useful filters and overlays to work with.
Once again, the pro-level functionality of Afterlight is behind the paywall. So if you’re really into editing you should definitely invest and get one.
How can we forget Google Photos?It is mostly a cloud storage platform but they also have some good editing features on it too. And it’s free as well so you can’t lose out.
Also Read:
- The 7 Best Video Editing Apps for Mac
- The 5 Best Screenshot Apps for Mac
- The Best Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers
- The 10 Best Apps for Editing Photos [Ranked & Reviewed]
