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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For students who do not need Photoshop for a specific course or collaboration, the current Affinity app is the lower-cost starting point: its individual desktop version is free with a Canva account. Choose Adobe Photoshop if your course, collaborators, or career plans require Photoshop workflows, or if you will use the broader Creative Cloud bundle. Check the local price and renewal terms before subscribing.
One naming point matters: although this comparison is often called “Affinity Photo,” Affinity by Canva’s current offering is a combined app with photo, vector, and page-layout studios. It is not the same purchase or platform comparison as the older Affinity Photo 2.
What will each option cost a student?
The biggest difference is the payment model. Affinity advertises its current individual desktop app at $0; Adobe’s student offer is a paid subscription whose introductory price rises after the first year. Prices below are vendor-listed examples, not a guarantee of current checkout pricing. Confirm the offer for your country before committing.
| Option | Price and billing | What is included | Access conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity by Canva app | $0 for the individual app, as currently advertised by Affinity by Canva. | Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios, including photo-editing tools. | A Canva account is required. Canva Premium is not required for the core tools; Canva AI features require a premium plan. The official page lists Windows and macOS availability and says iPad is in development. |
| Adobe Creative Cloud Pro student offer, United States | US$19.99 per month for the first year, then US$39.99 per month; annual plan billed monthly, according to Adobe’s US student page. | Photoshop and more than 20 Creative Cloud apps, including Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere, and Acrobat. | Requires qualifying student eligibility. Adobe lists Photoshop access across desktop, web, iPhone, and iPad on this US page. |
| Photoshop standalone, United Kingdom example | Adobe’s UK plans page lists £21.98 per month for the annual plan billed monthly at regular pricing; temporary offers may also appear. | Photoshop subscription; the UK page also lists other plans, including Photography and Creative Cloud Pro. | UK pricing and promotions are market-specific and can change. See Adobe’s UK plans page; this is not a universal student rate. |
Adobe’s student pricing page describes the offer as a 71% discount, but that is Adobe’s promotional comparison with its stated regular plan price. Consider the post-introductory rate, annual commitment, local taxes, included apps, and any school-provided access—not only the discount headline. Adobe’s eligibility FAQ was last updated 2 April 2026.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Eligibility for Adobe’s student offer
Adobe says qualifying students aged 13 and older may be eligible, subject to program requirements. Eligibility varies by education program and country, so verify the current conditions at checkout and in Adobe’s education FAQ.
What can students do in the current Affinity app?
Affinity’s product materials list RAW development, retouching, tone mapping, lens correction, HDR and focus merging, astrophotography stacking, batch processing, macros, filters, adjustment layers, and non-destructive editing. The combined app also includes vector and page-layout tools, which may suit students whose projects move between image editing, illustration, and layouts. These are vendor-described capabilities, not independent performance comparisons. See Affinity’s photo-editing overview and Get Affinity.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The core app and Canva AI access are separate. Affinity says its core tools are free with a Canva account, while Canva AI tools integrated into the app—including Generative Fill and Generative Expand—require Canva Premium. Check the current terms on Affinity’s Canva integrations page.
When is Photoshop the better choice?
- Your course specifies Photoshop. If assignments, demonstrations, or grading workflows rely on Photoshop tools or native Photoshop files, using Photoshop can reduce handoff friction. Confirm the requirement with the instructor rather than assuming every design or photography course mandates it.
- You need Adobe collaboration or broader app access. The US student Creative Cloud Pro offer includes Photoshop alongside more than 20 apps, which may be useful when coursework also involves photography, illustration, video, or documents.
- You need a particular device workflow. Adobe’s US student page lists Photoshop for desktop, web, iPhone, and iPad. Confirm the exact features and access available on the device your class requires.
- You are deliberately building Photoshop skills. If a placement, internship, or intended role calls for Photoshop, using it during study may help you practice the required workflow. That is a career-fit consideration, not evidence that Photoshop is necessary for every student.
When does Affinity make more sense?
- You need capable editing without a recurring software bill. The current individual app is advertised as free, with a Canva account required. Core tools do not require Canva Premium.
- Your work benefits from one app for several kinds of design. Its photo, vector, and layout studios are combined in the current app, rather than sold as the older standalone Affinity Photo product.
- You use a Windows or Mac desktop. Affinity currently lists those desktop platforms; its iPad version is described as in development, so do not plan on iPad access being available now.
- Your files and collaborators can work with its format limits. Affinity can import layered PSDs, but file interchange is not guaranteed to preserve every editable feature.
Will Affinity open Photoshop PSD files?
Affinity’s current desktop app imports layered Photoshop PSD files, but Affinity warns that smart objects and advanced filters may flatten. Its FAQ also says exporting from Affinity to Photoshop does not preserve editability. A file that opens, therefore, may not retain every feature or remain fully editable in both applications. See Affinity’s photo FAQ and product information.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Test a representative class file before switching
- Make a copy of a typical course PSD, especially one containing smart objects, advanced filters, or complex layers.
- Open the copy in Affinity and inspect the layer structure and the appearance of important effects.
- Save or export a copy and check the result in the application your instructor or collaborator uses.
- Keep the original PSD untouched until the round trip meets the assignment’s requirements.
If a course depends on features that do not survive interchange, use Photoshop for that work or ask the instructor which formats and workflows are acceptable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should students make the final choice?
- Check the syllabus and handoff requirements. Ask whether the class requires Photoshop, PSD deliverables, or Adobe-specific collaboration.
- Check what your school already provides. Institutional access can change the effective cost; do not subscribe before confirming available software or education access.
- Match the app to your devices. Affinity currently lists Windows and macOS desktop availability, while Adobe’s US student page lists desktop, web, iPhone, and iPad access for Photoshop.
- Compare the full commitment. For Adobe, include the introductory year, renewal price, annual billing commitment, and the value of other included apps. For Affinity, account for the required Canva account and whether you need premium AI tools.
- Try your real workflow. Use a representative project and, if PSD compatibility matters, test the file before relying on Affinity for a deadline.
There is no established independent head-to-head speed, image-quality, or student-outcome result behind this recommendation. The choice follows the documented prices, features, access conditions, and file caveats: Affinity is the sensible starting point when cost and general editing matter most; Photoshop is the safer fit when a course or workflow explicitly depends on Adobe.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
