Head-to-head · Photo Editing Software
Affinity Photo vs ART
Affinity Photo leads on 0 checks, ART on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAffinity Photo · 7.7/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresAffinity Photo · 5 of 6
Affinity Photo scores higher on our rubric for photo editing software: 7.7 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #22 and #63.
On platform, ART gives you Multi-platform where Affinity Photo offers Desktop.
Affinity Photo is the better fit for free desktop editing with deep controls. ART is the better fit for free open-source technical workflows.
- Affinity Photo fits best
Free desktop editing with deep controls
- ART fits best
Free open-source technical workflows
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Side by side
| Feature | Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ | ART 3.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.7 | 3.0 |
| Ranking | #22 in Photo Editing Software | #63 in Photo Editing Software |
| Best for | Free desktop editing with deep controls | Free open-source technical workflows |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Features Affinity Photo 5/6 · ART 4/6 | ||
| RAW photo support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| AI retouching | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Desktop | Multi-platform |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Affinity Photo is professional photo-editing software for photographers, designers, and other visual creators. It runs on macOS and Windows and combines non-destructive editing, RAW development, layered compositions, masks, retouching, HDR… Read the review → |
ART is a free, open-source desktop photo editor for photographers who need detailed RAW processing across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its workflow also covers JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files, making it suitable for users who want one technical… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Affinity Photo — where it wins
- Free plan includes RAW development, unlimited layers, and batch processing
- Advanced masking, retouching, HDR Merge, and Focus Merge tools
- Generative fill, expand, smart selections, and depth-aware masking
Where it doesn't
- Available for macOS and Windows; iPad support is coming soon
- Some optional Canva AI tools require a Canva premium plan
- The extensive toolset may be more than casual editors need
ART — where it wins
- Non-destructive RAW editing with adjustment layers and masks
- Batch export, metadata tools, and broad format support
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux under GPLv3
Where it doesn't
- AI masking and denoising rely on external tools
- Technical workflows may be more than casual editors need
- Advanced color and format features require specialist knowledge
- Affinity Photo7.7/10 · Free plan
A free desktop editor with deep controls for RAW, layers, masking, retouching, and batch work.
Visit Affinity PhotoFull verdict → - ART3.0/10 · Free plan
A technical, cross-platform RAW editor with layers, masks, batch export, and external AI integrations.
Visit ARTFull verdict →
All photo editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update