Head-to-head · Photo Editing Software
Affinity Photo vs PaintFE
Affinity Photo leads on 0 checks, PaintFE on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 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
Affinity Photo scores higher on our rubric for photo editing software: 7.7 against 5.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #22 and #37.
On platform, PaintFE gives you Multi-platform where Affinity Photo offers Desktop.
Affinity Photo is the better fit for free desktop editing with deep controls. PaintFE is the better fit for free flexible editing and automation.
- Affinity Photo fits best
Free desktop editing with deep controls
- PaintFE fits best
Free flexible editing and automation
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Side by side
| Feature | Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ | PaintFE 5.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Ranking | #22 in Photo Editing Software | #37 in Photo Editing Software |
| Best for | Free desktop editing with deep controls | Free flexible editing and automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Features Affinity Photo 5/6 · PaintFE 5/6 | ||
| RAW photo support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | — |
| AI retouching | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 → |
PaintFE is a free, MIT-licensed photo and raster editor for Windows, macOS, Linux, and the browser. It suits photographers, designers, and technical users who want local editing without an account, subscription, telemetry, or required… 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
PaintFE — where it wins
- Supports RAW formats, layered PFE projects, masks, and blend modes
- Local AI background removal with compatible ONNX models
- Batch CLI workflows and Rhai scripting support repeatable edits
Where it doesn't
- Browser edition is beta and has native-only feature limitations
- AI background removal requires desktop setup and compatible local models
- No cloud sync for cross-device project access
- 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 → - PaintFE5.6/10 · Free plan
A flexible free editor with RAW, layers, automation, and local AI tools.
Visit PaintFEFull verdict →
All photo editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update