Head-to-head · Photo Editing Software
Zoner Photo Studio X vs Affinity Photo
Zoner Photo Studio X leads on 0 checks, Affinity Photo on 1, and 6 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 scoreZoner Photo Studio X · 8.4/10
- Free planonly Affinity Photo
- Free trialonly Zoner Photo Studio X
- Most featuresZoner Photo Studio X · 6 of 6
Zoner Photo Studio X scores higher on our rubric for photo editing software: 8.4 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #22.
Affinity Photo offers free plan; Zoner Photo Studio X doesn't.
Zoner Photo Studio X is the better fit for windows photo management and editing. Affinity Photo is the better fit for free desktop editing with deep controls.
- Zoner Photo Studio X fits best
Windows photo management and editing
- Affinity Photo fits best
Free desktop editing with deep controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Zoner Photo Studio X 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #8 in Photo Editing Software | #22 in Photo Editing Software |
| Best for | Windows photo management and editing | Free desktop editing with deep controls |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $59/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Features Zoner Photo Studio X 6/6 · Affinity Photo 5/6 | ||
| RAW photo support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| AI retouching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Desktop | Desktop |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Zoner Photo Studio X is Windows software for importing, organizing, editing, sharing, printing, and managing photos and videos. It is aimed at photographers from beginners to experienced users who want one desktop application for library… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Zoner Photo Studio X — where it wins
- Combines RAW editing, layers, masks, and local adjustments
- Batch tools and organization support large photo libraries
- Includes AI enhancement, video editing, and cloud services
Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows
- Requires a paid plan after the seven-day trial
- Monthly access costs more over time than annual billing
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
- Zoner Photo Studio X8.4/10 · 7-day trial
A broad Windows editor for photographers who want organization, advanced editing, and cloud services.
Visit ZonerFull verdict → - 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 →
More comparisons
All photo editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update