In the realm of photography, it’s often said, “The best camera is the one that’s always with you.” This rings true, particularly in an era where smartphone cameras rival traditional ones in quality. A photographer with a collection of five cameras at home finds that the majority of their captures are through their smartphone, a testament to the device’s convenience and technological advancement.
The journey to a stunning photograph doesn’t end with the click of a shutter; editing is a pivotal step. In recent years, advancements in software have echoed the photography adage, making the best photo editing tool the one in your pocket. Today’s photo editing apps for iPhone and Android are robust, rivaling desktop applications in functionality and ease of use.
The author, a seasoned photographer and educator with years of experience, leans towards their phone for photography, despite an affection for traditional methods like film photography. They conducted an extensive review of over 30 top photo editing apps for iPhone and Android, culminating in a list of the six best.
The Best Photo Editors for iPhone and Android
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a top-tier choice for serious photographers. It offers a rich array of editing tools, from basic adjustments to advanced features like tone curves and split toning. The app excels in non-destructive editing, allowing users to experiment without altering the original image. Lightroom also integrates cloud storage, making it easy to sync photos across devices. For those who desire a mobile app with the power of a desktop application, Lightroom is the go-to option. Its interface, though complex for beginners, becomes an invaluable asset once mastered, making it a staple for both amateur and professional photographers;
- Snapseed: Snapseed is a versatile app suitable for a wide range of users. Its intuitive interface masks its deep functionality. Unique features like the ability to edit RAW files and its selective adjust tool give it an edge over many other free apps. Snapseed is perfect for those who want a powerful editing tool without the cost, providing a suite of professional-grade tools in a user-friendly package;
- VSCO: VSCO is renowned for its stylish filters that mimic classic and contemporary film aesthetics. But its capabilities extend beyond filters. VSCO offers a suite of editing tools for fine-tuning images, and its social platform enables photographers to share their work and find inspiration. For those who prioritize a specific visual style and community engagement, VSCO is a compelling choice;
- Apple Photos: Apple Photos integrates seamlessly with the iOS ecosystem, offering a straightforward editing experience. Its strength lies in its simplicity, making it ideal for quick edits and organization. While it may lack advanced features, it is a convenient option for iPhone users seeking a reliable and accessible editing tool;
- Google Photos: Google Photos stands out for its AI-driven editing tools and efficient photo organization. The app is user-friendly and offers essential editing tools, making it suitable for quick touch-ups. Its strength lies in its seamless integration with cloud storage, allowing for easy access and management of photos across devices;
- Lensa: Lensa brings AI to the forefront of photo editing. Its AI capabilities shine in portrait editing, offering features like skin smoothing and eye enhancement. Lensa’s AI also assists in landscape edits, with tools like sky replacement. While its free plan is limited, the subscription offers a full range of AI tools, making it a top choice for those interested in exploring AI-assisted photo editing.
These six apps cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences in the mobile photography space. From the professional tools of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to the AI-driven capabilities of Lensa, each app offers unique features that make mobile photo editing both accessible and sophisticated. These apps transform smartphones into powerful tools for capturing and enhancing images, suitable for both casual snapshots and professional photography.
Criteria for the Best Photo Editing App
Selecting the best app involves considering various factors like ease of use, powerful editing features, repeatability of results, and fair pricing without aggressive advertising or constant upgrade prompts. The author excluded design apps and image organizers, focusing solely on dedicated photo editing applications.
Each app was rigorously tested, with the author’s vast experience in using mobile editing apps since the iPhone 3GS era guiding their evaluation. The six apps that made the list clearly distinguished themselves from the others, offering a balance of power, ease, and affordability.
Pricing and Features of Top Mobile Photo Editing Apps
- Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (iOS, Android): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom stands out for its professional-grade editing tools. It’s not just an editing app; it’s a comprehensive solution for photographers seeking to manage, edit, and share their work. Lightroom’s interface is intuitive yet packed with advanced features like curves, selective color adjustments, and perspective correction. The free plan is generous, offering basic tools that suffice for most casual users. For enthusiasts and professionals, the paid plans, starting at $4.99/month, unlock premium features like selective adjustments, advanced healing brushes, and cloud storage. It’s an all-encompassing app for those who want to take their mobile photography to the next level;
- Snapseed (iOS, Android): Snapseed, developed by Google, is a free app that doesn’t skimp on functionality. It’s renowned for its selective adjustment feature, which allows users to tweak specific areas of an image. This level of control is typically found in more sophisticated desktop software. The app also includes a range of filters and tools like healing, brush, and structure. Its user-friendly interface makes it a go-to choice for beginners, yet it has enough depth to satisfy more experienced photographers;
- VSCO (iOS, Android): VSCO is more than an editing app; it’s a community for creative expression. Renowned for its high-quality, film-like filters, VSCO offers a distinct aesthetic that’s popular among social media users. The app goes beyond filters, providing tools for detailed adjustments. The subscription model includes additional preset packs, advanced editing tools, and a social platform to showcase your work. The annual fee of $29.99 is justified for those who value its unique filters and community aspect;
- Apple Photos (iOS): Apple Photos is the default choice for many iPhone users, offering a seamless integration with the iOS ecosystem. Its strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. While it may not have advanced tools like curves or layers, it covers all the basics like cropping, exposure adjustment, and filters. For iPhone users seeking a quick and easy way to enhance their photos without downloading additional apps, Apple Photos is a reliable choice;
- Google Photos (iOS, Android): Google Photos, available on both iOS and Android, excels in simplicity and AI integration. Its editing tools are straightforward, making it ideal for quick touch-ups. The app’s real power lies in its cloud storage and organization features, utilizing Google’s AI to categorize and search images efficiently. For users who value a streamlined workflow and easy access to their photos across devices, Google Photos is a compelling option;
- Lensa (iOS, Android): Lensa is unique in its AI-driven approach to photo editing. It offers tools tailored to different types of images, like portraits or landscapes. The AI features include skin smoothing, sky replacement, and other creative effects. While its free plan allows users to save one edited image per day, the subscription model unlocks the app’s full potential. Lensa’s appeal lies in its innovative use of AI, offering a glimpse into the future of photo editing.
Each of these apps caters to different needs and skill levels, from the simplicity of Apple Photos to the professional capabilities of Adobe Lightroom. They represent the best of mobile photo editing, providing tools and features that can transform your mobile device into a powerful photography companion.
Recommendations for Choosing a Photo Editing App
The ideal app depends on the user’s needs. For quick, simple edits, Apple Photos and Google Photos are convenient choices. Snapseed offers a robust free option, while Adobe Lightroom is the pinnacle for serious photographers. VSCO and Lensa, though slightly pricier, excel in filters and AI features, respectively.
In conclusion, while many photo editors can yield good results, the right app can significantly streamline the editing process. The author’s extensive testing and expert insight provide a valuable guide for anyone seeking the best photo editing experience on mobile platforms.