Whether you’re snapping selfies, capturing beautiful landscapes, or making professional-level content for social media, a good photo editor is essential. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, not every picture comes out perfect — and that’s where photo editors step in. They can turn a decent photo into a jaw-dropping masterpiece with just a few taps.
If you’re hunting for the best photo editor for Android and iPhone, you’re in the right place! This article covers the best editing apps out there, offering everything from basic tools to advanced features for professionals. We’re diving into their top features, what makes them special, and why you should consider them for your photo editing needs.
1. Adobe Lightroom: A Photographer’s Favorite
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Adobe Lightroom isn’t just a photo editor — it’s a professional tool that’s been the go-to for photographers for years. Now that it’s available on both Android and iPhone, mobile photographers can enjoy a full suite of editing tools in the palm of their hands. Lightroom stands out for its powerful color correction and exposure adjustment tools, which are great if you want to take your photography to the next level.
Why It’s Awesome:
- RAW Support: You can edit RAW files directly from your phone, giving you way more flexibility with color correction and detail recovery.
- Cloud Syncing: Seamlessly edit across devices. Start a project on your phone and pick up where you left off on your tablet or desktop.
- Advanced Tools: Lightroom’s selective edits, gradients, and healing brushes allow for precise editing that many other apps lack.
- Presets: Want to save time? You can download or create presets for consistent looks across all your photos.
For casual photographers who want more control over their edits, Lightroom is an ideal blend of pro-level tools and easy-to-use features.
2. Snapseed: The All-Rounder
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free
Snapseed, developed by Google, has long been a fan favorite. With a straightforward interface, it’s perfect for both beginners and pros alike. While many apps focus on filters and quick fixes, Snapseed provides robust tools for in-depth editing. The app supports non-destructive editing, so you can always go back and tweak things later.
Key Features:
- Precision Edits: Tools like “Selective” allow you to pinpoint specific areas to adjust, while “Healing” lets you easily remove unwanted objects.
- Stacks: Save your edits as “stacks,” which can be applied to other photos or adjusted later.
- Complete Control: The “Tune Image” tool offers control over brightness, contrast, saturation, and more, with the option to adjust highlights and shadows separately.
- Filters and Styles: For those who prefer quicker edits, Snapseed has a variety of filters and looks you can apply with a single tap.
For an app that’s completely free, Snapseed delivers serious editing power. It’s perfect if you want a solid app without paying for premium features.
3. VSCO: The Filter King
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
VSCO (pronounced “Visco”) has earned a reputation as the go-to app for anyone who loves artistic filters. While it offers basic editing tools like cropping and exposure adjustments, VSCO shines in its vast library of filters. These aren’t your typical cheesy filters — VSCO’s options are sophisticated, giving your photos a polished, film-like aesthetic.
What’s Great About VSCO:
- Film-Like Filters: If you’re nostalgic for the days of film photography, you’ll love the look and feel of VSCO’s filters. They mimic the grain and color tones of classic film, like Kodak and Fuji.
- Social Network: VSCO also functions as a creative community, allowing you to share your photos and follow other creators.
- Editing Tools: Along with filters, VSCO offers exposure, contrast, and saturation adjustments, as well as advanced tools like split toning.
- Montage and Video Editing: Not only can you edit photos, but VSCO also allows you to create video montages with music and photos.
VSCO is for anyone who loves adding a unique, artistic flair to their photos without spending too much time on complicated edits.
4. PicsArt: Creativity Unleashed
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
PicsArt is more than just a photo editor — it’s like having a mini design studio in your pocket. It combines standard editing tools with fun features like stickers, text overlays, and collages, making it one of the most versatile apps on this list. Whether you’re editing for personal use or social media, PicsArt has something for everyone.
What Stands Out:
- Tons of Filters and Effects: PicsArt boasts an impressive library of filters and effects, from vintage to modern styles.
- Stickers and Text: You can add stickers, shapes, or text overlays to create memes, posters, or more complex designs.
- Collage Maker: Perfect for creating Instagram-worthy collages with just a few taps.
- Drawing Tools: Go beyond photos by using the app’s drawing tools to create custom designs or hand-drawn elements on your images.
With its community of creators sharing tips and tricks, PicsArt isn’t just an editor — it’s a whole ecosystem for creative expression.
5. Prisma: The Artistic Touch
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
If you’re looking for something that’s more than just traditional photo editing, Prisma is your app. Instead of adjusting contrast and brightness, Prisma uses AI to turn your photos into artwork. Imagine turning a photo of your pet into something that looks like a Picasso painting — that’s Prisma’s magic.
Why It’s Unique:
- AI-Powered Filters: Prisma’s real draw is its artistic filters, which turn your images into stunning works of art. Choose from styles inspired by Van Gogh, Picasso, and more.
- Easy to Use: Just select a filter and watch the transformation happen.
- Adjustable Intensity: Control how strong you want the filter to be, so you can keep your photo realistic or make it more abstract.
Prisma is perfect for those who want to get creative and have fun with their photos. It’s also great for social media users looking to stand out from the crowd.
6. Afterlight: Simple, Yet Powerful
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Afterlight is one of those apps that strikes a balance between simple and advanced. While it offers basic tools for cropping, exposure, and color adjustment, it also includes more unique options like double exposure and real film textures. It’s got a clean, easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible even for beginners.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Film-Inspired Filters: Just like VSCO, Afterlight has a collection of filters that give your photos a retro film vibe.
- Double Exposure: Create dreamy effects by blending two photos together.
- Text and Artwork Overlays: Add words or artwork to your images to give them a personalized touch.
- Frames and Borders: Give your photos a finished look with custom frames and borders.
Afterlight is perfect for someone who wants a solid set of editing tools with some creative options but doesn’t need anything too fancy.
7. Facetune 2: The Selfie Editor
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
If selfies are your thing, then Facetune 2 is your new best friend. This app is specifically designed for portrait editing, offering features that help smooth skin, whiten teeth, and even reshape facial features. You can turn any photo into a flawless, Insta-ready selfie in just a few taps.
What Makes It Great:
- Skin Smoothing: Facetune 2’s smoothing tool is one of the best, making your skin look natural, not overly airbrushed.
- Reshaping Tools: Adjust your face’s proportions without making it obvious that you edited the photo.
- Makeup Tools: Add or enhance makeup to your selfies for that perfect look.
- Background Editing: Swap out backgrounds to make your selfies pop, even if your original background wasn’t that great.
While Facetune 2 isn’t the app to use for landscape shots or artistic edits, it’s a must-have if you take a lot of selfies.
8. TouchRetouch: Remove Anything
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Paid ($1.99)
Have you ever taken a photo you loved, only to realize there’s a photobomber in the background? Enter TouchRetouch, an app designed to help you remove unwanted objects from your photos. Whether it’s power lines, blemishes, or entire people, this app makes it easy to clean up your shots.
Why It’s Worth Paying For:
- Quick Removal: Just highlight the object you want gone, and TouchRetouch does the rest.
- Clone Tool: Use the clone tool to blend parts of your photo, filling in the gaps left by removed objects.
- Easy to Use: The interface is simple, making it accessible for beginners.
While TouchRetouch doesn’t offer extensive editing tools like some of the other apps on this list, it’s a lifesaver when you need to quickly fix an otherwise perfect shot.
9. Canva: The All-in-One Graphic Design App
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
While Canva is known for being a graphic design tool, its photo editing capabilities are impressive too. Whether you’re creating social media posts, flyers, or invitations, Canva gives you all the tools you need in one place. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to use, even for people with zero design experience.
Key Features:
- Templates: Canva has thousands of customizable templates for social media, presentations, and more.
- Text Overlays: Easily add stylish text to your images.
- Filters and Effects: Simple editing tools let you adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation or apply one-tap filters.
- Collaboration: Share designs with teammates or friends and collaborate in real-time.
Canva is perfect for anyone who needs a blend of photo editing and design tools in one easy-to-use app.
10. Photoshop Express: The Pocket Powerhouse
Available on: Android & iPhone
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Rounding off our list is Photoshop Express, the mobile-friendly version of the industry-standard desktop software. While it doesn’t offer all the features of full-blown Photoshop, it’s packed with plenty of tools to handle most editing tasks. From simple adjustments to advanced features like perspective correction, Photoshop Express is a solid choice for any level of user.
What’s Good About It:
- Quick Fixes: One-tap tools for cropping, straightening, and adjusting brightness or contrast.
- Collage Maker: Easily combine photos into stylish collages.
- Advanced Edits: Tools like noise reduction and defogging help refine your photos.
- Themes and Text: Add artistic text or pre-designed themes to your photos for a creative touch.
Photoshop Express is perfect for anyone familiar with Adobe’s desktop software and wants something similar for their phone.
Conclusion
With so many amazing options, finding the best photo editor for Android or iPhone comes down to what you need. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking for precision control or just someone who wants to add a bit of flair to your selfies, there’s something out there for you. From the robust editing tools of Lightroom to the creative features of PicsArt and Prisma, you have endless possibilities to turn your photos into works of art. So go ahead, download a few of these apps, and start perfecting your photos today!
