The Top 10 Photo Editing Apps for 2024

Taking great photos is easier than ever with today’s smartphone cameras. But even the best snapshots can benefit from some quick editing to perfect them before sharing. With a myriad of photo editing apps to choose from, it can be tricky finding the right one for your needs. In this article, we cover the 10 best photo editing apps in 2024 based on features, capabilities, quality of edits and overall user experience. Whether you’re a casual photographer or seasoned pro, read on to discover the top photo editing tools available on mobile.

Adobe Photoshop Express

As the mobile version of the industry standard Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Express packs a punch when it comes to powerful editing capabilities. It provides users with easy-to-use tools like filters, auto corrections, and an effective spot heal tool to remove blemishes quickly.

While the app offers some features for free, unlocking the full potential requires a paid subscription. It also seamlessly integrates your projects across desktop and mobile for convenient editing on all devices. If you’re looking for pro-level editing on mobile, Photoshop Express is hard to beat.

Standout Features:

• Robust editing tools modeled after Photoshop
• Advanced adjustments like exposure, contrast and white balance
• Hundreds of filters and effects
• Easy cutout and collage creation
• Cloud syncing with desktop Photoshop

Snapseed

Developed by Google, Snapseed has earned its reputation as one of the best free photo editing apps on the market. The intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to enhance their photos with professional quality filters and advanced tools like brush and spot healing.

It also features granular controls over adjustments—like brightness, contrast, structure and saturation—for fine-tuning images. Whether you’re editing a selfie, landscape shots or anything in between, Snapseed provides powerful and precise editing without the premium price tag.

Standout Features:

• 29 high-quality filters
• Tools like Healing, Brush and Perspective
• Detailed adjustment controls
• Ability to save custom looks
• Completely free app

VSCO

VSCO has become a favorite for mobile photographers thanks to its minimalist interface and high-quality filters that lend a film-like aesthetic. The editing tools allow you to fine-tune the look and feel of your photos with granular adjustments like shadows, highlights and saturation.

While the app offers free preset filters and editing tools, unlocking the full VSCO experience requires an annual or monthly subscription. For those looking to avoid subscriptions, the free version still provides ample editing capabilities. Overall, VSCO creates an enjoyable editing environment no matter your skill level.

Standout Features:

• Aesthetic filters with film-like looks
• Robust editing tools like HSL and Split Tone
• Streamlined interface
• Built-in camera with manual controls
• Paid “Memberships” unlock the full VSCO library

Adobe Lightroom

Serious about photography? Then you need Adobe Lightroom. As the industry standard for photography post-processing, Lightroom on mobile provides powerful tools optimized for phones and tablets.

It goes beyond basic editing with advanced capabilities like batch editing, radial and gradient filters. Lightroom also handles RAW image processing for maximum quality and tweakability. And automatic cloud syncing makes it easy to pick up edits across devices. For photographers prioritizing power above all, Lightroom is the best photo editing app around.

Standout Features:

• End-to-end workflow from capture to share
• Batch editing capabilities
• RAW image processing
• Advanced color grading and geometry tools
• Cloud syncing with Lightroom on desktop

Afterlight

For quick yet quality edits, Afterlight is a top choice. Its simple interface makes applying filters and adjustments a breeze so you can enhance photos in just a few taps. Despite the straightforward layout, Afterlight still boasts advanced tools like double exposure blending modes for creative effects.

The app does include ads and in-app purchases to unlock additional filters and editing features. But the free version provides more than enough for basic photo enhancements and touch ups. If you want fuss-free editing that still produces great results, download Afterlight.

Standout Features:

• 130+ filters with mixable layers
• Color balance and levels editing
• Double exposure blending
• Overlays and leak effects
• Intuitive mobile interface

Prisma

Touted as the “photo editor with layer styles”, Prisma transforms photos into unique pieces of art using machine learning algorithms. Instead of traditional filters, Prisma features artistic styles inspired by famous painters and art movements. The results feel like digital paintings elevated into contemporary art.

In addition to style transfers, Prisma offers a bounty of creative editing tools for crafting visual masterpieces. With an emphasis on innovation over perfection, it’s a refreshing take on photo editing apps. Transforming snapshots into personalized works of art is just a few taps away with Prisma.

Standout Features:

• AI-powered artistic filters
• Layer styles resembling iconic art
• Drawing tools with unique brushes
• Collage and text tools
• Surprise box for random effects

PicsArt

Considered an all-in-one editing toolkit, PicsArt features an extensive array of tools for creative photo manipulation. It provides everything from essential adjustments like crop and rotate to advanced functions like path outlines and brush masks. The app also includes easy collage-making, dynamic text tools and hundreds of effects.

While some features require a Gold subscription, the free version still packs quite a punch. For mobile editors looking to not only enhance, but completely transform snapshots, PicsArt offers desktop-level functionality.

Standout Features:

• Hundreds of effects and filters
• Layering and blending options
• Drawing tools and clipart stickers
• Robust collage maker
• Social network for inspiration

Lensa

Lensa has exploded in popularity thanks to its magical AI-powered effects on portraits. The app provides tools that automatically smooth skin, brighten eyes and whiten teeth in just one click. It also features numerous filters designed specifically to enhance various skin tones.

For dazzling portrait edits in seconds, Lensa delivers. The only downside is the app focuses solely on human subjects – no scenery or objects. But for selfie-lovers and portrait photographers, Lensa’s intelligent editing capabilities are unmatched.

Standout Features:

• AI-powered skin smoothing and blemish removal
• Teeth whitening and eye brightening
• Flattering filters for all skin tones
• Portrait relighting effects
• Fun face morphing abilities

Facetune 2

Specifically tailored for portrait images, Facetune 2 provides all the tools needed for perfect selfies every time. It goes beyond basic editing to provide advanced skin smoothing, facial reconstruction, makeup application and more – everything you need for beautiful portraits.

The app does require a paid subscription to access many features. But for the ultimate selfie upgrade, Facetune 2 uses intelligent technology so anyone can edit portraits like a pro.

Standout Features:

• AI face editing tools
• Blemish and wrinkle removal
• Eye and teeth whitening
• Makeup applicator with lipstick, blush, eyeshadow etc
• Face slimming and chin editing

TouchRetouch

While simple in scope, TouchRetouch specializes in removing unwanted elements from photos with just a few taps. It utilizes intelligent object removal technology so users can eliminate power lines, cracks, dust, spots and other imperfections.

As a streamlined app focused on one task, the interface couldn’t be easier to master. Just highlight whatever you want gone and let TouchRetouch work its magic. It’s perfect for quickly retouching and perfecting photos before sharing.

Standout Features:

• Content aware elimination tools
• Blemish removal
• Dust spot removal
• Object removal
• One tap fixes

Choosing the Right App for Your Needs

When selecting a photo editing app, consider what features are most important to you. Here are some key aspects to look for:

• Ease of Use: The app should have an intuitive interface that makes it easy to apply edits without a steep learning curve.
• Feature Set: Ensure the app includes the tools you need, whether it’s basic adjustments, filters, or advanced features like RAW editing and AI enhancements.
• Output Quality: High-resolution export options are crucial for maintaining the quality of your edited photos, especially if you plan to print or share them on high-resolution platforms.
• Cost: While many apps offer free versions, premium features often come at a price. Consider whether the paid features are worth the investment based on your editing needs.

Enhancing Every Photo

No matter your skill level, there’s a photo editing app that will take your snapshots to the next level. With the array of mobile apps now available, everyone can edit pro-quality images on the go.

So download a couple that fit your needs – whether optimizing portraits, applying artistic filters or performing advanced edits. With the right photo editing app, you’ll be creating magazine-worthy shots to share in no time. I sincerely hope you find this “The Top 10 Photo Editing Apps for 2024” article helpful.