The best AI photo editors in 2024

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While AI image generators are grabbing headlines, AI photo editors are also making remarkable progress. These tools leverage artificial intelligence to enhance and modify photos, often improving quality and making automatic adjustments with ease.

Compared to AI image generators, AI photo editors are often more practical. Instead of creating artistic visuals from scratch, they enhance existing images—whether selfies, portraits, or product photos—to ensure they look their best. Some of the top AI photo editors can significantly improve image quality with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, AI photo editors can take your images to the next level. These tools refine elements like color, clarity, and composition, making editing effortless and highly effective. With my years of experience in photo editing and AI tools, I’ve discovered that the best AI photo editors are not only user-friendly but also deliver high-quality results. They are invaluable for retouching selfies, enhancing product images, and refining shots for marketing purposes. If you want to improve your photography, experimenting with AI-powered editing tools can yield impressive results without requiring advanced editing skills.

As AI continues to dominate the tech space, choosing the right app is crucial. Some AI-powered editors charge exorbitant fees—up to $40 per month—but fail to deliver on their promises. Many rely on flashy marketing to justify high prices while offering mediocre performance. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune for quality AI image editing. Several affordable or even free options provide exceptional results without breaking the bank.

To help you find the best, I’ve tested various AI photo editing tools, and based on my experience, here are the top AI photo editors available today.

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The best AI photo editors

• Adobe Photoshop is a powerful and comprehensive photo editing and design application, offering a wide range of advanced features for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

• Luminar Neo is an AI-driven photo editing software designed to enhance images effortlessly with intelligent tools and advanced features.

• Canva is an AI-enhanced design platform offering powerful tools for creating stunning visuals with ease.

• Pixlr is a user-friendly online AI photo editor, perfect for quick and effortless image enhancements.

• Lens is a powerful AI-driven photo editor for mobile devices, designed for seamless and intelligent image enhancements on the go.

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What does an AI photo editor do?

AI-powered photo editing has been around for years. Photoshop introduced Content-Aware Fill in 2010 and later launched its first AI-driven “Neural Filters” in 2020. Many of its advanced editing tools are built on machine learning. Unlike AI art generators that depend on recent innovations, AI image editing features have gradually evolved from earlier technologies over time.

What can these tools achieve? Here are some essential AI photo-editing features found in these applications.

• Enhancing and Sharpening Low-Resolution or Blurry Images

• It analyzes whether your image is a portrait, landscape, or another style and suggests the best editing options accordingly.

• Remove the Background from Your Subject Instantly with One Click

• Swap the Sky and Adjust Lighting to Blend Seamlessly

• Effortlessly Enhance Light, Colors, and Contrast with Auto Adjustments

• Enhance Faces by Smoothing Skin, Brightening Eyes, and Refining Features

• Restore and Add Color to Old Black-and-White Photos

• Isolate Your Subject for Precise and Custom Edits

And that’s just the beginning!

Many of these features are powered by AI-driven technology. For example, tools like Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Generative Expand function similarly to DALL·E 3 or Midjourney, while simpler features—such as Lensa’s ability to detect portraits or landscapes—use basic image recognition algorithms.

At their core, these photo editors leverage machine learning and AI techniques to provide an intelligent, automated editing experience. No matter how you look at it, this is undeniably AI-powered image editing.

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How I tested each AI photo editor

For most of the apps on our list, we tested them by editing sample photos, assessing their automatic adjustments, handling both low-quality and high-resolution images, and determining their ability to remove objects and isolate complex subjects. Many apps didn’t cut it because they fell short in these key areas.

For the top-performing apps, I took extra time to explore their features, experimenting with more edits to fully evaluate their capabilities. Usability and pricing were also important factors—some apps charged as much as Photoshop despite offering mediocre features, leading to lower ratings. A few were so overpriced and disappointing that they felt like outright scams.

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What makes the best AI photo editor?

These days, it’s common to label any automated image-editing feature as “AI,” but there’s a clear distinction. Simple one-click tools that adjust brightness and contrast aren’t the same as advanced AI-powered features that provide intelligent suggestions and make precise edits, helping users work more efficiently.

While many apps market themselves as AI image editors, I focused on identifying the best options. Here’s what I considered during testing:

• I focused on advanced AI editing capabilities, including built-in generative AI, automatic subject detection and selection, intelligent upscaling, and other highly effective tools designed for powerful image enhancement.
  

• I prioritized apps that deliver a comprehensive image-editing workflow. While Photoshop and Lightroom plugins and AI image generators like DALL·E 3 and Midjourney are impressive, they don’t offer a complete editing experience. I selected only tools that can manage every stage of the editing process from start to finish.
  

• I focused on apps that are fast, efficient, and user-friendly. They needed to be powerful yet intuitive, allowing users to grasp and utilize their features. For example, while Photoshop has a learning curve, its interface and tools become more accessible with time and practice.

• I focused on apps that delivered good results. Many AI photo editors I tested were too aggressive with contrast or color changes, struggled with selecting subjects, or didn’t perform well overall. With so many excellent AI photo editors available, I only included those consistently producing high-quality results.

• Customization and control are crucial. I do not like one-click edits because they often don’t produce the best results. The top AI photo editors allow you to adjust the intensity of edits and choose which parts of your image are affected. They also offer manual editing tools so you can make final adjustments yourself.

Some apps, like Modyfi, are pushing the boundaries of AI-powered editing, but they’re not yet fully developed to make this list. While their features are innovative, they still fall short in essential functionality.

After extensive testing, here are my top five picks for the best AI image editors.

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The best AI photo editors at a glance

	Best for	Standout feature	Pricing
Adobe Photoshop	Comprehensive Photo Editing and Design Tools	Cutting-Edge AI Tools and a Leader in Smart Image Editing	Starting at $19.99/month
Luminar Neo	A Truly AI-Driven Photo Editor	Seamless AI Integration for Powerful Editing Features	Starting at $9.95/month
Canva	A Photo Editor Fully Powered by AI	Versatile Design Templates Enhanced with AI-Powered Features	Limited Free Access; Plans Starting at $15/Month
Pixlr	User-Friendly Online Photo Editing	AI-Powered Apps Tailored for Specific Editing Tasks	Limited Free AI Access; Plans Starting at $7.99/Month
Lensa	AI-Powered Mobile Photo Editing	Outstanding for Portrait and Selfie Editing	Limited Free Features; Plans Starting at $2.99/Week or $4.99/Month

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Best full-featured AI photo editor and design app

Adobe Photoshop (Windows, macOS, iPad, Web)

Adobe Photoshop pros:

• Features Some of the Most Advanced AI-Powered Tools Available

• It’s Still Photoshop, Delivering Unmatched Power and Control.

Adobe Photoshop cons:

• Mastering Photoshop Has Never Been Considered Easy.

For over three decades, Adobe Photoshop has set the benchmark for professional image editing. Unlike many older software programs that become outdated, Photoshop continues to innovate, remaining at the forefront of the industry. Its advanced AI features even earned a spot on Time’s Best Inventions of 2023 list.

At this point, it’s almost easier to list what Photoshop can’t do than what it can—but even that’s a challenge. Simply put, Photoshop remains the most powerful and comprehensive image editor available today.

AI-Powered Enhancements: Smarter and More Efficient Editing

Photoshop’s AI-driven tools push image editing to new heights. For instance, the Remove Tool, introduced last year, takes object removal far beyond traditional methods like the Patch Tool and Spot Removal Tool. This tool seamlessly replaces unwanted elements with AI-generated content that blends naturally into the image.

Another groundbreaking feature is Generative Fill, powered by Adobe’s Firefly AI model. This text-to-image generator allows users to add or replace elements within a scene simply by describing them. While it may not always excel at inserting foreground objects, it works remarkably well for background modifications.

AI in Action: Real-World Editing Capabilities

In the example above, the original image remains at the center. Using Photoshop’s Remove Tool, I effortlessly removed Gunther, replacing him with grass that perfectly matched the surrounding area—even mimicking the natural depth of field blur. I also used Generative Fill to swap out the background by simply typing “a dark forest,” generating three different variations.

Beyond these tools, Photoshop offers even more AI-powered enhancements. Generative Expand extends images by filling in new areas with AI-generated content. Neural Filters allow for intelligent facial expression adjustments, color palette transfers, and even compression artifact removal. Additionally, its automatic subject and background selection tools are incredibly precise, and its adjustments for tone, color, and contrast perform flawlessly.

Unmatched Flexibility and Control

Despite its AI capabilities, Photoshop remains a full-featured manual editor, giving users complete creative control. While AI tools can significantly streamline workflows, users can always step in and refine changes manually, ensuring the best possible results.

Adobe recently introduced a credit system for its generative features, such as Generative Expand and Generative Fill. If users exceed their allotted credits, these tools will continue to function, though at a reduced processing speed.

Bottom line: Photoshop is more than just an AI-enhanced image editor—it’s the ultimate, all-in-one creative powerhouse for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Adobe Photoshop pricing: The Photography Plan, starting at $19.99 per month, includes Adobe Lightroom and 500 generative credits. While Lightroom is a powerful photo editor, it lacks the advanced AI capabilities of Photoshop. However, if your primary focus is photo editing, it’s still a great option to consider.

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Best AI photo editor for being truly AI-powered

Luminar Neo (Windows, macOS)

Luminar Neo Pros:

• AI is truly at the core of the entire application.

• Tailored for photographers, the app offers precise control over the strength of applied effects.

Luminar Neo cons:

• It comes at a high price for a photo-centric standalone app.

Luminar Neo was among the first photo editors to fully embrace AI, integrating it deeply throughout the app. It offers a range of intelligent tools that simplify and enhance the editing process. Notable features include AI Enhance, which automatically fine-tunes tone, contrast, and color; AI Sky Replacement, which seamlessly swaps out dull or overexposed skies; GenErase, an advanced tool for removing unwanted objects; and GenExpand, which extends images while cropping.

Beyond its core AI capabilities, Luminar Neo excels in small yet impactful details. The app automatically identifies the main subject of an image and suggests suitable presets. Its AI crop tool removes distractions while keeping the subject properly framed. Additionally, its AI-powered face and skin adjustments make it effortless to brighten eyes, smooth skin, and reduce unwanted shine.

Designed specifically for photographers and portrait editors, Luminar Neo provides precise control over effects. Adjustable sliders allow users to fine-tune the intensity of edits, ensuring a balance between AI automation and manual adjustments for a seamless workflow.

Unlike other apps on this list, AI is at the heart of Luminar Neo’s functionality. While it offers standard editing tools, its AI-driven features are so integral that using the app without them is nearly impossible.

Luminar Neo pricing: Luminar Neo starts at $79 per year. It is also available through Setapp for $9.99 monthly, though this version lacks some features, including GenErase.

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Best design app with an AI photo editor

Canva (Web, iOS, Android)

Canva pros:

• Excellent for Template-Based Designs with Smart AI Enhancements.

• Ideal for Creating Real-World Designs Like Social Media Posts, Resumes, and Invitations.

Canva cons:

• Image-editing features in all-in-one design apps aren’t as powerful as specialized photo editors.

Over the past two years, Canva has introduced a range of AI-driven features, further improving its exceptional template-based design tools. It’s perfect for effortlessly creating everything from invitations to social media posts, with AI streamlining the entire process.

Here’s an overview of Canva’s key AI features, along with some highlights based on my experience testing them.

• Magic Design allows you to generate a custom template simply by entering a text prompt. For instance, I typed “a birthday party invitation for my dog,” and it instantly created the invitation shown above.
  

• Magic Media is an AI-powered text-to-image and text-to-video tool that lets you seamlessly add elements to your designs. For example, the dog-shaped balloons in the image above were created using this feature.
  

• Magic Eraser swiftly removes unwanted objects from your images. While it may not be as advanced as Photoshop’s tool, it works well for basic clean-up tasks.
  

• Magic Edit allows you to replace elements in any image using generative AI. With just a few clicks, you can transform a plain cake into a rich chocolate delight.
  

• Magic Write is an AI-powered text generator built into the app, making it easy to create and refine text effortlessly.
  

Canva seamlessly integrates AI-powered features across the app, including those in Magic Studio, to enhance your design workflow. Impressively, these tools blend naturally into the experience. Canva remains a top-tier design platform, whether or not you use its AI features. However, if you’re curious, you can explore AI-generated layouts and design elements created from simple text prompts.

Canva Pricing: Canva offers a free plan with limited AI tool access. To unlock more AI features and enjoy higher usage limits, you can upgrade to the Pro version, starting at $15 per month.

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Best easy-to-use online AI photo editor

Pixlr (Web, iOS, Android)

Pixlr pros:

• Canva is budget-friendly and easily accessible on any web browser, with no sign-up required to get started.

• Organizes AI tools into separate apps, allowing you to access only the features you need with ease.

Pixlr cons:

• Slightly less refined than some of the other apps on this list.

Among freemium photo editing and design web apps, Pixlr stands out with its impressive AI-powered features. Even if you skip the AI tools, Pixlr remains a reliable, user-friendly image editor that’s worth trying.

Over the past year, Pixlr has revamped its approach, moving most AI features to the redesigned Pixlr X app. This shift has been highly effective. In the screenshot above, I used AI Cutout to remove the original background and the generative Backdrop feature to create a vibrant new one. Pixlr X also includes powerful tools for face swapping, object removal, generative fill, and a dedicated AI image generator.

If you enjoyed the previous design-focused Pixlr X, it’s now been rebranded as Pixlr Designer. The Photoshop-like Pixlr E remains available, alongside AI-powered tools like Remove bg and the Batch Editor for bulk edits. You can seamlessly switch between these tools, each offering unique advantages.

However, Pixlr’s biggest strength is its affordability. It’s one of the most budget-friendly AI photo editors, and the free plan grants access to a limited version of most AI features.

Pixlr Pricing: The Free plan includes limited AI access and allows 3 image saves per day. Upgrade to Plus for just $1.99/month, which offers 80 AI credits per month, unlimited saves, and an ad-free experience.

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Best mobile AI photo editor

Lensa (iOS, Android)

Lensa pros:

• Pixlr shines when it comes to portraits and selfies, offering AI-driven tools that enhance facial features and refine backgrounds for stunning results.

• Pixlr provides a free plan, allowing users to save one photo per day, making it a great option for occasional users at no cost.

Lensa cons:

• Editing images on a small screen can be less effective compared to a laptop or larger display, as it reduces precision and makes detailed adjustments more challenging.

Lensa is widely recognized for its Magic Avatar feature, which transforms your selfies into unique AI-generated portraits. While it focuses more on creative image generation than traditional photo editing, its AI-powered tools make it one of the top mobile photo editors.

The Magic AI tool automatically detects and enhances portraits, offering a range of styles from subtle refinements to glamorous transformations. The results are particularly impressive for users wearing makeup. Although the Hollywood AI filters require a subscription, Lensa includes advanced AI-driven tools for skin, face, and makeup retouching, allowing for detailed customization to perfect your photos.

Lensa’s AI-powered features further enhance the editing experience. The Auto Filter simplifies choosing the best enhancements, while the AI Eraser is effective, though not as advanced as tools in Photoshop or Luminar Neo. The Backdrop Cutout and Sky Replacement tools deliver strong performance, even in complex images, with surprisingly realistic alternative backgrounds.

Beyond AI, Lensa offers high-quality traditional editing tools, art styles, and effects that compete with the best mobile apps. The pricing model is unique—the free plan provides access to most features but limits users to saving one image per day. This makes it a great option for occasional use, but for frequent editing, the subscription cost may feel less worthwhile.

Lensa pricing: Lensa offers a free plan that lets you save one image per day, with subscription plans starting at $2.99 per week or $4.99 per month. The Magic Avatars feature is available separately, starting at $3.99.

Meanwhile, Luminar also provides an iPhone app, though it’s a simplified version of its desktop counterpart. It comes with a subscription fee of $4.99 per month, making it a great option if you enjoy Luminar’s powerful editing tools.

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What about AI art generators?

The AI tools mentioned earlier focus primarily on photo and image editing. However, some of the top AI image-generation platforms also offer powerful photo-editing capabilities. Here are a few notable examples:

• DALL·E 2 introduced advanced photo editing tools like inpainting, enabling users to erase parts of an image and let AI seamlessly fill the gaps, and outpainting, which expands existing images. However, DALL·E 3 has yet to support these features. Currently, it offers only basic prompt-based edits for selected areas of an image.

• Midjourney stands out with its powerful image-editing tools, offering features like zoom-out, which automatically expands an image, and prompt-based expansion, allowing users to add extra content while zooming. Additionally, it provides pan functionality to extend images in specific directions and enables element replacement within images. Among AI image generators, Midjourney delivers one of the most comprehensive editing toolsets available.

• If you’re exploring AI photo editing and want to experience its capabilities, an AI art generator can be a fun option. However, for professional and precise edits, it’s best to choose a dedicated AI photo editor from the list above. These specialized tools offer advanced features tailored for high-quality image enhancement and detailed adjustments.

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Expect AI photo editors to change fast.

We’re at the beginning of a revolution in generative AI for photo editing. Tools like Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Remove Tool outperform basic text-to-image generators by seamlessly integrating with real images. With just a few keystrokes, they let you modify significant elements in a photo effortlessly. It’s not about creating from scratch—it’s about enhancing and transforming existing photos with precision.

Looking ahead, AI-powered photo editing will only become more advanced, with new tools and features reshaping the industry. Expect a surge in AI photo editors, bringing even more powerful and innovative capabilities to the market.

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Conclusion

The world of AI-powered photo editing in 2024 is more advanced than ever, offering a wide range of tools that enhance and simplify image editing. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual user, AI-driven editors now provide powerful features that make retouching, enhancing, and manipulating images easier than ever. From industry leaders like Adobe Photoshop to innovative newcomers, AI is reshaping the way we edit photos.

Adobe Photoshop remains a top choice for professionals thanks to its deep integration of AI and an extensive suite of tools. Features like Generative Fill and the Remove Tool allow seamless blending and precise editing, making complex image manipulations effortless. This AI-powered functionality ensures that Photoshop continues to set the gold standard for high-quality photo editing.

For those seeking a more intuitive experience, Luminar Neo offers AI-enhanced tools such as GenErase and GenExpand, designed to make professional edits accessible to everyone. These features allow users to extend backgrounds, remove objects, and refine details effortlessly, making image enhancement faster and more efficient. Luminar Neo is particularly appealing to photographers who want AI automation without sacrificing creative control.

Canva has also embraced AI to enhance its design capabilities. With features like Magic Design and Magic Edit, users can create stunning visuals in just a few clicks. Whether designing social media graphics, invitations, or marketing materials, Canva’s AI-driven simplicity makes it a versatile tool for beginners and professionals alike.

For budget-conscious users, Pixlr provides an excellent balance of AI features and affordability. The rebranded Pixlr X app, along with its other editing tools, ensures that users can enjoy AI-powered enhancements without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, Lensa excels in portrait editing, offering AI-driven retouching tools that enhance facial features and backgrounds. While its subscription model may not suit frequent users, the free plan makes it a great option for occasional edits.

In conclusion, AI photo editors in 2024 cater to a variety of needs, whether for professional-level editing, creative design, or quick enhancements. As AI technology continues to evolve, these tools will only become more powerful and accessible, transforming the way we edit, enhance, and create stunning images.

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