Head-to-Head Comparison

GIMP vs Adobe Photoshop

Detailed side-by-side analysis of features, pricing, pros, and trade-offs.

GIMP

free

Twinover Score
8.1
out of 10
Twinover Verdict

Adobe Photoshop leads overall by 1.5 points.

Based on pricing value, workflow efficiency, and reliability.

Adobe Photoshop

subscription

Twinover Score
9.6
out of 10

Feature and pricing breakdown

Specification
GIMP
Adobe Photoshop
Pricing Model
free
subscription
Twinover Score
Twinover Score
8.1
out of 10
Twinover Score
9.6
out of 10
Pros
  • Completely free
  • Scriptable
  • Active community
  • Unmatched retouching depth
  • Generative Fill AI
  • Every plugin targets it
Cons
  • Dated interface
  • No modern AI tooling
  • Subscription only
  • Steep learning curve

Where to get each option

GIMP

Free and open-source image editor available on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Official Link

Adobe Photoshop

Industry-standard raster editor with Generative Fill. $22.99/mo standalone, $9.99/mo in the Photography plan.

Official Link

Frequently asked questions

Is GIMP better than Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop scores higher on Twinover (9.6/10 vs 8.1/10). Adobe Photoshop stands out for Unmatched retouching depth and Generative Fill AI, while GIMP is worth picking when completely free matters more.
Which is cheaper, GIMP or Adobe Photoshop?
GIMP has the lower entry cost — its plan is free. Free and open-source image editor available on Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the main drawbacks of GIMP and Adobe Photoshop?
GIMP: Dated interface, No modern AI tooling. Adobe Photoshop: Subscription only, Steep learning curve.

Related comparisons and alternatives

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