Best Photo Editing Apps for iOS
1. Snapseed (Free)
Snapseed, developed by Google, is a go-to app for iPhone users who want a powerful yet free photo editing tool. It comes with an impressive range of features that cater to both beginner and professional photographers.
Key Features:
- 29 editing tools and filters
- RAW file support
- Selective editing and precise control over brightness, contrast, and more
- Non-destructive editing
Snapseed’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to enhance photos quickly, while its advanced features ensure that even professional photographers can get detailed control over their edits—all for free.
2. VSCO (Free with Premium Subscription)
VSCO is not only a photo editor but also a creative community. The app is known for its beautiful, film-like presets that give your photos a polished, artistic look. VSCO’s free version offers several basic editing tools, while a premium subscription unlocks hundreds of filters and additional features.
Key Features:
- High-quality presets inspired by classic film
- Advanced photo editing tools, including exposure, temperature, and contrast
- Built-in camera for shooting with manual controls
- Video editing and advanced color grading (premium feature)
While the free version is great for casual users, the premium subscription ($19.99/year) unlocks an extensive range of filters and advanced tools, making it a favorite among creative photographers.
3. Adobe Lightroom (Free with Paid Subscription)
Adobe Lightroom is a must-have for photographers who want professional-grade editing tools in a mobile app. The free version offers basic editing tools, but to access features like selective adjustments and advanced healing tools, a premium subscription is required.
Key Features:
- RAW photo support
- Adjustable presets and filters
- Advanced color grading and tone curve adjustments
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud (paid feature)
While the free version is excellent for basic editing, Lightroom's premium version ($4.99/month) provides access to more powerful tools, making it ideal for serious photographers who want to fine-tune every aspect of their images.
4. Afterlight (Paid)
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use app, Afterlight is one of the best paid photo editing apps available on iOS. With a sleek interface and a wide range of tools, Afterlight is perfect for quick edits and detailed adjustments.
Key Features:
- Over 130 unique filters
- 20 advanced editing tools, including curves, selective hue, and exposure
- Text and artwork overlays for creative edits
- Dust and light leak textures for adding vintage effects
At a one-time purchase price of $2.99, Afterlight offers a lot of creative control without the need for a subscription.
5. Darkroom (Free with In-App Purchases)
Darkroom is a powerful editing app that’s perfect for both beginners and professionals. It offers easy-to-use tools and supports editing in RAW, HEIF, and Live Photos formats. The app’s sleek interface makes it a joy to use, and it’s packed with advanced features.
Key Features:
- Non-destructive editing
- Batch editing for quick adjustments to multiple photos
- Custom filter creation
- Color and curves adjustment
The free version offers essential tools, but a premium subscription ($9.99/year) unlocks advanced features like selective color editing and curves for fine-tuned control over your photos.
6. Facetune 2 (Free with In-App Purchases)
If you’re into portrait editing, Facetune 2 is a top choice. This app is designed specifically for retouching selfies and portraits, offering tools to enhance facial features and create flawless images.
Key Features:
- Blemish remover, teeth whitening, and face reshaping tools
- Real-time photo enhancements while taking selfies
- Filters designed specifically for portrait photography
- Light and color correction tools
Facetune 2 is free to use, but many of its best features are behind a paywall. The premium version ($5.99/month or $35.99/year) unlocks advanced retouching options, making it one of the best apps for editing portraits.
7. Pixelmator (Paid)
Pixelmator is a full-featured photo editing app that brings professional-grade tools to your iPhone. It’s often considered an affordable alternative to Photoshop, offering an extensive range of tools for photo manipulation, retouching, and even painting.
Key Features:
- Layer-based editing for maximum control
- Professional-grade color adjustments
- Support for RAW images and other file formats
- Advanced retouching tools and a wide range of filters
Pixelmator is available for a one-time payment of $4.99, making it one of the best paid photo editing apps for iOS with no need for ongoing subscriptions.
8. Prisma (Free with In-App Purchases)
For those who love transforming their photos into works of art, Prisma is the perfect app. Prisma uses AI to turn your photos into artistic creations, applying various styles inspired by famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh.
Key Features:
- Over 300 unique art-style filters
- Customizable filter intensity
- Community sharing for discovering new styles
- High-quality export for social media sharing
While Prisma is free to use, a premium subscription ($7.99/month or $29.99/year) gives you access to additional filters and editing tools, making it one of the most creative editing apps out there.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a casual photographer or a professional looking for more control, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to photo editing on iOS. Free apps like Snapseed and VSCO offer powerful tools without cost, while paid options like Afterlight and Pixelmator provide even more advanced features for serious photographers.
No matter your skill level or editing needs, these apps will help you transform your iPhone photos into stunning visuals. Download a few, experiment with the features, and see which app best fits your style. Happy editing!
