We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

5 Best Photo Editing Software For Macs 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Adobe Photoshop | Photo, Image, and Design Editing Software | 12-Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal, PC/Mac

Adobe Photoshop is a widely recognized photo-editing software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for Mac users. Its user interface, while powerful, can be complex for beginners, which might result in a steep learning curve. However, the extensive range of editing tools available, including photo enhancement, illustration creation, and even 3D artwork, make it a versatile choice for professional and aspiring designers alike. The performance and speed of Photoshop are generally reliable on most Mac systems, ensuring that it can handle large files and complex projects efficiently.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,256
Customer Support and Community
Price and Licensing

Most important from
46 reviews

Customer Support and Community
Repeated issues with the download process, including installation freezes and lack of accessible support, can lead to significant frustration.
Price and Licensing
Activating the annual subscription can be frustrating, especially when purchasing through third-party platforms like Amazon.
#2
9.8 score

Adobe Lightroom | Photo editing and organizing software | 12-month Subscription with auto-renewal

Adobe Lightroom is a feature-rich photo editing software that stands out for its AI-assisted capabilities, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Its user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, which is further highlighted by its 2024 App Store Award for Mac App of the Year. This makes it easy to navigate and use for Mac users. The editing tools are extensive, allowing you to adjust light, color, add presets, effects, and even remove unwanted elements using AI-powered Generative Remove.

Rating
9.8
User Interface
Editing Tools
Compatibility and Integration

Most important from
168 reviews

User Interface
The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use, which is particularly beneficial for Mac users.
Editing Tools
Adobe Lightroom runs smoothly and provides an extensive range of editing tools suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Compatibility and Integration
Lightroom's integration with other Adobe products and its compatibility with both desktop and mobile versions offer great flexibility for users working across multiple devices.
Price and Licensing
Adobe Lightroom offers a great deal for those using Adobe Creative Cloud apps, with significant savings during promotions.
#3
9.6 score

Corel Painter 2023 Education | Professional Painting Software for Digital Art, Illustration, Photo Art & Fine Art [PC/Mac Key Card]

Corel Painter 2023 Education is a versatile software tailored for both digital art creation and photo editing, making it suitable for students and educational institutions. The user interface is intuitive, allowing users to sketch, paint, and illustrate with over 1000 realistic brushes and various media types such as watercolors, oils, and acrylics. This variety in tools can be particularly beneficial for users looking to create diverse and unique photo edits or digital artworks. The software also supports advanced brush customization and composition tools, enhancing creative control and precision in editing tasks.

Rating
9.6
Editing Tools

Most important from
5 reviews

Editing Tools
Corel Painter 2023 Education is excellent for building a digital portfolio with its versatile painting tools.

Top 5 Best Photo Editing Software For Macs 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Adobe Photoshop | Photo, Image, and Design Editing Software | 12-Month Subscription with Auto-Renewal, PC/Mac

User Interface: complex for beginners
Editing Tools: photo, illustration, 3D artwork
Performance and Speed: reliable on most Mac systems
Compatibility and Integration: works with Adobe products, various formats
Learning Curve: steep
Customer Support and Community: robust, many resources, active community
Price and Licensing: 12-month subscription, auto-renewal

Chosen by 1256 this week

Adobe Lightroom | Photo editing and organizing software | 12-month Subscription with auto-renewal

User Interface: intuitive and user-friendly
Editing Tools: adjust light, color, add presets
Performance and Speed: fast processing speeds
Compatibility and Integration: compatible with desktop and mobile
Learning Curve: manageable, simple text prompts
Customer Support and Community: robust, ample help and tutorials
Price and Licensing: 12-month subscription, 1TB storage

Corel Painter 2023 Education | Professional Painting Software for Digital Art, Illustration, Photo Art & Fine Art [PC/Mac Key Card]

User Interface: intuitive
Editing Tools: over 1000 brushes, advanced customization
Performance and Speed: optimized for natural painting, stylus support
Compatibility and Integration: integrates well with Photoshop
Learning Curve: steep
Customer Support and Community: available, not as extensive
Price and Licensing: education license, not for commercial use

Photomatix Pro 6

User Interface: outdated, overwhelming for beginners
Editing Tools: HDR, tone mapping, batch mode, Lightroom plugin
Performance and Speed: smooth on Macs, speed varies
Compatibility and Integration: Lightroom plugin, strong compatibility
Learning Curve: learning curve, powerful tools
Customer Support and Community: decent, resources available
Price and Licensing: competitive, one-time purchase

Office 2024 + LibreOffice USB Bundle Compatible with Microsoft Office Word, Excel + GIMP Photo Editing Software Compatible with Adobe Photoshop Element 2022 for Windows PC, macOS and Mac OS X

User Interface: Challenging for beginners, less intuitive
Editing Tools: Restore photos, change backgrounds, enhance images
Performance and Speed: Generally good
Compatibility and Integration: Compatible with Photoshop, supports common formats
Learning Curve: Steep for new users
Customer Support and Community: Support via email, many community resources
Price and Licensing: Lifetime license, free updates, no subscription
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Photo Editing Software For Macs

Choosing the right photo editing software for your Mac can significantly enhance your creative workflow and help you achieve professional-quality results. The right software should align with your editing needs, skill level, and the type of projects you typically work on. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting photo editing software for your Mac, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
User InterfaceThe user interface (UI) of photo editing software refers to how the software looks and how easy it is to navigate. A good UI is important because it can make your editing process more efficient and enjoyable. If you are a beginner, look for software with a simple and intuitive interface that offers guided tutorials and easy-to-find tools. For more advanced users, a customizable interface with advanced features might be more suitable. Your comfort and ease of use should guide your choice here.
Editing Tools and FeaturesEditing tools and features are the core components of any photo editing software. These include basic tools like cropping, resizing, and color correction, as well as advanced features like layers, masks, and filters. If you are a casual user, basic tools might be sufficient. However, if you are a professional or an enthusiast looking to perform complex edits, you will need software with a comprehensive set of advanced tools. Consider what types of edits you typically perform and choose software that offers the necessary features.
Performance and SpeedPerformance and speed refer to how quickly and efficiently the software runs on your Mac. This is important because slow software can hinder your workflow and be frustrating to use. Performance can vary based on the software's optimization for Mac hardware and the complexity of the tasks you are performing. For basic edits, most software will perform adequately. For more intensive tasks like working with large files or applying multiple effects, look for software known for its high performance and speed.
File Format SupportFile format support indicates the types of image files the software can open, edit, and save. This is important because you need to ensure the software can handle the file formats you work with. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, but if you work with RAW files or other specialized formats, make sure the software supports them. Choose software that supports the file formats you use most frequently to ensure compatibility and ease of use.
Integration with Other SoftwareIntegration with other software refers to how well the photo editing software works with other applications you might use, such as cloud storage services, graphic design tools, or other Adobe products. This is important for a seamless workflow, especially if you frequently move files between different programs. If you use other creative software, look for photo editing software that offers good integration with those tools to streamline your process.
Learning Curve and SupportThe learning curve refers to how easy or difficult it is to learn to use the software effectively. Support includes the resources available to help you learn and troubleshoot issues, such as tutorials, forums, and customer service. If you are new to photo editing, look for software with a gentle learning curve and plenty of support resources. For more experienced users, advanced software with a steeper learning curve might be acceptable if it offers the features you need. Consider your skill level and the availability of support when making your choice.
Price and LicensingPrice and licensing refer to the cost of the software and the type of license it comes with. This is important because it affects your budget and how you can use the software. Some software is available as a one-time purchase, while others require a subscription. Consider how often you will use the software and whether a one-time purchase or a subscription model is more cost-effective for you. Choose software that fits your budget and offers the best value for your needs.

FAQ