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Alternatives

Best RawTherapee alternatives in 2026

RawTherapee is free, open-source raw photo processor with detailed controls. These 7 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

7 alternatives From best photo editing software How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Affinity

    Free to download, with vector, pixel and layout tools in one app and PSD import. It needs a Canva account and has no iPad version yet, which keeps it behind Pixelmator Pro on Apple tablets.

    Best for Free vector, pixel and layout work in one app

    WindowsmacOSFree

    91.0score
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  2. 2

    Adobe Photoshop

    The deepest layer, mask and retouching tools, and the PSD files other people send you. It is subscription-only, so it costs more over time than Affinity, GIMP or Pixelmator Pro.

    Best for Professional retouching, compositing and PSD workflows

    WindowsmacOSiPadOSSubscription

    90.5score
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  3. 3

    GIMP

    The strongest free desktop editor here, under the GNU GPL and running on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its interface differs from Adobe's, and its vector work is weaker than Affinity's.

    Best for Free open-source retouching and painting

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    89.5score
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  4. 4

    Pixelmator Pro

    Is a one-time purchase. A polished Mac and iPad editor with one-click background removal and a one-time price. It runs only on Apple devices, so Windows and Linux users need another tool.

    Best for Mac and iPad photo editing with AI tools

    macOSiPadOSOne-time purchase

    88.0score
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  5. 5

    Photopea

    Also runs on Web. Opens PSD and RAW files in a browser with no install, which makes it the easiest route for quick edits. Speed depends on the device, and desktop editors handle very large files more predictably.

    Best for Quick browser edits and PSD files

    WebFree

    86.5score
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  6. 6

    Adobe Lightroom

    Also runs on iOS, Android, Web. A polished raw workflow with edits that sync between desktop, phone and browser. It is a subscription and cloud-centered, unlike darktable or RawTherapee, which are free and local.

    Best for Photographers who edit raw files on several devices

    WindowsmacOSiOS, iPadOSAndroidWebSubscription

    85.0score
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  7. 7

    darktable

    A free, open-source raw workflow with a library, tethered shooting and non-destructive editing. It does not offer the layered editing of the editors above, so retouching and compositing need another app.

    Best for Open-source raw workflow for photographers

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    82.5score
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About RawTherapee alternatives

What is the best alternative to RawTherapee?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Affinity, followed by Adobe Photoshop. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to RawTherapee?
Yes. Free options include Affinity, GIMP, Photopea.