Best PhotoScape Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to PhotoScape? In this comparison, we take a closer look at PhotoScape alongside similar software solutions including PhotoScape, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Paint.NET, Nero PhotoSnap, Adobe Photoshop, HP Photo Creations, The GIMP, Greenshot, FastStone Image Viewer, Lightshot and Adobe Photoshop CS4.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how PhotoScape, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Paint.NET, Nero PhotoSnap, Adobe Photoshop, HP Photo Creations, The GIMP, Greenshot, FastStone Image Viewer, Lightshot and Adobe Photoshop CS4 stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Cost Model
 PhotoScape
|
Free software with occasional bugs and limited functionality. |
 Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Free trial available, one-time purchase without subscription fees. |
 Paint.NET
|
Free with no hidden costs, supported by a community. |
 Nero PhotoSnap
|
Free software included in the Nero suite, with purchase options. |
 Adobe Photoshop
|
Subscription-based model with monthly payment; also offers a free trial. |
 HP Photo Creations
|
Free software with no fees but occasional performance issues. |
 The GIMP
|
Free and open-source software, supported by a community. |
 Greenshot
|
Free and open-source screenshot tool with frequent updates. |
 FastStone Image Viewer
|
Free for personal and educational use, no spyware or adware. |
 Lightshot
|
Free tool, safe and trustworthy, no hidden charges. |
 Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
One-time purchase or upgrade, legacy version with a 30-day free trial. |
Supported Operating Systems
|
PhotoScape
|
Supports Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Supports Windows and macOS operating systems. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Supports Windows operating systems only. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Supports Microsoft Windows and Mac OS systems. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Supports Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
|
The GIMP
|
Cross-platform: supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. |
|
Greenshot
|
Supports Microsoft Windows operating systems only. |
|
FastStone Image Viewer
|
Supports Windows operating systems only. |
|
Lightshot
|
Supports both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Supports Windows and Mac OS X 64-bit operating systems only. |
Key Features and Editing Capabilities
|
PhotoScape
|
User-friendly interface; features include color correction, cropping, resizing, filters, frames, GIF support; limited advanced editing features; suitable for beginners. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Automatic image optimization; batch processing; color correction; crop function; undo/redo; integrated sharing options; supports BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF formats; extensive editing tools for quick fixes. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Basic image editing capabilities with advanced editing options like layering supported by plugins; active community providing regular updates; intuitive interface for beginners and intermediate users. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Advanced editing features including collage creation, red-eye removal, sepia effect, sharpness adjustment, filters, basic photo organization tools; supports various image formats including BMP, JPG, PNG, TIFF; included in multimedia Nero suite. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Extensive professional-grade features including layers support, advanced selection tools, non-destructive editing, extensive filters and brushes; supports many file formats including PSD native format; integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud apps; steep learning curve; suitable for advanced users and professionals. |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Basic editing features with a focus on photo projects like calendars, cards, posters; simple drag-and-drop interface; limited advanced editing features; good customer support; seamless integration with HP printers; occasional performance issues. |
|
The GIMP
|
Highly customizable free software with extensive range of features comparable to commercial editors; supports layering; wide range of file formats including PSD and RAW images; plugin support; steep learning curve; active community support. |
|
Greenshot
|
Specialized screenshot tool focused on capturing screen regions; annotation tools including arrows and text boxes; simple interface optimized for quick annotations and sharing captured screenshots; supports several image formats including BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF. |
|
FastStone Image Viewer
|
Fast image viewing combined with basic editing capabilities such as cropping, color adjustment, resizing, red-eye removal; batch conversion feature available; supports camera RAW files; user-friendly interface designed for efficient workflow on Windows. |
|
Lightshot
|
Lightweight screenshot tool with basic editing capabilities such as cropping and adding shapes or text to screenshots; generates sharable links for screenshots stored online; available on Windows and Mac platforms. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Legacy version offering advanced photo editing functionality including layers, masks, content-aware scaling; supports many file formats such as PSD and TIFF; resource intensive requiring powerful hardware; steep learning curve similar to newer Photoshop versions. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how PhotoScape stacks up against PhotoScape, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Paint.NET, Nero PhotoSnap, Adobe Photoshop, HP Photo Creations, The GIMP, Greenshot, FastStone Image Viewer, Lightshot and Adobe Photoshop CS4 in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
PhotoScape
|
20.3MB |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
125.1MB |
|
Paint.NET
|
|
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
1.4MB |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
|
|
HP Photo Creations
|
|
|
The GIMP
|
|
|
Greenshot
|
|
|
FastStone Image Viewer
|
5MB |
|
Lightshot
|
2.7MB |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
License
|
PhotoScape
|
Freeware |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Demo |
|
Paint.NET
|
Freeware |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Commercial |
|
HP Photo Creations
|
Commercial |
|
The GIMP
|
Open Source |
|
Greenshot
|
Freeware |
|
FastStone Image Viewer
|
Freeware |
|
Lightshot
|
Freeware |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Commercial |