The Top 10 Photo Editor Apps for Android
Good photography is about much more than just snapping a picture. Everything from composition to lighting to post-production editing tools impacts how your photos will turn out.
So, whether you want to create high-quality photographs for social media, your website, or your store, it’s important to have the right photo editing app ready to go on your phone.
Luckily, photo editing software is more accessible than ever. Thanks to the variety of user-friendly editing tools available, you don’t need a fancy camera, a powerful PC, or a degree in Photoshop to elevate your images.
Instead, you can find everything you need to edit your pictures in the Google Play Store. There are loads of Android apps (like Pixelcut) designed specifically for photo editing on your phone—and they offer surprisingly in-depth features that allow you to make some really cool and detailed edits.
So, are you ready to take your Android photos from meh to magical but not sure which Android app to download? This article will introduce you to ten of the best photo editing apps for Android, so you can decide which ones to download and try first.
But before we dig into the best photo editing tools for Android users, let’s talk a bit about the importance of editing apps and how you can use them to elevate your photography.
The Benefits of Using a Photo Editing App
Not sure why you should consider using a photo editor app for Android? There are plenty of good reasons to edit your images before sharing them online—and some even better reasons to download an app that lets you do it all from your mobile device.
Here are some of the top reasons to use a photo editing app like Pixelcut:
Powerful Editing Features in Your Pocket
No more installing (and learning) complex editing tools on your PC. Instead, modern photo editing apps let snap, edit, and share pictures directly from your phone—so you can edit photos on the fly and on the go. Everything from changing photo backgrounds to removing objects to correcting red-eye can be simplified with the help of the right Android app.
Elevate Your Images with Special Effects
Using a powerful photo editing app can open up a world of creative possibilities and makes it easy to clean up your images. That’s why even the best photographers use image editing tools to elevate their work.
With Pixelcut, you can get creative with your images by erasing unwanted objects, adding stickers, removing the background, and adding special effects. Editing features range from using filters and colors to achieve a certain look, touching up images to get them perfect, and altering images to fit your brand or aesthetic.
Improve Photo Composition
Aside from a range of fun special effects, many of the editing tools mentioned below also allow you to improve the technical aspects of your photography—including composition, framing, and lighting.
Whether you want to crop an image, elevate your product photos, brighten poor lighting, or touch-up imperfections with a magic eraser tool, there’s a photo editing app for you.
Say More with Text
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but photo editing tools give you the option to say even more by adding text to your images. Overlaying text on your photos allows you to make a stronger impact on followers or customers. Use text to add context to your next post or add a call-to-action to an image in your product listing.
Optimize Images for Every Channel
Since there are so many awesome tools designed specifically for Android users, you can snap and edit mobile photos on one device. Editing apps can help optimize them for posting on certain channels or use cases, which makes it easier than ever to upload images directly to social media or your website.
Now, without ado, let’s take a look at the best photo editing apps available for Android today.
1. Pixelcut: The Best Android Photo Editor with an Easy Learning Curve
Pixelcut is an awesome editing tool for anyone who wants to elevate their photos with an easy-to-use Android app. Pixelcut combines all the core features you need from a photo editing tool—including object removal, background editing, and templates—into a single free, easy-to-use app.
Rating on Google Play: 4.5
Why You’ll Love Pixelcut: If you want editing features on par with some much bigger names, but with less of a learning curve and a more affordable price tag, Pixelcut is the app for you.
Pixelcut’s editing features include:
- Background Remover: One of Pixelcut’s most popular features is our easy-to-use background remover. Take any object in your photo and turn it into a clean, background-free cutout. Simply upload or select your image and then swipe to remove the photo background. That’s it! It’s so fast and easy that it’d be silly not to give it a shot.
- Magic Eraser: A simple, fast, easy way to clean up edges or quickly remove unwanted objects from your photos.
- Add a New Background: Add a new background of your choosing—whether it’s from our massive stock photo library, a photo from your camera, or a plain white or color backdrop.
- Add and Adjust Shadows: Want to make your products really pop on the new background you’ve chosen? Add shadows to make 2D product images look 3D.
- Ready-to-Use Templates: Pixelcut has an impressive (and growing!) library of professional templates, backgrounds, and collages. Choose from thousands of templates for social media, ads, product photos, profile pictures, selfies, and more.
- Batch Editor (Pro Feature): Create a similar series of images by applying the same edits across multiple photos at once. Perfect for curating a cohesive look for your brand or creating several photos for one product listing or post.
Cost: Pixelcut is free to download and use on Android and iOS.
Or start a free trial of Pixelcut Pro to unlock premium templates, unlimited cutouts, and exclusive fonts (updated weekly!). Choose a low-commitment month-to-month plan ($13.49/mo) or save 51% with an annual subscription ($6.66/mo).
Ease of Use: Extremely easy! There’s virtually zero learning curve. Anyone can download Pixelcut and start creating fun, custom images that are ready to share on social media, use as your new profile pic, or add to product listings on your website or your Etsy store.
Ready to see why millions of businesses and individuals use Pixelcut every day? Start your free 3-day trial today!
2. Adobe Tools: The Best Android Photo Editor for Next Level (Professional) Photo Editing
As one of the biggest names in photo editing, it’s no surprise that Adobe has a few different apps and tools for Android users.
Lightroom, in particular, is one of the best choices for professional editing on the go. With its built-in camera application and RAW photo editing capabilities, Lightroom is geared more toward more professional photographers than hobbyists.
Rating on Google Play: 4.6
Editing features include:
- Built-in camera application.
- RAW file editing.
- A range of photo filters and effects.
Cost: Anyone can download Adobe Lightroom for free, but users can only get full access with a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros:
- Lightroom lets users compare their finished edited image against the original.
- Lots of professional-looking filters and effects.
- RAW photo editing capabilities.
Cons:
- You can’t get access to the best Lightroom features with an Adobe subscription—which makes the app a pretty pricey option.
- Not the easiest app to learn for those unfamiliar with professional editing tools.
Ease of Use
If you want to make full use of Lightroom, there is a bit of a learning curve involved. It’s not the most intuitive interface, but the bar at the bottom of the screen helps users look through different tools with a few taps.
3. VSCO: The Best Android Photo & Video Editor with Beautiful Presets and Filters
VSCO is a good solution for anyone who wants to edit videos as well as photos with a single Android app. It’s one of the best options for mobile video editing and offers a range of pre-set filters and effects to help users get impressive results.
Another cool feature is the ability to share edited photos and videos with the built-in VSCO community.
Rating on Google Play: 3.4
Editing features include:
- A nice selection of presets and filters that can be applied to photos and videos.
- Ability to create a montage out of images and videos.
- Basic photo editing features, like saturation and exposure adjustments.
Cost: Free to download and use basic features. An annual subscription of $29.99 is required to unlock more filters and photo effects.
Pros:
- Users can edit both videos and photos using VSCO.
- Over 200 filters to choose from for paying subscribers.
Cons:
- The free version limits users to only ten VSCO filters.
- Some users say too many of the features are locked behind a paywall.
Ease of Use
The one-tap filters provide a quick way to add interest to photos and videos, but users who want to customize their visuals with a more unique look must spend a bit more time learning to make manual adjustments.
4. Picsart: The Best Android Photo & Video Editor for Advanced Customization
Picsart is another Android app that allows users to edit both photos and video content. And much like the video-editing app VSCO, Picsart has its own social network where premium users can share edited videos and photos. The app also comes with a built-in camera function that allows users to try out different filters before they even take a picture.
Rating on Google Play: 4.1
Editing features include:
- Basic photo editing (crop, resize, rotate, etc.)
- Filters and special effects that users can apply to videos and pictures.
- The ability to animate photos with motion effects.
Cost: Free to download with limited features or $48/year to access premium features.
Pros:
- A built-in social network for inspiration and motivation.
- The in-app camera lets you apply filters as you’re taking pictures.
Cons:
- High price tag to access premium features.
- Many features and filters aren’t included in the free version—and if you accidentally apply a premium feature to your edit, you’ll be unable to save your work once you're done.
Ease of Use
Picsart is fairly simple to learn how to use, even for users without a ton of editing experience.
5. Canva: The Best Android Photo Editor for Graphic Designers
Canva is a popular editing app for graphic designers and casual users alike—especially for social media content. Cropping and optimizing photos for social media. Users simply select the platform and Canva applies the correct aspect ratio to the image.
However, Canva isn’t built specifically for editing photos. Instead, its primary function is to help users design new graphics (without requiring a ton of design skill). That said, this does involve a ton of trial and error for anyone without experience in graphic design. So, if you’re not interested in designing original graphics, Canva might be an unnecessarily complicated editing solution.
Rating on Google Play: 4.8
Editing features include:
- Auto-focus to blur or sharpen images.
- Photo filters, effects, and adjustments.
- Access to thousands of customizable templates.
- Video editing tools.
Cost: Free to download and use the basic version. For more advanced features, users must subscribe to the pro version for $12.99/mo.
Pros:
- A good selection of free stock images.
- Templates allow users to design images for specific social media platforms.
- No ads or watermarks.
Cons:
- As a graphic design app, Canva doesn’t offer a huge range of advanced photo editing features.
- There’s no way to filter for free content. This means users have to waste time sifting through premium templates that aren’t accessible to them.
- Important editing features like image resizing and background removal are not available unless users pay to unlock them.
Ease of Use
Canva for Android is not the most intuitive photo editing app on the market. However, the app does provide a good amount of guidance and tutorials to help beginners who are committed to getting the hang of it.
6. Fotor Photo Editor: The Best Android Photo Editor for Photo Collage & Effects
The biggest use case for Fotor is creating custom collages. It’s fast and easy to put together a fun collage with special effects, stickers, frame, and stock photos.
Rating on Google Play: 4.4
Editing features include:
- Good selection of collage templates.
- Stickers, fonts, frames, and borders to add some fun to your collages.
- One-click filters and artistic effects.
- Standard image adjustments like increasing or decreasing brightness, contrast, and blur.
Cost: Fotor offers three different plans for users, ranging from free to $19.99/mo.
- Fotor Basic: Free to download and access basic features.
- Fotor Pro: To remove ads and unlock more editing features and templates, users can subscribe to Fotor Pro for $8.99/mo.
- Fotor Pro+: For full access to all features, Fotor charges $19.99/mo.
Pros:
- The free version gives you some basic editing features.
- Good selection of templates and assets (like stickers and stock photos).
Cons:
- If you don’t pay for Pro, you’ll have to wait for pesky ads that’ll interrupt your editing flow.
- The price tag for the all-access plan is pretty steep for casual users.
- Some advanced editing tools are locked for free users.
Ease of Use
The Android app is relatively simple to navigate, but users say mastering the multi-image layout for collages takes a bit of practice.
If you’re specifically looking for a collage-maker, here are a few more Android apps like Fotor:
- Photo Collage Editor by Zentertain (Rating: 4.4)
- Collage Maker – Rating: 4.9
- Layout from Instagram – Rating 4.4
7. TouchRetouch: The Best Android Photo Editor for Removing Unwanted Objects
Rather than offering a comprehensive selection of editing tools, TouchRetouch is primarily designed for object removal. This makes it a great option for removing people who photobomb your pictures, powerlines obstructing your skyline photo, and even removing fences from any scene to create a cleaner image.
Rating on Google Play: 4.3
Editing features include:
- Removing unwanted marks, objects, or people from photos.
- “Mesh remover” claims to erase fences automatically.
- Skin retouching to remove blemishes and imperfections.
- Editing for 360° photos.
- Brush to select small objects, lasso for larger areas, and eraser to deselect.
Cost: $3.99 (one-time purchase).
Pros:
- No in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions.
- A good option for “healing” photos (touching up backgrounds and surfaces).
Cons:
- There’s not a huge range of editing features beyond object removal.
- Object removal quality is impacted by the image background.
- Logo removal only works well for objects on a uniform background.
Ease of Use
It’s not too difficult to pick up the basics of the eraser tool. However, the app includes a bunch of tutorials and pop-up tooltips that suggest there’s a sizable learning curve to getting it to do exactly what you want.
8. Snapseed: The Most Accessible Photo Editor App for Android
Snapseed is an Android app owned by Google. With a huge variety of different editing features—including photo filters, resizing, adjusting lighting, and white balance—Snapseed offers something for everyone. Users can pull off in-depth edits or simple tweaks and touch-ups.
Rating on Google Play: 4.4
Editing features include:
- Crop and resize images.
- Adjust white balance, sharpness, and contrast.
- Ability to create and save custom photo filters.
Cost: It’s free to download and use.
Pros:
- A healthy range of photo editing features.
- User-friendly and easy to pick up.
Cons:
- Some of the editing tools aren’t very precise (i.e., users can’t adjust the size of the brush tool).
- There’s no accompanying desktop version.
Ease of Use
As our pick for the most accessible editing app for Android, Snapseed is a user-friendly tool for editors of various experience levels.
9. Pixlr: The Best Photo Editor for Basic Photo Editing on Android
Pixlr is a good, solid, basic photo editor–especially for users who aren’t looking for super advanced features. And, as long as you don’t mind the occasional ad, Pixlr is a reliable choice that can be used for free. The app offers various filters and overlays to punch up your photos, along with some basic editing features.
Rating on Google Play: 4.4
Editing features include:
- Preset photo filters, effects, and overlays.
- Ability to markup and draw on images.
- The “Double Exposure” feature allows users to layer effects using different levels of transparency.
Cost: Free to download, but Android users must subscribe for $1.99/month to remove ads.
Pros:
- Free photo editor with basic features.
- Can share finished products directly to social media.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced functionality like object removal.
- Dealing with ads on the free version can be annoying.
Ease of Use
It’s easy to get started with Pixlr, but the functionality is limited. Good option if you just want the basics and don’t mind the ad interruptions.
10. PhotoDirector: The Best Android Photo Editor with Access to Royalty-Free Assets
For users who prioritize access to royalty-free assets and stock images, PhotoDirector has a lot to offer. In addition to an impressive library of assets, this app also gives users the ability to turn static photos into fun animations. For an easy way to create interesting social media content, users can add animated stickers to an image or create their own custom animation using anchor points and motion lines.
Rating on Google Play 4.4
Editing features include:
- Basic editing features (like adding vignettes and adjusting color and exposure).
- Animated overlays (including stickers and custom animations).
- AI-powered “sky replacement” (which works similarly to Pixelcut’s background remover).
Cost: Users can download and use the free version with limited features or subscribe for $23.99/year to access premium features.
Pros:
- Animation effects allow users to create unique visual content.
- Users can access royalty-free stock photos from Shutterstock and iStock.
- Upload directly to social media channels from within the app.
Cons:
- Many of the features can only be accessed through a paid subscription.
- Beginner users struggle with detailed editing features, so it’s not quick to master.
- The free version will show you ads after making certain edits.
Ease of Use
PhotoDirector has a user-friendly UI, but the ease of use varies depending on what you’re looking to do with it. Although the app provides instructions and publishes YouTube videos to help familiarize users with various editing options, some of the more advanced features are challenging to figure out.
How to Choose the Right Android Photo Editor for You
You need a photo editing app, but which one should you use? Choosing the best photo editing tool for your images starts by reflecting on your primary needs and goals for your photography.
Which Editing Features Do You Care About Most?
There are plenty of reasons you might be interested in a photo-editing app—and your use case can influence your decision.
So, consider what your plans are for your images. Where do you want to share them? Why is it important for you to edit your photos? What specific edits are you hoping to make? Your answers to these questions will help you understand which features are most important to you to have in a photo editing app.
For example, are you looking to create the perfect LinkedIn profile picture, edit your headshot, or design a fun photo collage? Or do you need professional images for your business website, ecommerce store, ads, and product listings? Whatever the case, make sure the app has the capabilities you need (along with reviews from customers similar to you).
What’s Your Skill Level?
Are you just starting out with photo editing or are you a seasoned photo editor pro? Are you looking to learn how to edit for fun—or is there a business goal you’re hoping to support?
It’s important to start with an idea of whether you want basic or advanced features, so you can find an app that best suits your needs. After all, more complex editing apps might require more time to learn—especially if you’re unfamiliar with photo editing.
Additionally, professional photographers and business owners might be willing to pay a higher price tag for an app that can create amazing results for their promotional materials.
What’s Your Budget for an Editing App?
Think about how much you’re willing to spend on an editing tool. The good news is that most mobile apps are more affordable than computer software like Adobe Photoshop. That said, prices can still vary depending on the type of features you want and whether you’re willing to upgrade to a premium plan.
So, take a moment to compare the free vs. paid versions of the app you’re interested in. If all the best features are locked behind a paywall, you might want to look into more affordable editing options. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to try out paid apps before you commit. That’s why Pixelcut Pro offers a free 3-day trial—so you can experience all the premium features at no cost.
How Steep is the Learning Curve?
Consider how much time you’re willing to invest in learning a new app before being able to make use of it. When choosing which editing app to download, read reviews and product comparisons to find out whether it’s easy or difficult to get a handle on the core features.
It doesn’t matter how many cool edits you can potentially make with an app if the learning curve is insurmountable. The easier an app is to learn to use, the more likely you’ll take advantage of all its features and get the best results.
See What You Can Achieve with Pixelcut for Android
Millions of business owners, creators, and influencers use Pixelcut to create eye-catching photography for everything from ecommerce and social media to magazines and flyers.
Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? Want to find out how Pixelcut can elevate your images, product photos, and more?
See for yourself if Pixelcut is the right Android photo editor for you: Start your free trial today!
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