In today’s social media-driven world, having eye-catching photos is essential for standing out on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
While smartphone cameras have improved dramatically over the years, the right photo editing app can elevate your images from good to spectacular. Android users are fortunate to have a wide range of powerful photo editing applications available at their fingertips.
Whether you’re looking to make quick adjustments on the go, create professional-grade edits, or add fun effects to your photos, there’s an Android app for every need and skill level.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best photo editing apps available for Android devices in 2025, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom stands as the gold standard for professional photo editing on mobile devices. This powerful app brings many of the desktop version’s capabilities to your Android smartphone, allowing for comprehensive editing on the go.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade color adjustment tools
- Advanced selective editing with masking
- RAW photo processing capability
- Cloud syncing across multiple devices
- AI-powered auto adjustments
- Premium presets and filters
Best For:
Professional photographers and serious hobbyists who need desktop-level editing capabilities on their mobile devices.
Pricing:
Free version available with limited features. Premium features require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription starting at $9.99/month.
Download
2. Snapseed
Developed by Google, Snapseed offers professional-level editing tools completely free of charge. The app’s intuitive interface makes powerful editing accessible to users of all skill levels.
Key Features:
- 29+ tools and filters including Healing, Brush, Structure, and HDR
- Support for RAW files
- Precise editing with “Control Point” technology
- Non-destructive editing with adjustment stacking
- Custom filters that can be saved and reused
- Detailed tutorials for beginners
Best For:
Users looking for powerful, professional-grade editing tools without the price tag.
Pricing:
Completely free
Download:
3. VSCO
VSCO (pronounced “visco”) combines a photo editor with a creative community. It’s particularly popular for its film-inspired presets that give photos a distinctive, aesthetic look.
Key Features:
- High-quality film-like filters and presets
- Standard adjustment tools (exposure, contrast, temperature)
- Advanced editing features like HSL and split toning
- Video editing capabilities
- Built-in camera with manual controls
- Creative community for inspiration
Best For:
Style-conscious photographers who value aesthetic consistency and want to be part of a creative community.
Pricing:
Free version available with limited filters. VSCO membership costs $29.99/year for full access.
Download:
4. Pixlr
Pixlr offers a good balance between powerful features and ease of use. It’s essentially a simplified version of Photoshop designed specifically for mobile devices.
Key Features:
- One-tap auto fix for quick enhancements
- Extensive collection of effects, overlays, and borders
- Double exposure tool for creating artistic compositions
- Collage maker with various layouts
- Numerous brushes and healing tools
- AI-powered tools for quick edits
Best For:
Users who want Photoshop-like features in a more accessible package.
Pricing:
Free with ads. Premium subscription removes ads and adds more features for $4.99/month or $27.99/year.
Download:
5. PicsArt
PicsArt is an all-in-one creative platform that goes beyond basic photo editing to include drawing tools, stickers, and collage creation.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive editing tools including curves and tone adjustments
- Thousands of stickers, fonts, and frames
- Background remover and change tools
- Advanced brush tools and drawing capabilities
- AI-powered effects and enhancements
- Extensive collage maker with hundreds of templates
Best For:
Creative users who want to do more than just edit photos, including creating digital art and heavily stylized images.
Pricing:
Free version with ads and basic features. PicsArt Gold subscription costs $8.99/month or $55.99/year.
Download:
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6. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express brings the power of desktop Photoshop to mobile devices in a streamlined, user-friendly package.
Key Features:
- One-touch fixes for common photo issues
- Advanced spot healing and blemish removal
- Noise reduction technology
- Advanced text editing capabilities
- Perspective correction tools
- Easy collage creation
Best For:
Users who want a simplified version of Photoshop’s powerful editing capabilities on their mobile device.
Pricing:
Free version available. Premium features via in-app purchases or Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Download:
7. B612
Afterlight focuses on providing beautiful filters and textures while maintaining a clean, intuitive interface that doesn’t overwhelm users.
Key Features:
- 130+ carefully crafted filters
- 20+ advanced adjustment tools
- Texture overlays including dust and light leak effects
- Selection tool for precise editing
- Custom frames and borders
- Text tool with various fonts and customization options
Best For:
Users looking for a balance between beautiful filters and precise editing controls with a clean interface.
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $2.99 or subscription option at $3.99/month or $19.99/year.
Download:
8. TouchRetouch
TouchRetouch specializes in one crucial aspect of photo editing: removing unwanted elements from your photos with remarkable precision.
Key Features:
- Object removal tools (brush, lasso, and quick repair)
- Specialized tools for removing lines and blemishes
- One-touch power line removal
- Clone stamp tool for advanced retouching
- Video tutorials for beginners
- Before/after comparison view
Best For:
Users who primarily need to remove unwanted elements from their photos, like tourists in landmarks or power lines in landscapes.
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $3.99
Download:
9. Photo Effects – LD
Photo Effects – LD specializes in adding professional-grade light effects, weather elements, and overlays to your photos.
Key Features:
- High-quality light effects (flares, bokeh, etc.)
- Weather overlays (fog, rain, snow)
- Color grading tools
- Dimension overlays for adding depth
- Precise control over opacity and positioning
- Regular updates with new effect packs
Best For:
Photographers looking to add atmospheric elements and professional finishing touches to their images.
Pricing:
Free version with limited effects. Premium subscription costs $3.99/month or $35.99/year.
Download:
10. Polarr
Polarr strikes an excellent balance between professional capabilities and accessibility, offering advanced tools in a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Professional color grading tools
- Face detection and retouching
- Custom overlays and dual lens effects
- Advanced masking for selective edits
- Customizable workspace
- Ability to create and share custom filters
Best For:
Semi-professional photographers who want advanced editing capabilities without the complexity of professional software.
Pricing:
Free version available. Polarr Pro costs $3.99/month or $23.99/year.
Download:
Conclusion
The world of photo editing apps for Android offers something for everyone, from beginners looking to enhance their social media posts to professionals needing powerful on-the-go editing solutions. The apps highlighted in this article represent the best options available in 2025, each with its own strengths and specialties.
For those seeking professional-grade capabilities, Adobe Lightroom and Snapseed offer the most comprehensive toolsets. Users focused on artistic expression might prefer VSCO or PicsArt. If you’re looking for specialized features, apps like TouchRetouch and Lens Distortions excel at specific editing tasks.
As smartphone cameras continue to improve, having the right editing app becomes even more important to unlock the full potential of your photos. We recommend trying several of these apps to find the one that best fits your editing style, needs, and budget.
Remember that the best photo editing app is ultimately the one that helps you achieve your creative vision with minimal friction, allowing you to focus on what matters most – capturing and sharing beautiful moments.
FAQs About Photo Editing Apps
Are free photo editing apps good enough for most users?
Yes, free apps like Snapseed offer powerful features that are sufficient for most users’ needs. Premium apps typically offer more specialized features, additional filters, or remove ads.
Can I edit RAW photos on my Android phone?
Yes, several apps on this list including Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and Polarr support RAW photo editing on Android.
Which app is best for beginners?
Snapseed and Adobe Photoshop Express both offer user-friendly interfaces with powerful one-touch adjustments, making them ideal for beginners.
Do I need a high-end Android phone for these apps?
While these apps will run on most modern Android phones, more processor-intensive features like AI enhancements and RAW editing will perform better on mid-range to high-end devices.
Can these apps replace desktop photo editing software?
Mobile editing apps have become increasingly powerful and can handle most editing tasks but editing in desktop photo editing software is far easier than on mobile phones.
Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.