Smartphone cameras have improved a lot, but even great photos often need some editing to look their best. Photo editing apps let you adjust brightness, remove objects, add filters, and turn ordinary pictures into something special. Whether you want to smooth out a selfie or create content for social media, the right app can help.
The best photo editing apps for Android in 2026 include Snapseed for powerful free editing, Adobe Lightroom for professional tools, and TouchRetouch for removing unwanted elements from your photos. Each app offers different strengths. Some focus on quick fixes and filters, while others provide advanced controls for serious editing.
Choosing the right app depends on your editing needs and how much control you want. There are free tools and subscription-based services with extra features. This guide covers the top apps, their key features, and how to pick the best one for you.
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Top Android Photo Editing Apps in 2026
Android users can choose from many photo editing apps that range from simple filters to advanced tools for detailed adjustments.
Snapseed
Snapseed is one of the best free photo editing apps. Owned by Google, it includes professional tools and works with both JPEG and RAW files. There are over two dozen editing tools, including exposure, color adjustments, HDR, and mono conversion.
The Healing tool removes unwanted objects. The Selective tool lets you edit specific parts of your photo. The Perspective tool fixes crooked lines, and Head Pose lets you adjust where people are looking in portraits.
Snapseed also offers creative options like double exposures, vignettes, and borders. Edited photos are saved next to the originals in your gallery, which can make them harder to find.
The interface uses simple gestures for easy editing. You can save your favorite edits as presets for future use.
Picsart
Picsart combines standard editing tools with AI-powered features. It provides cropping tools, clone stamps, and curve adjustments. There are many film-like filters for a retro look.
The free version has basic editing features. A $5 per month subscription unlocks AI tools like smart background generation and image expansion. The AI can even create new images from your descriptions.
|
Feature Type |
Free Version |
Premium Version |
|
Basic editing tools |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Film filters |
Limited |
Full access |
|
AI features |
No |
Yes |
|
Clone tool |
Yes |
Yes |
Picsart also supports video editing. The free version offers solid editing, but you may see prompts to upgrade to premium.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom brings powerful editing to your Android phone. It works well with RAW and JPEG files. You can use sliders to adjust exposure, color, and more.
The app includes one-click presets for quick edits. Advanced tools let you remove chromatic aberration and apply lens corrections. You can export photos as JPEG, TIFF, or DNG files.
Lightroom syncs across devices if you use the desktop version. You can share directly to Facebook or Instagram from the app.
Some features require a Creative Cloud subscription, but the free version still offers many tools. The interface matches the desktop app, so it's easy to use if you're already familiar with Lightroom.
VSCO
VSCO is known for its film-like filters and presets. The app offers filters that mimic classic film looks, which you can apply with one tap or customize further.
The interface uses symbols instead of text, which takes a little time to learn. Once familiar, you'll find a capable editor with both quick filters and manual controls. The editing tools include basics and advanced color grading.
VSCO works on Android, iPhone, and the web. The free version is limited, while Plus ($2.50/month) and Pro ($5/month) versions unlock the full filter library and advanced features.
If you want your photos to have a consistent aesthetic, VSCO's film simulations are worth considering.
Google Photos
Google Photos is both a storage solution and a photo editor. You get 15GB of free storage with options to buy more. The app helps organize and find photos easily.
The editing tools let you enhance photos with sliders for saturation, exposure, and highlights. The redesigned interface has a carousel for quick tool access. You can circle objects to erase, move, or reimagine them.
Auto Enhance Lighting improves photos with one tap. AI-powered edits give you multiple options to choose from.
Google Photos combines storage, organization, and editing in one app, making it convenient for managing your photos. Android users get new features first, with iPhone support coming soon.
Photoshop Express
Photoshop Express offers Adobe's editing power in a free mobile app. You get layer editing, exposure and color adjustments, and a Heal tool for removing blemishes. AI features like Auto Object Selection and Face Contouring work well.
Most features are free with an Adobe account. Subscribers get access to AI image generation, but the main editing tools are available for free.
Quick Actions let you denoise images, smooth skin, or apply digital makeup with one tap. These shortcuts make editing fast and easy.
Text tools and collage makers help you create content for social media. There are many effects and themes for quick edits. The app balances power and ease of use.
Pixlr
Pixlr provides a full set of editing tools in an easy-to-use interface. It includes crop, rotate, basic adjustments, and advanced options. You can work with layers, apply filters, and use selection tools for specific edits.
The interface is organized for both quick edits and detailed retouching. Filters range from subtle to dramatic. You can preview changes before applying them.
Accessories complete your setup. Also explore the Best iPad Accessories Every iPad Owner Needs.
Must-Have Features in Photo Editing Apps
A good photo editing app needs a mix of basic tools and advanced features for everything from quick fixes to creative projects. The best apps combine simple adjustments with AI-powered enhancements and creative effects.
Essential Editing Tools
Every photo editing app should have basic tools to control your images. You need options to crop, rotate, and adjust exposure, brightness, contrast, and saturation.
Selective adjustments let you edit specific parts of a photo. For example, you can brighten a face without changing the background. Brush tools make this possible by letting you paint edits onto exact areas.
Most apps should support different file types. The ability to edit RAW files is important for maximum quality and flexibility. RAW files keep more image data than JPEGs, so you get better results when making big changes.
Color controls matter too. Look for apps with color splash effects to keep one color while making the rest black and white. White balance, temperature, and tint adjustments help fix color problems from lighting.
Advanced AI-Powered Enhancements
AI has improved what photo editing apps can do. Object detection helps apps recognize what's in your photos for smarter edits.
Background removal and object removal are useful AI features. You can cut out unwanted people or objects with a few taps. The best apps use AI to fill in removed areas so they blend with the rest of the image.
Portrait editing benefits from AI. Skin smoothing detects faces and softens skin while keeping it natural. Some apps also offer blemish removal, teeth whitening, and face reshaping.
A healing brush lets you paint over spots you want to remove, and the tool fills in the area to match the surroundings. This is great for removing small objects or fixing scratches.
Creative Filters and Overlays
Filters and overlays add style to your photos. These features help you create different looks and moods.
Modern apps offer many preset filters, from vintage film to high-contrast styles. It's helpful if you can adjust filter strength for subtle effects.
Background blur creates a depth-of-field effect to make subjects stand out. Good apps let you control the amount and area of blur.
Double exposure blends two images for creative effects. You can overlay textures, patterns, or photos. Light leak and bokeh overlays add more creativity.
Stickers and text options let you add personality to photos. These are useful for social media posts and casual edits.
Collage and Design Capabilities
A collage maker combines multiple photos into one image. This saves you from using a separate app.
Good collage tools offer different layouts and let you adjust spacing and borders. You should be able to change the size and position of each section. Some apps allow freeform collages where photos overlap at different angles.
Design features go beyond simple grids. Look for apps with templates, shapes, and frames to help you create social media posts or cards right in the editing app.
The best apps combine all these features, so you can edit, add effects, and create designs without switching between apps. This keeps your workflow simple and saves time.
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How to Choose the Best Photo Editing App for You
Choosing the right photo editing app depends on your skill level, budget, and the features you need. Think about how easy the app is to use, what is included for free versus paid, where your photos are stored, and if the app works well with your other tools.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The app’s interface should feel comfortable right away. Apps like Snapseed use simple swipe gestures, making them beginner-friendly. More advanced apps like Adobe Photoshop Express offer extra controls but may take more time to learn.
Look for apps that organize tools clearly. AirBrush groups features like skin smoothing and blemish removal, so you can find what you need quickly. Some apps like InShot Photo Editor Pro let you download only the effects you want.
Test how many steps it takes to crop or adjust brightness. Good apps let you preview changes in real time. If an app feels confusing after a few minutes, it likely won’t become easier to use.
In-App Purchases and Free Features
Most photo editing apps have free versions with limited features. Decide what you’re willing to pay for and what you can do without.
Free apps like Snapseed give you all features without a subscription. Others, like PhotoDirector, require a subscription to unlock most tools. Bazaart is pricier at $11.99 per month.
Some apps offer a one-time purchase. Photo Editor by dev.macgyver costs $3.49 for the pro version. TouchRetouch is $14.99 as a single purchase, which can be more cost-effective if you plan to use it for a long time.
Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers get access to multiple Adobe apps, including Lightroom and Photoshop Express. If you already pay for Adobe CC, these apps are included. Watch out for apps that add watermarks unless you upgrade.
Cloud Storage and Sharing Options
Your edited photos need to be stored safely. Many photo editing apps connect to cloud storage to back up your work automatically.
Adobe apps sync with Adobe Creative Cloud storage, so your photos and edits are available on all your devices. You can start editing on your phone and finish on your tablet. Apps like YouCam Perfect offer their own cloud storage, but this often requires a premium subscription.
Google One subscribers get extra storage that works with many Android apps. Some photo editors let you save directly to Google Photos or Google Drive. Choose apps that support your current cloud storage to avoid extra costs.
Most apps let you share directly to Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms. PicsArt has a creative community for sharing your work and getting feedback. Check if the app saves full-resolution photos or compresses them when you share.
Integration with Other Tools and Services
Photo editing apps are more useful when they connect with your other apps and services. This can save time and make your workflow smoother.
Apps that support RAW files from DSLR cameras give you more editing options. Snapseed and Adobe Lightroom both handle RAW files, so you can edit professional photos on your phone. Some apps only work with JPEG or PNG files, which limits your choices.
Look for apps that integrate with your phone’s gallery. PhotoDirector and InShot Photo Editor Pro let you open photos directly from your device. Apps that work with Google Photos make it easy to access your photo library.
File format support is important. Photo Editor by dev.macgyver works with JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, and PDF files. If you need to edit animated GIFs or PDFs, make sure your app supports these formats before downloading.
Editing is only part of the process. Also read our guide, Best Tablet for the Money: Value That Lasts.
Enhancing Your Mobile Photography Experience
Great photos with your Android phone require more than just pointing and shooting. Learning your camera settings, using professional file formats, and applying creative edits can turn snapshots into impressive images.
Getting the Most from Your Phone Camera
Your Android camera app has useful settings that many people overlook. White balance controls how colors look in different lighting. Switch from auto to presets like daylight or cloudy for more accurate colors.
Shutter speed affects how motion appears. Faster shutter speeds freeze action, while slower ones create motion blur. Some phones let you adjust this in pro mode.
The Pixel camera and other high-end phones offer night mode and astrophotography features. These combine multiple exposures for clearer low-light photos without flash.
Find your focus and exposure controls. Most cameras let you tap to focus and adjust brightness separately. This simple step can quickly improve your photos.
RAW Image Editing and File Support
RAW files contain all the data your camera sensor captures. Unlike JPEGs, they give you more control when editing. You can recover details from shadows and highlights that would be lost in regular photos.
Apps like Adobe Lightroom and Snapseed support RAW editing on Android. Editing RAW files lets you adjust exposure, white balance, and colors without losing quality. This is helpful for photos taken in tough lighting.
Not all apps can open RAW files. Check that your chosen app lists RAW support. Some apps only work with specific RAW formats or phone brands.
RAW images take up much more storage than JPEGs. Manage your storage or transfer files to the cloud regularly.
Using Portrait and HDR Modes
Portrait mode blurs the background to make your subject stand out. It works best with good separation between subject and background. Stand 3-6 feet from your subject for best results.
Some apps let you adjust the blur after taking the photo. You can change the strength or move the focus point.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) uses multiple exposures to capture more detail in bright and dark areas. It’s great for landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds. Most phones have HDR mode built in.
Be careful using HDR on moving subjects, as it can cause ghosting. Use it for still scenes needing balanced exposure.
Tips for Creative Edits and Social Sharing
Start with basic adjustments before adding filters. Crop your image, then adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. This builds a strong foundation for any creative edits.
Batch editing saves time when editing multiple photos from the same shoot. Apps like Lightroom let you copy settings to other photos for a consistent look.
Social media platforms compress images, which can reduce quality. Export your photos at the highest quality allowed. For Instagram, use 1080x1080 pixels for square posts or 1080x1350 for vertical photos.
Quick editing workflow:
- Straighten and crop first
- Adjust exposure and white balance
- Fine-tune colors and contrast
- Add sharpening last
- Export at full resolution
Save your original photos before editing. This lets you start over if needed. Most apps have non-destructive editing, but it’s still smart to keep backups.
Multitasking speeds up workflows. Learn more in our guide: How to Split Screen on iPad: Master Multitasking and Productivity.
Protect Your Photo Editing Devices With Chesona
While photo editing apps handle the software side, the right accessories improve accuracy and comfort—especially on larger Android tablets.
CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad 11" (A16, 2025)
Perfect for photo editors who need precision and efficiency, this keyboard case delivers a responsive backlit keyboard and smooth multi‑touch trackpad for accurate adjustments, file organization, and shortcut‑based editing. Its clean, portable design supports long editing sessions in apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, and Photoshop.
CHESONA Steps Touch Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
Ideal for creators who edit and research simultaneously, this case’s dual Bluetooth channels allow easy switching between devices for reference images or tutorials. The adjustable backlit keys and gesture‑enabled trackpad help streamline photo editing, tagging, and workflow navigation.
CHESONA Rugged Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen (10.9")
Built for on‑the‑go photo editors, this rugged keyboard case offers stable viewing angles and strong protection during travel or outdoor shoots. The detachable keyboard, backlit keys, and flexible stand make it easy to edit, review, and organize photos in any environment.
Wrap Up
The best Android photo editing apps make it easy to turn everyday shots into polished images. Whether you prefer quick AI edits or full manual control, apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, and VSCO offer powerful tools for every skill level.
But editing is more comfortable when your device is properly supported. A stable stand or keyboard case helps with precise adjustments and longer sessions.
For creators who edit on tablets or foldable Android devices, Chesona offers practical accessories designed for comfort, stability, and productivity. Their cases and stands make mobile photo editing easier, more accurate, and far more enjoyable.
Bigger screens help with detail. Check out our guide on How To Multitask On iPad Like A Pro In Seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some top-rated free photo editing apps for Android?
Snapseed is one of the best free options. Developed by Google, it offers advanced tools without subscription fees. You get RAW support, selective retouching, and professional adjustments.
Photo Editor by dev.macgyver is another good free choice. It offers color controls, levels, curves, and batch editing. The free version covers basic needs, and you can upgrade for $3.49.
Pixlr Express by AutoDesk provides strong editing tools at no cost, including one-touch enhancements, overlays, and portrait tools.
Where can I find a good photo editor app for Android with artificial intelligence features?
YouCam Perfect includes AI tools for background removal and real-time beautification. Download it from the Google Play Store.
AirBrush uses AI for skin smoothing and blemish removal. Its smart features help you retouch selfies quickly.
Many modern photo editors use AI for tasks like object removal and automatic enhancements. Adobe Lightroom includes AI-powered presets and auto-adjustments.
Are there any highly recommended photo editing apps for Android that work offline?
Snapseed works completely offline once downloaded. You can edit photos without an internet connection and access all features. This is useful when traveling or in areas with poor connectivity.
Photo Editor by dev.macgyver also works offline, storing all tools locally on your device.
Most photo editing apps allow basic editing offline, but some features like downloading new filters may need a connection.
Can you suggest any photo and video editing apps for Android that professionals use?
Adobe Lightroom is a top choice for professionals. It supports RAW files, offers advanced color grading, and syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud. Many professionals use Adobe’s desktop software, so the mobile app fits their workflow.
PhotoDirector provides pro tools like HSL sliders and RGB color channels, plus manual controls for white balance, exposure, and tone.
InShot Photo Editor Pro handles both photo and video editing, making it popular for social media content.
How can I download a high-quality Android app for photo editing without any cost?
You can download Snapseed from the Google Play Store for free. The app has no subscription and includes all features.
Go to the Play Store, search for your chosen app, and tap Install. Make sure you have enough storage space.
Free versions of apps like AirBrush and LightX are also available. Some features may require in-app purchases or subscriptions.
Is there an inbuilt photo editor in Android or should I download a third-party app?
Android includes a basic photo editor in the Google Photos app. You can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and apply simple filters. The built-in tools are useful for quick edits and minor adjustments.
Third-party apps offer more control and creative options. For advanced features like RAW editing or professional tools, you can download apps such as Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom.
