In the age of visual storytelling, having a robust photo editing app on your iPhone is a must, and to that end, we have curated a list of the top 10 photo editing apps for iOS in 2021. Whether you're a professional photographer seeking advanced tools or a casual user wanting to spruce up your social media photos, you'll find a solution to match your needs.
1. Adobe Lightroom - Professional-Grade Mobile Photo Editor
Adobe Lightroom is a comprehensive mobile tool for photographers, offering a suite of impressive editing features. From detailed color correction to advanced light adjustment, it lets you transform your photos on the go. The 'Selective Adjust' tool is highly regarded, letting you tweak specific parts of an image. It's best utilized by those with some photography experience and offers a subscription-based model.
2. Snapseed - Versatile and Accessible
Snapseed, owned by Google, is a free app that is both powerful and easy to use. It offers several one-touch enhancement options, alongside advanced tools like precision masking and RAW editing. Snapseed’s 'Selective Adjust' tool is noteworthy for offering the ability to adjust certain areas of your photo while leaving the rest untouched.
3. VSCO - Vintage Filters and Social Platform
VSCO isn’t just a photo editor; it’s a community for photographers. This multi-purpose app offers stunning, vintage-style filters alongside a comprehensive suite of editing tools. The social feature allows you to share your work, get inspired, and learn from a global community of photographers.
4. Photoshop Express - Quick Fixes Made Easy
Photoshop Express brings the aspect of desktop editing into the hands of mobile users through a simplified interface. From quick fixes like auto-fix, blemish removal, and filters, to advanced editing tools like RAW photo support and perspective correction, Photoshop Express has a lot to offer.
5. Prisma - Artful Photo Effects
Prisma is a unique photo editing app that uses AI to transform photos into works of art. It offers a variety of artistic styles that emulate famous artists like Picasso and Munch. Although it doesn't provide serious photo editing tools, it is fun to explore and get creative with.
6. Afterlight 2 - Intuitive Editing and Design
Afterlight 2 is intuitive and user-friendly, offering a comprehensive set of editing tools, filters, and textures. It also lets you add text and artwork to your photos, making it great for creating graphics for social media.
7. Retrica - Selfie Editor and Live filters
For selfie lovers, there's Retrica. This app offers live filters, so you can experiment with different looks before taking the shot. It also includes a gif maker, allowing users to create short videos or seamless gifs. You can also create collages with multiple photos and share them easily on social media.
8. TouchRetouch - Remove Unwanted Elements
TouchRetouch is designed to help you remove unwanted elements from your photos. Whether it's a trash can in the background or a photo bomber, this app makes it easy to remove distractions and focus on the subject. It’s a one-trick pony, but it does that trick extremely well.
9. ProCam - Advanced Camera Controls
While technically not an editing app, ProCam offers advanced controls for those who wish to capture the photo right in the first place. It offers controls typically found on professional cameras, including shutter speed, ISO, and focus adjustments. However, it also includes light editing tools, thus making it a useful all-in-one tool.
10. Darkroom - Exquisite Color Grading
Darkroom is a high-end photo editing app that is known for its color grading tools. It’s ideal for professional photographers needing fine control over their colors. Its curated filter library can also provide you with quick edits in a snap.