Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
Adobe Photoshop vs Corel PaintShop Pro
2 tools, 14 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
From
$19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom)
Free plan
Mobile app only
The verdict
Adobe Photoshop or Corel PaintShop Pro?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
Adobe Photoshop
Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom)
$19.99/mo
Annual plan, billed monthly
Photoshop (single app)
$22.99/mo
Annual plan, billed monthly
CCorel PaintShop Pro
PaintShop Pro 2023
$79.99 one-time
PaintShop Pro 2023 Ultimate
$99.99 one-time
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
Adobe Photoshop
Pros
- Supports a full CMYK working space for print, not just soft-proofing.
- Non-destructive editing through adjustment layers and masks.
- Native PSD support that preserves every layer and effect.
- Batch command, Image Processor and droplets automate edits across many files at once.
Cons
- Sold only by subscription, with no perpetual license option on any plan.
- The full desktop app has no free tier; only the feature-gated mobile app is free.
- Generative AI features are capped at 25 monthly credits on the single-app plan.
CCorel PaintShop Pro
Pros
- Bought once as a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, and kept afterward.
- Native AI tools for upscaling, denoising, style transfer and background replacement ship in the base app.
- Imports and exports PSD files with layers for moving work to and from Photoshop.
- Supports third-party plugins including Adobe plugins and brushes, Topaz Labs and the Nik Collection by DXO.
Cons
- No permanent free plan, only a 30-day free trial.
- Windows only, with no Mac version.
- No working CMYK colour mode; editing stays in RGB with conversion only at export.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1982 | — |
| HQ | USA | Canada |
| AI model | Adobe Firefly, plus partner models from FLUX, Google Gemini and Topaz Labs | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android | Windows |
| Languages | 24 | — |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | One-time purchase |
| Free plan | Mobile app only | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) | $79.99 one-time |
| Refund policy | 14-day money-back guarantee | — |
| All plans | Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom) — $19.99/mo Photoshop (single app) — $22.99/mo | PaintShop Pro 2023 — $79.99 one-time PaintShop Pro 2023 Ultimate — $99.99 one-time |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photographers and retouchers who want raw editing, generative fill and plug-ins in one editor on desktop, web and phone | Windows photo editors who want raw editing, PSD support and AI tools in an app they buy once |
| Differentiator | Photoshop pairs raw editing and full PSD layer work with Firefly generative fill, on desktop, web and phone. | PaintShop Pro is a Windows photo editor bought once, with raw editing, batch processing and AI tools. |
| Competitors | Affinity, Photopea, GIMP | Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, GIMP |
Section 03
Adobe Photoshop vs Corel PaintShop Pro: common questions
Is Adobe Photoshop or Corel PaintShop Pro cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop's cheapest paid plan is $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) and Corel PaintShop Pro's is $79.99 one-time. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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