Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
Adobe Photoshop vs Krita
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 Krita?
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
KKrita
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
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.
KKrita
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Opens and saves PSD files with layers intact.
- Transform masks and filter masks apply edits non-destructively.
- A documented Python scripting API and plugin support extend the app.
Cons
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- No batch processing across multiple files, only per-file Python scripting.
- No iOS or iPadOS version; it runs on Windows, macOS and Android in beta.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1982 | 1998 |
| HQ | USA | Netherlands |
| AI model | Adobe Firefly, plus partner models from FLUX, Google Gemini and Topaz Labs | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (beta) |
| Languages | 24 | — |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | — |
| Free plan | Mobile app only | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | 7 days | No |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) | Free |
| Refund policy | 14-day money-back guarantee | — |
| All plans | Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom) — $19.99/mo Photoshop (single app) — $22.99/mo | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photographers and retouchers who want raw editing, generative fill and plug-ins in one editor on desktop, web and phone | Artists who want a free, open-source painting and image editor with PSD support and CMYK painting |
| Differentiator | Photoshop pairs raw editing and full PSD layer work with Firefly generative fill, on desktop, web and phone. | Krita is a free, open-source painting app that works in CMYK and opens and saves layered PSD files. |
| Competitors | Affinity, Photopea, GIMP | Procreate, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop |
Section 03
Adobe Photoshop vs Krita: common questions
Is Adobe Photoshop or Krita cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop's cheapest paid plan is $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) and Krita's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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