Corel PaintShop Pro vs GIMP
Corel PaintShop Pro and GIMP score the same, 5.9 out of 10 among the photo editors we rate, so the choice comes down to who you are.
Too close to call: 5.9 each
GIMP is free and open source, with no AI editing tools of any kind: no generative fill, background removal or upscaling. PaintShop Pro is a paid app you buy once, and adds AI erase and relight, one click background removal and AI upscaling on top of the basics. GIMP still opens and saves layered Photoshop files, the same as PaintShop Pro, and both let you install third-party plugins.
Pick Corel PaintShop Pro if you want built in AI erase, relight and background removal.
Pick GIMP if you want free, open source software and don't need AI tools.
Best for
Who each one suits, decided on the criteria that matter to that buyer and the checked facts where the two differ.
- AI image editing: Corel PaintShop Pro yes, GIMP no
- One-action background removal: Corel PaintShop Pro yes, GIMP no
- AI upscaling: Corel PaintShop Pro yes, GIMP no
- Where it runs: 2 platforms against 1 platform
- File formats it exports: 6 export formats against 3 export formats
- Commercial use allowed: GIMP yes, Corel PaintShop Pro does not say
- Source published under an open licence: GIMP yes, Corel PaintShop Pro no
- But Corel PaintShop Pro leads on ways to reach support: 3 support channels against 2 support channels
How they score
Both are scored the same way, against the other photo editors we rate, from facts on each vendor's own pages. GIMP leads on 3 of 4 criteria.
Where they differ
Every point where the two vendors' published facts disagree, with a link to where each fact was read. "Not published" means the vendor does not say either way.
Published by only one of them
Where they match (8)
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
Corel PaintShop Pro
GIMP
For everything else about each tool, read the full Corel PaintShop Pro review and GIMP review.
Corel PaintShop Pro vs GIMP: common questions
Which is better, Corel PaintShop Pro or GIMP?
They score the same, 5.9 out of 10 among the photo editors we rate. Corel PaintShop Pro is ahead on what it adds beyond the basics. GIMP is ahead on workflow and output, pricing and privacy and trust.
Is Corel PaintShop Pro or GIMP cheaper?
Corel PaintShop Pro's cheapest paid plan is $79.99 one-time and GIMP's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
What can Corel PaintShop Pro do that GIMP cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: aI image editing (erase, relight), one-action background removal, aI upscaling and template library.
What can GIMP do that Corel PaintShop Pro cannot?
On the facts both vendors publish: source published under an open licence.
