TL;DR:
- GIMP remains the open‑source benchmark, but it still has limitations for advanced professional use (1).
- Affinity appeals because of its one‑time purchase model, an affordable and powerful alternative to Adobe’s subscription (23).
- Photoshop still dominates the sector with its advanced features, but its subscription model is increasingly criticised (4).
- GIMP is progressing (version 3.0 expected late 2024/early 2025), but still lags behind in RAW file handling, CMYK and non‑destructive editing (15).
- Affinity, although proprietary, offers an attractive compromise between cost, performance and freedom from subscriptions (23).
- For organisations advocating open source, GIMP remains essential, but Affinity can be a pragmatic choice for professional production.
1. GIMP: the open‑source solution… but still in transition
GIMP has established itself as the reference among open‑source image editors: free and with no feature restrictions, it allows everyone – students, freelancers, associations – to access powerful tools without financial barriers (1). Its community philosophy and adaptability are increasingly appealing, especially in a context of “subscription fatigue”.
However, despite the upcoming arrival of version 3.0 (expected late 2024/early 2025), GIMP is still lagging in several key areas for professionals:
- No native handling of RAW files (you have to go through external software like Darktable or RawTherapee)
- Limited support for the CMYK colour mode, which is crucial for professional printing
- Non‑destructive workflow not very advanced, which makes iterative retouching and collaborative work more difficult (15) GIMP is making progress, but for demanding graphic production or industrial workflows it may still lack maturity.
2. Affinity: the paid alternative… without a subscription
Faced with Adobe’s dominance, Affinity (Photo, Designer, Publisher) has established itself as the “best compromise”:
- One‑time purchase model, so no recurring subscription or hidden fees
- Very favourable value for money: advanced features, regular updates, reliable performance (23)
- Attractive for freelancers, SMEs and organisations that want to avoid dependence on a subscription while keeping a reliable and modern tool. Granted, Affinity’s code is proprietary, but the absence of a subscription and transparent pricing are strong arguments for many users, especially in a context of growing “subscription fatigue” (2). Affinity does not yet fully rival Photoshop on some niche points, but it meets most professional needs while remaining accessible.
3. Photoshop: the reference, but at what cost?
Photoshop remains the industry standard: advanced features, deep integration, AI, colour management, ultra‑powerful non‑destructive editing (14).
But:
- Mandatory subscription (at least $20/month for Photoshop alone from January 2025)
- End of the “Photography” plan at $10/month for new clients
- Complexity of the plans and continuously rising prices (4) For many, Adobe’s business model is becoming a hindrance, especially for organisations looking to control costs or favour more open solutions.
Blue Fox’s word
At Blue Fox, we always recommend open source whenever possible: GIMP remains essential for experimentation, training or occasional needs.
But for demanding professional use where stability, performance and productivity come first, Affinity represents a relevant compromise today: no subscription, controlled cost and a tool that rivals industry standards.
Our advice: assess your real needs, test the alternatives, and don’t hesitate to mix solutions depending on your projects!
#OpenSource #PhotoEditing #Design #GIMP #Affinity #Photoshop #BlueFoxAdvice
Sources:
- Wallpics: “Is GIMP a True Photoshop Alternative in 2025? A Deep Dive Comparison” (1)
- Reddit: “Free, open‑source Photoshop alternative finally enters release candidate phase” (5)
- Wingback: “Subscription Fatigue: Are One‑Time Payments for Software Coming Back?” (2)
- Digital Camera World: “How much is Photoshop in 2025?” (4)
- XDA Developers: “6 reasons I use Affinity Photo instead of GIMP” (3)