Adobe Firefly leads for professional photographers seeking advanced object removal and generative fills. Topaz Gigapixel AI suits enthusiasts needing upscaling, whilst Photoshop (traditional + AI features) remains the industry standard for serious editing work. Each offers distinct strengths depending on your budget and specific needs.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1Adobe FireflyGenerates up to 100 monthly generative credits per subscription tier95.0NEW$4.99 USD per month (generative credits) 2Topaz Gigapixel AICan upscale images up to 600% with minimal artefacts92.7NEW$99.99 USD (one-time purchase) 3Adobe PhotoshopContent Aware Fill uses AI to intelligently remove and replace unwanted objects90.3NEW$22.49 USD per month 4UpscaylUses multiple upscaling models including Real-ESRGAN and BSRGAN88.0NEWFree 5Runway MLOffers real-time background removal and content-aware fill for video frames85.7NEWFree (limited); $12 USD per month (Standard) 6Remove.bgProcesses millions of images monthly with 99%+ accuracy on common subjects83.3NEWPay-per-use (0.50 USD per image); $9.99 USD per month subscription 7Luminar AISky Replacement AI can seamlessly blend new skies with complex foliage81.0NEW$79 USD (annual subscription) 8FotorIncludes over 10,000 design templates and batch editing capabilities78.7NEWFree; $9.99 USD per month (Pro) 9PixlrAI Remove tool can erase unwanted objects in seconds76.3NEWFree; £4.99 GBP per month (Premium) 10CanvaMagic Edit can remove or replace objects using natural language descriptions74.0NEWFree; £9.99 GBP per month (Pro) The ranking, in detail
01
Generative AI within the Creative Cloud ecosystem
Adobe's integrated generative AI tool allows users to remove objects, expand canvases, and create new content directly in Photoshop and web interfaces. Powered by Adobe's proprietary models trained on licensed content.
From $4.99 USD per month (generative credits)Best for Professional photographers and designers requiring seamless Photoshop integration
95.0
02
Professional upscaling powered by deep learning
Specialises in enlarging photos whilst maintaining sharpness and detail. Uses machine learning trained on millions of photos to intelligently reconstruct image information and eliminate noise.
From $99.99 USD (one-time purchase)Best for Photographers needing to enlarge low-resolution images without quality loss
92.7
03
Industry standard with integrated generative AI features
The professional image editor now includes AI-powered content-aware fill, object selection, and Sky Replacement. Combines traditional editing tools with modern generative capabilities.
From $22.49 USD per monthBest for Professional photographers and designers requiring complete editing control
90.3
04
Free, open-source image upscaler
Desktop-based upscaler using Real-ESRGAN and other neural network models to enlarge images. Fully open-source and completely free to use with no account requirements.
From FreeBest for Budget-conscious users and developers seeking open-source upscaling
88.0
05
Creative suite of AI video and image tools
Web-based platform offering AI image generation, background removal, object erasing, and motion tracking. Designed for creators who need quick AI enhancements without coding.
From Free (limited); $12 USD per month (Standard)Best for Content creators needing quick AI image and video processing
85.7
06
Specialised AI background remover
Dedicated background removal tool using deep learning to detect and isolate subjects. Available as web app and with API access for bulk processing.
From Pay-per-use (0.50 USD per image); $9.99 USD per month subscriptionBest for E-commerce businesses and content creators needing fast background removal
83.3
07
AI-powered photo enhancement with one-click presets
Desktop and cloud-based editor offering AI sky replacement, object removal, and auto-enhancement. Uses machine learning for intelligent one-click photo improvements.
From $79 USD (annual subscription)Best for Amateur photographers seeking quick, intelligent photo enhancements
81.0
08
All-in-one online photo editor with AI tools
Cloud-based editor combining traditional editing with AI features including object removal, background erasing, and image enhancement. Templates and design presets included.
From Free; $9.99 USD per month (Pro)Best for General users needing accessible online editing with AI assistance
78.7
09
Accessible cloud-based photo editor with AI removal tools
Browser-based photo editor offering object removal, background changes, and auto-enhance features powered by AI. Simplified interface inspired by Photoshop accessibility.
From Free; £4.99 GBP per month (Premium)Best for Casual users and social media creators needing quick edits
76.3
10
Design platform with growing AI photo editing capabilities
Graphics design platform expanding into photo editing with AI background removal, magic edit, and generative fill. Offers extensive template library alongside editing tools.
From Free; £9.99 GBP per month (Pro)Best for Social media content creators and small business owners
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between AI photo editors and traditional photo editors?
AI photo editors automate complex tasks like object removal, background replacement, and upscaling using machine learning models. Traditional editors require manual selection and adjustment. AI tools are faster for common tasks but offer less granular control for professional workflows.
Are free AI photo editors genuinely usable, or will I need to upgrade?
Free tiers are genuinely usable for occasional editing. However, free plans typically include watermarks, limited processing speeds, and restricted generative credits. Serious photographers typically invest in paid plans or subscriptions for watermark-free output and premium features.
Which AI photo editor is best for upscaling old photographs?
Topaz Gigapixel AI is the specialist choice for upscaling, offering the highest quality results up to 600% enlargement. Alternatively, Upscayl provides free upscaling using similar neural networks. For more integrated solutions, Adobe Photoshop and Luminar AI offer upscaling alongside comprehensive editing suites.