10 Best Photo Editing Apps UK 2021 | Snapseed, Lightroom and More

It might not be for everyday users, but when you download Lightroom you're not just getting your hands on tools that will crop, balance or change the contrast. Instead, you're getting a mammoth photo editing universe that's interconnected with all your devices and provides professional-grade control, wherever you are. 

It could be a steep step up from the tools of everyday apps to Lightroom, but there is a frequently updated library of tutorials that allows those that are passionate and motivated to learn quickly. For those in the know, this has all the features that serious photographers want to bring their stories to life. 

Usually, there are the simple, everyday apps and then the more expensive professional options. Serif Labs spotted a gap in the photo editing market and what they created with Affinity Photo is something that slid effortlessly in between, providing top of the range advanced tools without the cost. 

This program is powerful and will allow you to breeze through complicated, multi-layer edits and get really artistic using your Apple pencil. Plus, there is even a desktop version available that is almost exactly the same as the app, should you find yourself liking it a little more than your usual editing software. 

Snapseed could quite possibly be one of the best free photo editing apps ever created. Considering that you don't pay a penny, you'll find a large selection of tools and functions as well as an interface that is easy to navigate for pretty much any user, regardless of their experience.

Don't let that simple interface put you professionals off though, as this app has everything serious photographers will need to create amazing images on the go. Best of all, unlike most other free apps, the work you do is non-destructive, meaning you can always go back and delete a function if you feel like it didn't work out. 

Photoshop Mix is an engaging, and relatively easy way to edit your photographs, making it perfect for those looking to dip their toes in the Adobe world of photo editing. Using this app you'll be banging out multilayered images and designs in minutes.

The app has plenty of features, from beginner-friendly selective retouch to fix flaws through to more complex blend modes and colour adjustments for new designers. While it's a step away from the professional program, this still has the core quality that Adobe carry through all their programs.  

Ever get the feeling that instead of making your photos better, you're just butchering them? Well, Pixelmator fancies themselves capable of replacing the human eye with their machine learning function. The app has been trained using over 20 million professional images so it's well equipped to sort your pictures out for you!

Of course, it doesn't always work, but there are dozens of adjustments that you make to ensure you get the look you want. Furthermore, there are plenty of advanced tools that even those with limited knowledge can enjoy thanks to the simple interface. 

For a long time, Adobe refused to jump on board and produce editing software for tablets and smartphones, then towards the end of 2019, they relented. Express is intended as a mobile Photoshop, and for those familiar, it will be a welcome addition to their portable devices, since they can now work from anywhere. 

Those familiar with full Photoshop may find the app somewhat frustrating, as features have been traded for mobile compatibility. This can be particularly irritating given Photoshop's professional reputation compared to the simplistic Express version, so modify your expectations if you're an Adobe veteran.

A massive hit with the majority of social media influencers, the VCSO app has all the classic editing tools across the bottom as soon as you upload an image. Where it sets itself apart is the copious amount of filters and presets available, all which give your photos that extra touch of personality and character.

However, there are some issues. Firstly, the free part of the application is quite limited, serving up only ten filters and no video editing functions. Secondly, it doesn't have that extra layer of artistic features that we feel an app like this should have, like borders or the ability to add text. 

Finding yourself bored with the clean-cut, overly-slick images recently? The folk behind Mextures were too, which is why they created their photo editing software to add a bit of grime to your images. Think light leaks, grain, dust, and other characteristics that will take your images away from polished perfection. 

However, the skill-to-features ratio is a little upside down here, as you'll need a little bit of knowledge, but you'll only be able to produce basic edits. Also, the recent update of the application has seen it lose some of its fluidity, which can be rather annoying when you're in that flow state.  

Imagine, if you will, that you've just gone on holiday and you've ventured to the local hotspot. When there you spend all your time trying to get photos without any strangers in, but it's impossible because it's so overcrowded. You, dear friend, need to get yourself TouchRetouch.

This app can be used automatically to remove unwanted objects, or you can go old-school and do it manually, either way, you'll get the photo you wanted initially. The downside is that this is a one-trick pony, but paired with other apps this will become a valuable part of your editing arsenal. 

Finishing our list is the user-friendly and hugely fun app, PicsArt. This platform excels when it comes to providing users with a lot of control over the outcome of their images, without ever bogging them down with too many technicalities. Instead, it's all attractive filters, artistic text, and entertaining stickers. 

Another handy feature that is great for the target audience is the in-app tutorials which are straightforward and easy to follow. The only problem is that while the download is free, the wide range of different subscriptions ranging from £2.99 per month to £55.99 per year means you might need to pay a bit to get the good stuff.