Best for creative AI edits
Picsart vs Photoshop Express vs Lightroom: which photo editor should you choose?
Choose Picsart for creative AI edits, Photoshop Express for quick touch-ups and filters, or Lightroom for RAW-focused editing and cloud sync.
At a Glance
| App Name | Rating | Downloads | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Picsart AI Photo Editor, VideoPicsArt, Inc. | 4.0 | 1.00B | Free |
| 4.6 | 100.00M | Free | |
| 4.5 | 100.00M | Free |
How We Compared
All three apps are free to download and combine photo editing tools with AI features, but they serve different editing styles. Picsart leans toward creative transformations, Photoshop Express toward fast enhancements, and Lightroom toward more controlled photography workflows.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and reach alongside their tools, costs, and trade-offs, so you can decide which editor fits your photos and how much editing control you want.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, rating counts, install ranges, prices, ads, and in-app purchase ranges reported on November 13, 2026. These figures offer a snapshot of popularity and cost, not a measure of editing quality.
We also compared each app’s stated editing strengths and limitations: creative and AI tools, filters and retouching, RAW support, cloud features, and the costs or device demands that can affect everyday use.
Picsart AI Photo Editor, Video
PicsArt, Inc.
4.0
- Downloads
- 1.00B
- Price
- Free
- Category
- Photography
- Android
- 6.0
creative edits, AI effects, and background changes
Picsart is the most geared toward playful, creative transformations of the three. Its AI tools, background removal and swapping, and broad editing toolkit make it a strong choice for changing the look or setting of an image rather than focusing mainly on conventional photo adjustments.
The trade-off is a busier, more commercial experience: it contains ads, some features require payment, and its full feature set needs an internet connection. It also has the lowest Google Play rating of the three, at 4.0 from 12,167,090 ratings.
Pros
- AI tools and background changes support creative edits
- Broad toolkit for photos and video
- 1 billion+ installs, the largest reach of these three
Cons
- Contains ads and paid premium features
- Can crash and needs internet for full features
Photoshop Express Photo Editor
Adobe
4.6
- Downloads
- 100.00M
- Price
- Free
- Category
- Photography
- Android
- Varies with Device
quick edits, selfies, and filters
Photoshop Express is the most straightforward fit for fast enhancements, especially selfies: its tools include beauty filters, face retouching, and a wide range of effects. It also supports RAW editing and has the highest Google Play rating of the three, at 4.6 from 2,584,584 ratings.
Its free version has limits, and full access requires an Adobe account; high-quality exports need a subscription. Unlike Picsart, it contains no ads, but its in-app purchases can be costly, and older devices may lag.
Pros
- Highest Google Play rating of the three
- Selfie retouching and filters suit quick edits
- RAW support and Adobe Creative Cloud integration
Cons
- Free features and high-quality exports are limited
- Full access requires an Adobe account
Lightroom Photo & Video Editor
Adobe
4.5
- Downloads
- 100.00M
- Price
- Free
- Category
- Photography
- Android
- 8.0
photographers who want RAW controls and cloud sync
Lightroom is the strongest fit for a photography-centered workflow. It supports RAW editing, offers a wide range of adjustments, and syncs through the cloud, making it more suitable than the other two for organizing ongoing image edits across access points.
Full features require a subscription, and the app can be demanding on devices; video editing is limited compared with its photo tools. Its 4.5 Google Play rating is just below Photoshop Express, while its in-app purchase range reaches higher than the other two.
Pros
- RAW editing supports photography workflows
- Cloud sync helps keep edits accessible
- Wide range of photo adjustments
Cons
- Full features require a subscription
- Video tools are limited and older devices may lag
Our Picks
Best for quick selfie touch-ups
Photoshop Express Photo Editor
Best for RAW editing and cloud sync
Lightroom Photo & Video Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app has the highest Google Play rating?
Photoshop Express has the highest rating of the three, at 4.6 from 2,584,584 ratings. Lightroom is rated 4.5 and Picsart 4.0.
Which app is best for removing or changing a photo background?
Picsart is the clearest fit: its tools include background removal and swapping, alongside AI-powered creative editing.
Which app is best for RAW photo editing?
Both Lightroom and Photoshop Express support RAW editing. Lightroom is the more photography-focused choice, while Photoshop Express pairs RAW support with quick edits and filters.
Which of these photo editors contains ads?
Picsart contains ads. Photoshop Express and Lightroom do not.
About This Comparison
This comparison is independent and provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Appxis.