Mobile photo editing has revolutionized itself – what once required bulky computers and expensive software is now literally in your pocket. The through-the-lens snapshot to a nice photo in 2025 is accessible to everyone, right from their phone.
You can instantly take a boring selfie and put that sparkle on it you have been struggling for, try out the cool effects you see your friends using, or just make your Instagram feed look good. If you have the right app, the quality can make all the difference.
Here’s the detailed rundown of the Top 10 Mobile Photo Editing Apps to try this year, with fairly simple descriptions and practical suggestions.
Selecting the Top 10 Mobile Photo Editing Apps
Choosing the best apps was not going to be a simple matter of selecting the best brands. The following factors influence how we selected devices that meet the demands of real-world users:
- Easy-to-use editing tools that suit both beginners and pros
- Useful and useful features, such as cropping, filters, and blemish removal
- Available on both iPhone and Android
- Free applications, or reasonable upgrades
- Unique features, such as collage makers or drawing tools
- Positive user and expert reviews
We also took into consideration how well other users felt that their photo editing apps performed for portraits, landscapes, social, and even photography.
1. Snapseed
Snapseed is Google’s mobile photo editing app, and it’s completely free. It has a ton of features, from the simplest cropping to curves and selective editing. You can fix exposure, sharpen details, and even remove unwanted objects from your photos.
You can even save your edits as custom filters in Snapseed, so you can apply your style to other photos in seconds.
One of the best things about Snapseed is that you can use it offline wherever you are to edit, making it a great option for beginners to pros. It’s a fantastic option that has earned a place in the Top 10 Mobile Photo Editing Apps.
2. Adobe Lightroom
If you’re looking for one app that can do it all, Adobe Lightroom is unbeatable. Professionals and casual users trust this app to edit photos on the go. Compared to Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom, you can adjust the lightness and darkness, as well as colors, and sharpness, all with a few simple sliders.
You can also use the app to edit RAW photos, meaning you’re going to have way more control over all of those details. The Adobe Lightroom app is free for basic edits, but you can pay to have use of other things like cloud storage and advanced editing tools.
Adobe Lightroom is available for both iPhone and Android, and you can sync your editing between devices.
Lightroom can be particularly beneficial if you want to expand and progress in your photography skills. Lightroom has built-in tutorials, and you can save your favorite edits as presets to reuse later.
The only downside is that learning all the features can take some time, but if you are after quality, it’s worth it.
3. Picsart
Picsart is a creative powerhouse that is great for people who want to do more than simple edits. You can use Picsart to add stickers, draw on your photos, create collages, and even turn your photos into cartoons.
There are tools to remove a background, switch out faces, and apply other fun effects, too. There is also a massive library of templates for social media posts, so even if you are not very creative, you can make your images pop with a few taps.
Picsart is free to get started with, but some features require a subscription. If you are serious about creating unique and attention-grabbing images, this is one of the Top 10 Mobile Photo Editing Apps to get!
4. VSCO
VSCO is known for its filter presets that emulate the classic film feel. If you want your photos to have that classic film look, VSCO is the perfect program for you. VSCO makes it easy to work with brightness, contrast, and color. You can also edit videos and make collages. In other words, VSCO is not just a photo editor.
VSCO is free for basic edits; however, you can subscribe to unlock more filters and features. VSCO is good for anyone who wants to achieve a stylish, professional look easily.
5. Adobe Photoshop Express
Photoshop Express is the mobile app version of Adobe’s famous desktop application. Adobe Photoshop Express is simple to use and has tools for cropping, straightening, and red-eye removal, as well as the ability to add text, stickers, and borders to your photos.
One of the conveniences with Photoshop Express is the “healing” tool, which allows you to tap away blemishes on your face or unwanted objects in your photo.
Most features are free to use in Photoshop Express, although some of the extras require a nominal payment. Adobe Photoshop Express is great for anyone who wants to make quick edits and get high-quality results.
6. Polarr
Polarr is perfect for anyone who loves to get creative. The app has a large number of filters, overlays, and blending choices to use. You can create your own filters or use other users’ filters. Polarr allows you to edit RAW photos and gives you control over your image.
Polarr is easy to use if you are inexperienced at editing. You can use Polarr for free, with more available if you choose to upgrade to a paid subscription.
7 . Pixlr
Pixlr is for anyone who wants to make quick and easy edits. The app has a simple interface where you can crop, rotate, and adjust your photos in a matter of seconds.
Pixlr has tons of options of filters and effects, as well as multiple tools to include text and make collages. Pixlr is a great app for people who want great results without much work.
You can use Pixlr for free, with some ads and optional paid features. If you are just trying to touch up photos before posting them, Pixlr is one of the Top 10 Mobile Photo Editing Apps to try.
8. PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is full of features for everyone, regardless of experience. You can change colors, add filters, and even animate sections of your photo! This app also has tools to remove objects and change backgrounds. There are a ton of templates for social media, so you’ll have your photos polished up in no time.
PhotoDirector is free to start using, and much more features if you subscribe. It’s a great, all-around app for anyone looking to have some fun with their photos.
9. Photoleap
Photoleap is a great option for those who enjoy making artistic modifications to their pictures. The app allows you to merge photos, create double exposures, and apply all sorts of artistic effects that aren’t seen in most apps. It’s an excellent option for creating attention-grabbing images for social media or personal use.
Photoleap is free to use for basic modifications, but you have to subscribe to access all the features. If you enjoy experimenting with your photographs, Photoleap is worth giving a try!
10. Prisma
Prisma is interesting because it alters the photograph to make it look like a piece of art. The app includes a variety of filters that are inspired by well-known artists and artistic styles to make your pictures look like they were painted by Van Gogh or Picasso. The app makes it easy to transform your photographs; you just select a style and let it work its magic.
Prisma is free to use for basic purposes, but there are a bunch more styles to choose from if you subscribe. Prisma is a good fit for anyone looking to have an artistic twist to their photography.
Choosing the Right Mobile Photo Editing App for You
Given the abundance of options, it can be challenging to know where to start, but here are a few guidelines:
- If you are a beginner and want a simple, free edit, go with Snapseed or Pixlr.
- If you expect professional results, try Lightroom or Polarr.
- If your photos are for creative projects or social media, you will want to look into Picsart, PhotoDirector, or Photoleap for many exciting features.
- If you enjoy filters, you won’t want to miss VSCO and Prisma.
Consider what you want to do with your photos, and choose the app with the options that will work best with your style and objectives.
What Nontraditional Features to Look for in 2025
These Mobile Photo Editing Apps allow for more than just filters and cropping. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Background and object removal with a single tap (Picsart, PhotoDirector, Photoshop Express)
- RAW photo editing for that extra detail (Lightroom, Snapseed, Polarr)
- Collages, cartoons and artistic effects (Picsart, Photoleap, Prisma)
- Syncing edits across devices (Lightroom)
- Share the filters you created with your friends (Polarr, VSCO)
- Animate parts of your photo (PhotoDirector)
These features make it ridiculously easy to be creative and let those photos pop!
Summary
In 2025, these mobile apps will provide an easy way for essentially anyone to convert an ordinary photo into something worthwhile. These apps provide a variety of ways to take a picture and turn it into a compelling portrait or masterpiece. Try out a couple, find out what you like, and have fun playing around.
Your phone is now your own little photo lab– enjoy it!
