Struggling to edit your photos without spending hours on manual adjustments? I’ve been there! That’s why AI photo editors are a game-changer. These AI-powered photo editing tools can enhance images, tweak colors, remove objects, and create professional-quality edits in seconds. Whether you’re a pro or just want effortless, stunning results, AI photo editing makes it easier than ever.
Ready to discover the 5 best AI photo editing apps of 2025? Let’s dive in!
What Does an AI Photo Editor Do?
An AI photo editor enhances, retouches, and transforms images with minimal effort. Unlike traditional editing, AI automates complex adjustments for faster, more accessible edits. Some key features of AI photo editing apps include:
- Enhance image quality: Upscale and sharpen blurry or low-resolution photos.
- One-tap background removal: Cut out subjects instantly without manual selection.
- Sky replacement: Swap skies while adjusting lighting for a natural look.
- Automatic retouching: Smooth skin, brighten eyes, and enhance facial features.
- Photo restoration: Repair and colorize old black-and-white photos.
- Smart adjustments: Auto-correct lighting, contrast, and colors for a balanced edit.
- AI-powered object editing: Use tools like Generative Fill (similar to DALL·E 3) to expand or modify images seamlessly.
Some apps, like Photoshop’s Neural Filters, use deep learning to refine skin, brighten eyes, and enhance facial features with ease. Others, similar to AI art generators like DALL·E 3 or Midjourney, let users seamlessly expand or modify images.
Traditional Editing vs. AI Photo Editing: What's the Difference?
Traditional photo editing requires manually adjusting details to achieve the desired look, a process that demands time, skill, and patience. In contrast, AI photo editors automates these tasks, saving time and delivering polished results with minimal effort.
AI editors analyze your photo and make intelligent adjustments, such as smoothing skin, enhancing colors, or even changing backgrounds. With AI-powered editor apps like YouCam Makeup, you can achieve professional-quality edits with no prior expertise required.
How to Choose the Right AI Photo Editor
With so many AI photo editors on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? It all comes down to what kind of editing you want to do and how hands-on you want to be.
- For quick edits: Look for user-friendly apps with automatic enhancements.
- For advanced control: Opt for apps like YouCam Makeup, which offer features like object removal, face reshaping, and background changes.
Also, consider whether you prefer editing on desktop or mobile. Software like Luminar cater to desktop users while the app includes more basic functions, while AI photo editor apps like YouCam Makeup are perfect for editing on the go.
5 Best AI Photo Editor Apps of 2025
From advanced editing tools to easy-to-use workflow, we've chosen the 5 AI photo editing apps, tested and reviewed by our editors below:
- YouCam Makeup for effortless photo retouching and creative enhancements
- Adobe Photoshop Express for advanced editing tools and professional design features
- Pixlr for a beginner-friendly, easy-to-use online AI photo editor
- Lensa for mobile-focused AI editing and portrait enhancements
- Luminar Mobile for versatile AI tools featuring one-of-a-kind spinning dial controls
1. YouCam Makeup: Best AI Photo Editor App for Flawless Portraits
Out of all the AI photo editors, YouCam Makeup stands out. Thanks to its perfect blend of user-friendly features and cutting-edge technology, YouCam’s advanced AI-powered tools effortlessly enhance your photos by adjusting everything from skin tone to facial expressions.
It can even add effects to your photos, like makeup, backgrounds, a brand-new hairstyle, fresh outfit, and even an entirely new face! Other features, such as AI replace and remove, give you complete control over your images for a flawless, professional result.
Key Features
- AI-powered skin smoothing and retouching: The app’s AI tools automatically smooth out blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections, creating a flawless finish in seconds.
- Comprehensive photo transformation: YouCam Makeup allows you to completely transform your photo with AI tools that can add makeup, change backgrounds, swap hairstyles, change clothes, and adjust facial expressions.
- Fast and easy-to-use tools: The AI features are quick and efficient, providing high-quality results almost instantly, even for complex edits.
Drawbacks
Less precise control: The app’s AI tools handle many editing processes, so it doesn’t allow the precise manual adjustments you might find with other editing apps.
2. Adobe Photoshop Express: Professional AI Photo Editing Tools
Adobe Photoshop Express is a classic that's long been at the forefront of the industry. Recently, Adobe has dipped into the world of AI technology to simplify the editing process.
This full-featured image editor gives you access to all the standard editing tools. Its AI features include the “Remove Tool,” which makes it easy to remove unwanted objects with a simple click.
Key Features
- Advanced AI tools: Adobe Photoshop offers cutting-edge technology for automating tasks such as color correction, noise reduction, and sharpening.
- AI-powered sky replacement: The platform’s sky replacement tool detects skies in photos and replaces them with sunsets, clouds, or even surreal designs.
Drawbacks
- Steep learning curve: While Adobe Photoshop’s AI tools are powerful, the software can be technical and complicated, especially for beginners.
3. Pixlr: Beginner-Friendly AI Photo Editor for Quick Enhancements
Pixlr is a great AI photo editing app because it’s super easy to use, even for beginners.
The interface is clean and simple, with a range of AI-powered features that enhance your photo with just a few clicks. The app makes it easy to do automatic background removal, add smart filters, and make quick fixes for lighting and color.
Key Features
- AI background removal: Pixlr’s AI tool automatically detects and isolates the subject from the background, allowing you to replace backgrounds easily.
- Creative filters: The creative filters are automatically adjusted to match the tone and feel of your image.
Drawbacks
- Limited control: Pixlr’s AI tools may lack the precision or customization options other apps offer.
- Accuracy issues with complex photos: The automatic enhancements can lead to oversaturation or an unnatural contrast, especially in photos with complex lighting.
4. Lensa: AI Photo Editor for Portraits and Artistic Effects
Lensa is an easy-to-use AI photo editing app that specializes in helping you perfect your selfies and portraits.
Its AI features include a single-tap magic correction, automatic background blur, and a portrait mode for applying beauty filters. It also has an AI art feature that can turn your photos into unique artwork or stylized portraits.
Key Features
- AI portrait enhancement: Lensa is best at portrait editing, with powerful AI tools that can enhance facial features with natural-looking results.
- Artistic filters and effects: The app includes filters and effects that can transform your photos into creative artwork.
Drawbacks
Risk of over-smoothing: The AI tools sometimes overdo the effects, leading to unnaturally smooth-looking results.
5. Luminar Mobile: Powerful AI Tools for Pro-Level Edits
Luminar Mobile is a powerful AI-driven photo editor app that can produce professional results. Only limited to iOS devices, it has a host of AI-powered tools to make editing easier.
A few of the standouts are SkyAI for sky replacement, SkinAI and BodyAI for portrait retouching, and RelightAI for exposure correction.
Key Features
Intelligent lighting adjustments: Luminar analyzes your photo and intelligently adjusts the lighting to enhance shadows, highlights, and mid-tones.
Realistic background blurring: The AI tools add a realistic blur to the background of portrait photos, creating a professional look.
Drawbacks
- Complex interface for beginners: Luminar Mobile may be a powerful and professional tool, but it can be overwhelming for beginners.
- iOS devices only: The app is only available for Apple devices with support for iOS 17 and above. Older device versions may encounter feature limitations.
AI Photo Editors: Effortless Image Editing
AI photo editing is revolutionizing the industry, making professional-quality results accessible to everyone. With features like smart retouching, background transformations, and realistic effects, AI editors save time while elevating your photos.
Apps like YouCam Makeup are leading the charge, offering tools that empower users to create flawless images in seconds. From everyday selfies to professional portraits, AI editing is the ultimate game-changer.
Best AI Photo Editors FAQs
What is the best AI photo editor?
YouCam Makeup is the best AI photo editor, thanks to its powerful features like AI skin smoothing, background replacement, and photo transformations.
How does AI photo editing work?
AI photo editors use machine learning algorithms to analyze your photo and make intelligent adjustments, automating tasks like retouching, color correction, and object removal.
Is AI photo editing better than traditional editing?
AI editing saves time and simplifies complex tasks, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals alike. However, traditional editing still offers more precise manual control for advanced users.
Do professional photographers use AI editors?
Yes! Professional photographers use AI tools to streamline workflows, enhance image quality, and save time, focusing more on creativity.
What is the best AI app to edit photos?
The best AI app for pictures depends on your needs. For comprehensive photo editing and retouching, YouCam Makeup is an excellent choice with tools for skin smoothing, makeup effects, and background changes. For professional-level edits, Adobe Photoshop and Luminar Mobile offer robust AI features like SkyAI and object removal.
What is the best completely free AI photo editor?
If you're looking for a completely free option, YouCam Makeup stands out. It offers AI-powered tools like background removal and creative filters, all accessible without a subscription. While some advanced features might require a subscription, its free tools are sufficient for basic to intermediate edits.
Which AI tool is best for photo editing?
YouCam Makeup leads the way for user-friendly AI editing, especially for selfies and portraits. For advanced and professional edits, Adobe Photoshop offers unparalleled control and precision, while Luminar Mobile is perfect for quick yet powerful AI-driven edits on mobile devices.