AI has transformed photo editing from a specialized skill into something anyone can do. Background removal, object removal, sky replacement, portrait retouching, and color grading — all handled by AI in seconds. Here are the best tools.
1. Adobe Photoshop (Generative Fill) — Best for Complex Edits
Photoshop's Generative Fill is the most powerful AI editing tool available. Select an area, describe what you want (add, remove, or replace), and it generates photorealistic results that blend seamlessly. Extending images, removing unwanted objects, and adding new elements all work remarkably well.
Best for: Professional photo editing, complex compositing, content-aware edits
Price: $23/month (Photography plan)
2. Adobe Lightroom — Best for Photo Enhancement
Lightroom's AI features handle the tedious parts of photo editing: automatic exposure correction, noise reduction, masking (select sky, subject, or background with one click), and style presets that adapt to each image. For photographers processing large batches, AI cuts editing time by 60-80%.
Best for: Photographers, batch processing, color grading
Price: $10/month (with Photoshop in Photography plan)
3. Luminar Neo — Best Standalone AI Editor
Luminar focuses entirely on AI-powered editing without the complexity of Photoshop. Sky replacement, portrait enhancement, structure adjustments, and atmosphere effects all work with slider controls. For users who find Photoshop overwhelming, Luminar provides 80% of the capability with 20% of the complexity.
Best for: Hobbyist photographers, quick edits, sky replacement
Price: $15/month or $149 one-time
4. Remove.bg — Best for Background Removal
The fastest, most accurate background removal tool. Upload a photo, get a transparent background in seconds. Handles complex edges like hair and fur better than most manual selection methods. The API allows batch processing for e-commerce product photos.
Best for: Product photography, profile pictures, e-commerce
Price: Free (low-res) / From $9/month (high-res)
5. Pixlr — Best Free Option
Pixlr provides browser-based photo editing with AI features including background removal, object removal, and AI image generation. For users who need quick edits without installing software or paying subscriptions, Pixlr handles most common tasks at no cost.
Best for: Quick edits, budget-conscious users, browser-based workflow
Price: Free / Plus $2/month / Premium $8/month
Quick Decision Guide
Professional photographer: Photoshop + Lightroom ($23/month). Hobbyist photographer: Luminar Neo ($15/month). Quick background removal: Remove.bg (free for occasional use). No budget: Pixlr (free). The Photography plan from Adobe remains the best value for anyone who edits photos regularly.