The Best Free Photo Editing Apps

As a student, taking my DSLR with me every place that I go just isn't an option. Sometimes I'm stuck with just my phone camera on hand and I have to make due. So any significant moments that I capture on my phone are usually sent to myself through email so that I can edit them later in Photoshop on my laptop. The whole process is a pain and really time consuming, so I decided to do a little research on the best free (or nearly free) photo editing apps available on the market. There have been several "Best Apps" lists made before, but I couldn't find any recently that claim to list the best free apps. I'm happy to share my findings, and in no particular order here are the best free apps for photo editing:


VSCO Cam: (Free for Android & iOS)

This app by Autodesk, gives you the basic picture editing tools that are commonly used, such as cropping and rotating, and also allows you to enhance your images through changes in exposure and temperature. Some filters come with the app and other Preset Packs are available to purchase within the app later. Sharing to social media is a snap and users can also stay connected with app news by using #vscocam. If you're interested in even more, check out their website. 




Photo Editor: (Free for Android & iOS)

Much like VSCO Cam, this app has filters available to purchase in-app later. Sharpen your images quickly with the one-tap auto enhance, and if you're feeling really creative you can even add text to your photos. Other important features include the cosmetic tools that allow you to get rid of those pesky red eyes and whiten your smile. This app has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Google Play Store.





FX Camera: (Free for Android & iOS)

FX Camera's biggest feature is the 30 available filters built right into the app. Sharing on social media becomes a breeze through Facebook and Twitter. The app also allows users to search through photos using usernames and hashtags, making it appealing and an awesome communication tool to share photos with friends.





Photo Wonder: (Free for Android & iOS)

It may just be me, but Photo Wonder seems to be more of an app geared towards women. The interface is pink, cute, and cuddly, but don't let this fool you, it's a powerful photo editor. Photo Wonder boasts numerous effects and beautification tools to enhance your photos. Some of its unique features are the ability to create collages using three different templates and choosing frames to spice up your images as well.







Adobe Photoshop Express: (Free for Android & iOS)

With way less features than the desktop version of Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Express may seem like a waste of time. However, this app can do some great things with just a few swipes of your finger. Automatic, one-touch fixes enhance photos in a hurry, and the app can even handle larger file sizes such as panoramic photos.





Snapseed: (Free for Android)

This fun and creative app allows you to easily alter your images using the Tune Image function. Get specific in your adjustments using the Selective Adjust feature, and add effects through various filters. Snapseed is another app that has a 4.6 out of 5 rating by users on Google Play Store, as it allows lots of control over effects and enhancements. 






Pixlr Express: (Free for Android)

Just like the other apps mentioned, Pixlr Express allows for lots of customization through auto fixes and available editing tools. What makes this app uniques is the different kinds of filters you can add to images, such as overlays and lighting effects. There's even a way to favorite your effects so that you can use them again and again.






ProCamera 7: (Sale price of $.99 for IOS)

This app seems to have it all, as in LOTS of useful features that make editing photos a snap. From filters to features such as Anti Shake, Batch Sharing, Rapid Fire Mode, and Night Camera, this app allows the user to have total control over every situation. Normally it goes for around $5 in the App Store, but currently it's on sale for $.99.



Facetune: (Sale price of $2.99 for IOS)

If you're looking for an app that focuses just on editing out your least favorite profile features, then Facetune is the app for you. Specific editing tools allow users to change their smiles, skin, eyes, hair, and even reshape the structure of their face! When you're done editing you can easily share to social media platforms for everyone to enjoy.




Try these apps out and let me know what you think by commenting below! Next week I'll be doing a review over many of the apps mentioned here to see if they're really as awesome and easy to use as they claim. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed!


Sources: idownloadblog.com, creativebloq.com, lifehacker.com (IOS), lifehacker.com (Android)