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Adobe Photoshop vs Topaz Photo AI

Adobe Photoshop: The industry-standard photo editor, now with Generative Fill and other AI tools. Topaz Photo AI: Desktop software that sharpens, de-noises and upscales photos with AI. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Adobe Photoshop

Best for: Designers and photographers who need professional control.

Stands out for: Most complete editing toolset; AI tools inside a familiar workflow.

Topaz Photo AI

Best for: Photographers rescuing noisy or soft shots.

Stands out for: Excellent image quality; Runs locally on your computer.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Adobe Photoshop, Topaz Photo AI
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What it isThe industry-standard photo editor, now with Generative Fill and other AI tools.Desktop software that sharpens, de-noises and upscales photos with AI.
Pricing
PaidFree trial available
Paid
Free to useNoNo
CategoryAI Photo EditingAI Photo Editing
Editor rank#2 in category#8 in category
Made byAdobeTopaz Labs
Best forDesigners and photographers who need professional control.Photographers rescuing noisy or soft shots.
Key features
  • Generative Fill and Expand
  • AI object and background removal
  • One-click subject selection
  • Full professional editing toolkit
  • AI noise reduction
  • Sharpening and blur recovery
  • High-quality upscaling
  • Plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom
Pros
  • Most complete editing toolset
  • AI tools inside a familiar workflow
  • Excellent image quality
  • Runs locally on your computer
Cons
  • Subscription only
  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Needs a fairly powerful computer
Use it to
  • Remove an unwanted person from a photo
  • Extend an image to a wider format
  • Build a detailed composite image
  • Clean up a low-light photo
  • Sharpen a slightly blurry shot
  • Enlarge an image for printing
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac

Adobe Photoshop vs Topaz Photo AI: questions

Is Adobe Photoshop better than Topaz Photo AI?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Adobe Photoshop slightly higher overall in AI Photo Editing, but Topaz Photo AI can be the better fit: Photographers rescuing noisy or soft shots.

Which is free, Adobe Photoshop or Topaz Photo AI?

Neither has an ongoing free plan: Adobe Photoshop is paid and Topaz Photo AI is paid.

Can I use Adobe Photoshop and Topaz Photo AI together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example remove an unwanted person from a photo with Adobe Photoshop, and clean up a low-light photo with Topaz Photo AI.

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