Best Adobe Photoshop CS5 Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Adobe Photoshop CS5? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Adobe Photoshop CS5 alongside similar software solutions including Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Paint.NET, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Wondershare Filmora, CyberLink PhotoDirector, PhotoScape and Adobe Illustrator.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Paint.NET, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Wondershare Filmora, CyberLink PhotoDirector, PhotoScape and Adobe Illustrator stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Pricing Model
 Adobe Photoshop CS5
|
Subscription-based pricing model, high cost |
 Adobe Photoshop
|
Subscription, expensive subscription model |
 Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Perpetual license, over a thousand dollars |
 Paint.NET
|
Free with no hidden costs (freemium model) |
 Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
One-time purchase price with free trial |
 Nero PhotoSnap
|
Free software |
 Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Perpetual license, $79.99 USD |
 Wondershare Filmora
|
Free trial with paid version |
 CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Paid subscription |
 PhotoScape
|
Free software |
 Adobe Illustrator
|
Monthly or annual subscription, high subscription cost |
Platform Support
|
Adobe Photoshop CS5
|
Windows and Mac operating systems |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Windows, iOS and Android devices |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Windows and Mac operating systems (64-bit) |
|
Paint.NET
|
Windows only (Windows 7 and 10) |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Windows only |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Microsoft Windows operating system |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Windows and Mac operating systems |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Windows and Mac operating systems |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Windows and mobile platforms (iOS, Android) |
|
PhotoScape
|
Windows and Mac operating systems |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Windows and Macintosh computer systems |
Primary Functionality
|
Adobe Photoshop CS5
|
Advanced image manipulation and photo editing with extensive compatibility, non-destructive editing, advanced features like Content-Aware Fill and 3D capabilities. |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Full-featured digital image editing software, supports layers, text, advanced selection tools, some video editing features. |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Advanced photo editing functionality including Content-Aware Scaling, lens blur, masks, layers, filters; resource-intensive. |
|
Paint.NET
|
Basic image editing capabilities with advanced editing options; supports layering; user-friendly for beginners. |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Photo editing software with automatic optimization, batch processing, undo/redo functions; user-friendly interface. |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Photo editing and organization software with basic and some advanced editing features including collages and text tool. |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Powerful photo editing software with layer-based editing, advanced color correction, batch processing; suitable for all skill levels. |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Video editing software supporting 4K editing, effects, animations, audio mixing; intuitive interface focused on video projects. |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Photo editing with AI facial recognition, tagging and sorting capabilities, slideshow creation; extensive tools with varying performance. |
|
PhotoScape
|
Photo editing software featuring brightness/contrast adjustment, collages, filters; simple interface suited for beginners. |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Industry standard vector graphics editor focused on complex illustrations and graphic design with extensive toolset for vector art. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Adobe Photoshop CS5 stacks up against Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Paint.NET, Ashampoo Photo Optimizer, Nero PhotoSnap, Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo, Wondershare Filmora, CyberLink PhotoDirector, PhotoScape and Adobe Illustrator in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
|
Adobe Photoshop CS5
|
|
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
|
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
|
|
Paint.NET
|
|
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
125.1MB |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
1.4MB |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
2.6MB |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
1.2MB |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
0.9MB |
|
PhotoScape
|
20.3MB |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
3MB |
License
|
Adobe Photoshop CS5
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop
|
Commercial |
|
Adobe Photoshop CS4
|
Commercial |
|
Paint.NET
|
Freeware |
|
Ashampoo Photo Optimizer
|
Demo |
|
Nero PhotoSnap
|
Commercial |
|
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo
|
Commercial |
|
Wondershare Filmora
|
Commercial |
|
CyberLink PhotoDirector
|
Commercial |
|
PhotoScape
|
Freeware |
|
Adobe Illustrator
|
Commercial |