In the age of visual storytelling, high-quality photo editing is no longer confined to bulky desktop software. Mobile photo editing apps have evolved into powerful tools that allow both amateur photographers and professional content creators to edit, enhance, and share their images on the go. With hundreds of options on the App Store and Google Play, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top photo editing apps for mobile in 2025, each bringing something unique to the creative table.
Top Mobile Photo Editors for the Amateur and Professional Photographer
Below is a list of the best photo editing apps that every mobile photographer must have on their phones. Of course, you don't have to choose all of them, and you can use one or a few apps you believe would enhance your photos or videos.
Adobe Lightroom AI Photo Editor
For those who want professional-grade editing capabilities, Adobe Lightroom Mobile remains a top contender. It offers a clean interface paired with advanced features like RAW photo support, selective adjustments, and AI-powered masking tools. Lightroom’s presets are a favorite among Instagram influencers and photographers alike, allowing for the quick application of consistent styles across a photo set. Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud means you can start editing on mobile and finish on desktop with ease.
Google Snapseed
Developed by Google, Snapseed is a free, robust editing app with a surprisingly deep toolkit. It includes tools such as curves, healing brush, selective edit, lens blur, and an impressive collection of filters. Snapseed’s “Tune Image” function gives you precise control over brightness, contrast, saturation, and ambiance, making it ideal for users who want to go beyond basic edits without the learning curve of pro software. The application is available for iOS and Android users, but its tools are a bit advanced which makes it best for intermediate to professional users.
VSCO
A pioneer in mobile photo aesthetics, VSCO combines photo editing with a vibrant creative community. It’s best known for its film-like filters that give photos a vintage, cinematic feel. While its editing tools aren’t as comprehensive as Lightroom or Snapseed, VSCO makes up for it with its user-friendly design and artistic flair. The app also includes video editing tools and a curated feed where creators share their styles and presets. It is a good photo editing app, but at the time of this writing, it has a fairly low rating since its tool-set is a little too advanced which primarily targets social media content creators and professional photographers.
Picsart Photo Editor
Picsart blends creativity with functionality, offering not just editing tools but also collage makers, drawing tools, sticker libraries, and AI-powered effects. It’s a great all-in-one solution for users who want to add artistic elements like text overlays, filters, and photo effects. PicsArt’s user community also allows for easy sharing and remixing of designs, making it a playful and engaging editing app. The great thing about Picsart is it has a user-friendly interface, which makes it excellent for beginners as well.
Afterlight
Afterlight is a favorite among aesthetic-driven users. It combines basic and advanced editing tools with a wide array of textures, overlays, and frames. Users can customize filters or create their own, and the interface is designed for smooth navigation. Afterlight is perfect for those who want beautiful, polished images without spending too much time on editing. If you are on the go and need to make a quick edit without compromising the aesthetic appeal, then you will find the app's user interface straightforward and easy to navigate.
Photoleap by Lightricks
Formerly known as Enlight, Photoleap is an artistic editing app that excels in photo manipulation and creative compositing. With features like double exposure, layer-based editing, and AI-powered background replacement, Photoleap feels like a mini Photoshop in your pocket. It’s ideal for creating surreal, eye-catching visuals that stand out on social media.
Prequel
If you’re into stylized filters and trendy effects, Prequel delivers in spades. From 90s nostalgia to cyberpunk aesthetics, Prequel offers themed filters, VHS effects, retro overlays, and AR-powered animations. Its intuitive interface lets you turn everyday selfies into dynamic visuals worthy of a magazine spread. Prequel is best for fashion influencers and trend-driven edits. Furthermore, it is available on both iOS and Android and is generally free for download with a premium subscription for full access.
Final Thoughts
The best app ultimately depends on your style, skill level, and creative needs. With mobile cameras becoming increasingly sophisticated, these apps help unlock the full potential of your smartphone photography—one tap at a time. But if you are on a quest to find the one phone that can produce stunning and professional-looking photos and video clips, then you have to check out Honor 200 Pro, as it's equipped with a Triple 50MP Studio-Level Camera and Ultra-Large Sensors. Another great news is that it is readily available worldwide such as HONOR 200 Pro South Africa.
