We’ve all been there – you snap a great photo, but it just needs that extra something to really shine. That’s where a good filter app comes in. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, sending pics to friends, or just want your gallery to look amazing, having the right filter app can make all the difference. Let’s talk about the best one out there and why people love it so much.
1. VSCO
VSCO is a photo and video editing app that offers a variety of preset filters and manual editing tools. Its layout is simple, focusing on a clean user experience without a lot of extra clutter. Users can import their photos, apply filters, and fine-tune settings like exposure, contrast, and saturation.
In addition to editing, VSCO includes features like a built-in camera and a space to share content with others. It also provides a community section where users can browse creative work from other members. While some tools are free, a subscription is required to unlock the full library of filters and advanced editing features.
Main Features:
- A wide range of high-quality, film-inspired filters
- Easy-to-use editing tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, and more
- Built-in camera with advanced controls
- VSCO Spaces for sharing and discovering creative content
Why It’s Great:
- Filters feel natural and not overly edited
- Great for both beginners and advanced users
- Encourages a creative and supportive community
2. Snapseed
Snapseed is a mobile photo editing app originally developed by Nik Software and now maintained by Google. It provides a mix of automatic and manual editing tools, letting users make quick fixes or take more control over the editing process. The app includes a range of filters, plus features like cropping, tuning, and healing.
The interface is gesture-based, which may take a little getting used to, but it allows for precise adjustments. Users can edit specific areas of a photo using selective tools and save custom looks to apply to other images later. All edits are non-destructive, so the original photo stays untouched.
Main Features:
- 29 editing tools and filters, including healing and selective adjustments
- Precision editing using control points
- Non-destructive editing with the ability to undo steps
- RAW photo editing support
Why It’s Great:
- Offers a good mix of basic and advanced tools
- Can edit only parts of a photo instead of the whole thing
- Saves custom presets for quick reuse
3. Lightroom Mobile
Lightroom Mobile is Adobe’s app version of its well-known photo editing software. It gives users control over exposure, color, and detail adjustments with professional-grade tools. It’s designed for people who want more control than basic filter apps provide.
The app supports RAW files and includes features like presets, masking, and cloud storage when used with a Creative Cloud account. While some selective editing and healing tools are available for free, advanced features like AI-powered masking and premium presets require a subscription.
Main Features:
- Professional editing tools for color, exposure, and detail
- Preset filters with customization options
- RAW photo support
- Cloud backup and syncing with Adobe Creative Cloud
Why It’s Great:
- Offers more in-depth control than typical filter apps
- Syncs across devices for consistent editing
- Suitable for photographers working with RAW files
4. Afterlight
Afterlight is a photo editing app that focuses on simplicity while offering a decent range of tools. It combines standard editing features with creative extras like textures, light leaks, and frames. The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.
The app provides filters that are both preset and customizable, and users can even create their own. While many features are available in the free version, access to the full toolset and premium filters requires a subscription.
Main Features:
- Filters, textures, and overlays for creative editing
- Tools for brightness, contrast, saturation, and more
- Frame and border options
- Ability to create and save custom filters
Why It’s Great:
- Offers creative touches like light leaks and grain
- Easy to use for casual editing
- Users can build their own filter styles
5. PicsArt
PicsArt is an all-in-one photo and video editing app with a strong social component. It includes standard tools like filters and cropping, but also allows for more creative features like drawing, collages, and sticker creation.
Users can remix other public images, join challenges, and share their edits within the app’s community. While the core tools are free, many filters and advanced features are locked behind a subscription.
Main Features:
- Photo and video editing tools including filters and effects
- Drawing tools, collages, and sticker options
- Templates for quick edits
- Community feed with challenges and remixing
Why It’s Great:
- Includes both basic edits and creative tools
- Supports interactive community features
- Combines photo and video editing in one app
6. Prisma
Prisma is a photo editing app that uses AI to transform images into artwork inspired by various art styles. Instead of traditional filters, it applies artistic effects that mimic famous painters like Van Gogh or Picasso. The app processes photos through its servers to generate these unique styles.
Users can adjust the intensity of each effect and apply some basic edits, but the main focus is on turning photos into digital art. Prisma offers a selection of free styles, with a subscription unlocking the full collection and additional features.
Main Features:
- AI-powered art filters based on famous painting styles
- Adjustable filter intensity
- Basic editing tools like contrast and exposure
- Regularly updated filter library
Why It’s Great:
- Transforms photos into stylized artwork
- Unique compared to standard filter apps
- Easy to use with fast processing
7. Facetune
Facetune is a selfie and portrait editing app designed to retouch faces and improve skin appearance. It offers tools for smoothing skin, whitening teeth, reshaping facial features, and applying makeup effects. The app focuses on enhancing individual features while giving users control over how subtle or dramatic the changes look.
While it started with photo editing, newer versions also support video retouching. Many features are free, but premium tools and advanced AI effects are available through a subscription.
Main Features:
- Tools for smoothing, reshaping, and retouching
- Makeup filters and effects
- Teeth whitening and eye enhancement
- Video retouching support
Why It’s Great:
- Focused on portrait and selfie editing
- Offers both manual and one-tap fixes
- Can be used for photos and short videos
8. B612
B612 is a camera and editing app with built-in filters, AR effects, and beauty tools. It’s designed mainly for selfies and short videos, with an emphasis on fun and creativity. Users can apply filters and effects in real time while taking a photo or recording.
The app also includes basic editing tools and supports stickers, music, and animated effects. It’s especially popular for casual, playful content shared on social media platforms.
Main Features:
- Real-time filters and beauty effects
- AR stickers and animated features
- Short video recording with music and text
- Simple editing tools for post-capture adjustments
Why It’s Great:
- Fun and interactive for casual users
- Offers lots of real-time visual effects
- Designed with social sharing in mind
9. YouCam Perfect
YouCam Perfect is a selfie and beauty photo editor that focuses on quick retouching and face enhancements. It includes tools for smoothing skin, reshaping features, and applying filters with a single tap. There are also features for background editing and object removal.
The app is aimed at people who want polished selfies and portraits without needing to dive into detailed editing. Some tools are free, but more advanced features are part of a premium plan.
Main Features:
- Face and body retouch tools
- One-tap beautify option
- Background changer and object remover
- Collage and frame templates
Why It’s Great:
- Quick results with minimal effort
- Useful for both close-up and full-body photos
- Includes background and object editing tools
10. Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe Photoshop Express is a mobile-friendly version of Adobe’s editing tools, aimed at quick and easy photo adjustments. It includes filters, cropping, red-eye removal, and text overlays. The app is built for both casual edits and more detailed corrections.
It supports RAW photo editing and integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud for syncing across devices. While the app is free to use, access to premium features like advanced filters and noise reduction requires a subscription.
Main Features:
- Basic tools for cropping, filters, and corrections
- Text, border, and collage creation
- RAW photo support
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Why It’s Great:
- Offers familiar editing tools in a simpler format
- Good balance of quick edits and detailed adjustments
- Syncs well with other Adobe apps
11. Retrica
Retrica is a camera and filter app focused on capturing photos with a retro or vintage vibe. It allows users to apply filters in real time before snapping a picture, making it easy to see how the photo will turn out. The app also includes a collage feature and options to record short videos.
Retrica is known for its wide selection of filters, many of which are styled to give photos an old-school, analog feel. It’s designed more for in-the-moment capturing than heavy post-editing.
Main Features:
- Real-time filters with a vintage aesthetic
- In-app camera for photo and video capture
- Collage and layout tools
- Timestamp and logo overlay options
Why It’s Great:
- Easy to use for quick, stylized shots
- Filters preview live before taking the photo
- Geared toward capturing moments with personality
12. BeautyPlus
BeautyPlus is a beauty camera and photo editing app designed to enhance selfies and portraits. It includes tools for skin smoothing, teeth whitening, acne removal, and makeup effects. Users can apply filters both during and after taking photos.
The app also supports AR stickers, background editing, and collage-making. It’s popular for quick, polished edits, especially among users who share regularly on social platforms.
Main Features:
- Real-time beauty filters and AR effects
- Retouching tools for skin, eyes, and teeth
- Makeup features and background editing
- Photo and video selfie support
Why It’s Great:
- Built specifically for beauty-focused editing
- Combines camera and editor in one app
- Works well for quick social media posts
13. Cymera
Cymera is a camera app with a built-in editor, offering beauty tools, filters, and fun effects. It includes a variety of lenses, stickers, and AR options, making it useful for selfies and casual photography. Users can also use the app’s collage maker and text tools.
It’s designed for users who enjoy playful edits, with beauty modes and automatic face detection to help adjust features in real time or after capture.
Main Features:
- Beauty camera with face detection
- Lenses, stickers, and AR effects
- Collage and layout options
- Editing tools for brightness, saturation, and blur
Why It’s Great:
- Combines camera and editor with creative tools
- Focuses on easy beautifying and fun effects
- Good for group selfies and everyday photos
14. Fotor
Fotor is a photo editing app that combines traditional tools with filters and effects. It allows users to adjust basic photo settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness, while also offering preset filters for quick results. The app includes templates for collages and design layouts.
Fotor supports RAW editing and includes a batch processing option for editing multiple photos at once. Some features are free, while others are part of the paid version.
Main Features:
- Basic and advanced editing tools
- Filter presets and effects
- Collage templates and graphic design elements
- RAW photo support and batch editing
Why It’s Great:
- Suitable for both casual edits and more detailed work
- Offers design tools along with photo editing
- Can handle multiple photos at once for efficiency
15. PhotoLab
PhotoLab is a photo editing app that focuses on creative filters and effects, especially those that transform images into artwork or fun visual styles. It includes a wide variety of templates such as face montages, background effects, and artistic transformations that go beyond standard filters.
The app processes images online, applying AI-based effects to turn photos into cartoons, sketches, or fantasy-style edits. It’s geared toward users looking to add a playful or imaginative twist to their pictures rather than making subtle adjustments.
Main Features:
- Artistic filters that turn photos into drawings or paintings
- Face montages and background effects
- Templates for themed edits (e.g., holiday, fantasy, sci-fi)
- Easy sharing options for social media
Why It’s Great:
- Offers a wide range of fun and unique visual styles
- Simple to use with instant results
- Great for creating eye-catching content quickly
16. AirBrush
AirBrush is a photo editing app designed for portrait and selfie enhancements. It includes tools for skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, and reshaping facial features. There are also filters and makeup options to apply a stylized look.
Edits can be done manually or with one-tap fixes. The app also supports background blur and object removal. Some features are free, while more advanced tools are available through a subscription.
Main Features:
- Retouch tools for face and body
- Makeup filters and real-time beauty camera
- Object removal and background blur
- One-tap enhancements
Why It’s Great:
- Focused on improving portraits and selfies
- Offers detailed and natural-looking edits
- Tools are easy to use with quick results
17. Prequel
Prequel is a photo and video editing app with a focus on aesthetic filters and effects. It includes retro, cinematic, and seasonal styles that can be applied to both photos and videos. The app offers a modern, trend-focused look aimed at social media content creators.
Prequel also provides beauty tools, text overlays, and music options. While many filters are free, some of the more complex effects require a subscription.
Main Features:
- Trendy filters and effects for photos and videos
- Real-time editing with preview
- Beauty tools and text overlays
- Music and sound effects for videos
Why It’s Great:
- Designed for a modern, stylish look
- Suitable for both photo and video editing
- Helps create content tailored for social media
18. Polarr
Polarr is a photo editing app that offers both preset filters and detailed adjustment tools. Users can customize or create their own filters and even share them with others. The app includes tools for color grading, lighting, and overlays.
Polarr stands out for its ability to fine-tune edits, making it a good choice for users who want more control than basic apps typically offer. Advanced features are unlocked through a paid subscription.
Main Features:
- Customizable filters and overlay tools
- Advanced editing for color and lighting
- Option to create and share your own filters
- Face detection and selective editing
Why It’s Great:
- Offers deeper editing tools for advanced users
- Lets users build and share their own styles
- Combines manual adjustments with preset ease
19. Lensa
Lensa is an AI-powered photo editing app focused on portraits. It offers one-tap retouching, skin smoothing, and background adjustments. The app uses facial recognition to make targeted changes like enhancing eyes or adjusting lighting on the face.
Lensa also includes a “Magic Correction” tool that applies multiple edits at once. It’s particularly aimed at users who want quick improvements without diving into detailed settings. Many features are free, but AI avatars and other advanced tools require a subscription.
Main Features:
- AI-driven portrait enhancement tools
- One-tap “Magic Correction” edits
- Background blur and replacement
- Facial detail editing like eye and skin adjustments
Why It’s Great:
- Quick results with minimal input
- Uses AI to simplify complex edits
- Focused specifically on improving portrait photos
20. FaceArt
FaceArt is a photo editing app that focuses on selfie enhancement and fun camera effects. It offers real-time filters, beauty tools, and makeup features that can be applied while taking photos or during post-editing. The app is designed for users who enjoy playful and stylized selfies.
Along with traditional retouching tools, FaceArt includes stickers, AR effects, and background features. It’s built with social media sharing in mind, making it easy to create quick, polished content with minimal effort.
Main Features:
- Real-time beauty camera with filters and makeup
- Face retouch tools including skin smoothing and reshaping
- AR stickers and live effects
- Background editing and blur options
Why It’s Great:
- Combines selfie enhancement with creative filters
- Real-time effects make photo-taking more interactive
- Designed for quick edits and social sharing
Conclusion
With so many filter and photo editing apps out there, finding the right one really depends on what you need. Some apps focus on quick, one-tap beautifying, while others offer deeper tools for color grading and detailed edits. Whether you’re just trying to clean up a selfie, add a creative twist to your photos, or work with RAW files like a pro, there’s an app out there that fits your style.
The key is to pick one that matches how you like to edit and share your photos. Try a few, see what feels right, and stick with what helps you create the kind of images you enjoy. Most of these apps are free to start, so it’s easy to explore your options before committing to any paid features.
Leave a Reply