VSCO has long been a favorite app for photographers and creatives, offering a simple yet powerful platform to edit and share photos. With its wide range of filters and intuitive interface, it quickly became one of the most popular photo-editing apps. However, many users are now seeking alternatives that offer different features, user experiences, and even more flexibility for both amateur and professional photographers.

In this article, we’ll dive into the best VSCO alternatives, including photo editing apps with unique features, filters, and editing tools. We’ll also look at different types of alternatives that fit various needs — whether you’re looking for better social sharing features, advanced editing tools, or even apps tailored to specific styles.

Why Look for VSCO Alternatives?

While VSCO is widely loved for its simplicity and aesthetic filters, there are several reasons why users might seek alternatives:

  1. Limited Features on Free Plans: While VSCO offers a free version, many of its more advanced features are locked behind a premium subscription, leaving users looking for more affordable options.
  2. Desire for More Filters and Effects: VSCO’s filter collection is impressive, but some users may want to experiment with more diverse styles, tools, and effects.
  3. Improved Editing Control: Some people might need more control over aspects like color grading, noise reduction, or fine-tuning images.
  4. Better Social Networking: While VSCO is known for its minimalist social network, some users may prefer platforms that offer a broader community or additional social features.

If you are one of those users, you’re in luck — there are plenty of VSCO alternatives out there that cater to a wide variety of creative needs. Let’s explore some of the best ones!

Top 10 VSCO Alternatives

1. Snapseed

Best for: Comprehensive editing with advanced tools

Platform: iOS, Android

Snapseed is one of the most robust and powerful photo-editing apps available for mobile devices. Developed by Google, Snapseed offers a wide range of features, from basic edits like brightness and contrast adjustments to more advanced tools like curves, lens blur, and perspective correction. The app also provides a variety of filters, but its real strength lies in the detailed control it gives users over image adjustments. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, Snapseed allows for precise control over your photos.

Features:

  • 29 tools and filters
  • Non-destructive editing
  • Advanced tools such as Selective Adjust, Healing, and Lens Blur
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Free to use

2. Adobe Lightroom Mobile

Best for: Professional photographers and serious editing

Platform: iOS, Android

Adobe Lightroom is a favorite for photographers who need advanced editing capabilities. While its desktop version is known for its professional-grade editing tools, the mobile version offers many of the same high-quality features. It’s perfect for users who want to make detailed adjustments like exposure, color grading, and noise reduction. Lightroom also supports raw file editing, making it ideal for photographers who want the highest quality from their images.

Features:

  • Professional-grade editing tools
  • Raw file editing support
  • Color grading and advanced adjustments
  • Preset filters
  • Syncs with Adobe Creative Cloud

3. Afterlight

Best for: Aesthetic filters and easy-to-use interface

Platform: iOS, Android

Afterlight is a versatile app with a strong emphasis on aesthetic filters and stylish effects. It’s a great alternative for users who want a more polished and refined aesthetic without complicated tools. Afterlight also includes a range of textures, gradients, and advanced tools like curves, gradients, and blending modes.

Features:

  • Large collection of filters and effects
  • Textures, gradients, and overlays
  • Advanced blending modes and curves
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Free version with paid upgrade options

4. PicsArt

Best for: Creative editing and graphic design

Platform: iOS, Android

PicsArt stands out because it’s not just a photo editor — it’s a full-featured creative studio. Whether you want to enhance your photos with filters or combine multiple images into a collage, PicsArt gives you a wide variety of creative tools. It also includes text options, clipart, and other design tools, making it a great app for anyone interested in graphic design or creating unique compositions.

Features:

  • Photo editing and graphic design tools
  • Large library of clipart, stickers, and text options
  • Collage and blending modes
  • Social sharing features
  • Free with in-app purchases

5. Prisma

Best for: Artistic photo transformations

Platform: iOS, Android

If you’re looking for an app that can turn your photos into art, Prisma is the app for you. It uses AI to transform your images into paintings, drawings, or even digital artwork in various styles, including famous art movements like cubism or surrealism. It’s perfect for users who want to add a creative, artistic touch to their photos.

Features:

  • AI-powered art filters
  • Over 300 art styles
  • High-quality photo transformations
  • Free with in-app purchases

6. Facetune 2

Best for: Portrait and selfie editing

Platform: iOS, Android

Facetune 2 is a popular app for selfie and portrait editing. It offers powerful tools to smooth skin, whiten teeth, brighten eyes, and enhance facial features. While it’s not as versatile as some other apps for general photo editing, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to perfect their portraits and selfies with easy-to-use features.

Features:

  • Advanced portrait editing tools
  • Skin smoothing, teeth whitening, and eye enhancement
  • Lighting and contour adjustments
  • Selfie retouching tools
  • In-app purchases

7. Instagram

Best for: Social sharing with basic editing tools

Platform: iOS, Android

While Instagram is primarily a social media app, it’s also a solid alternative to VSCO for users looking for basic photo editing tools. Instagram allows users to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and apply filters directly within the app before posting. Additionally, it has a built-in social network where you can share and explore photos.

Features:

  • Basic editing tools and filters
  • Social sharing platform
  • Stories and reels for additional content creation
  • Direct messaging and comments

8. Darkroom

Best for: High-quality photo and video editing

Platform: iOS

Darkroom is an advanced editing app for iOS that’s perfect for users who want to edit both photos and videos. The app’s user-friendly interface and powerful editing tools, such as curves, color grading, and batch processing, make it an excellent VSCO alternative for serious photographers and videographers alike.

Features:

  • Professional photo and video editing tools
  • Raw file support
  • Batch editing
  • Color grading options
  • Free with in-app purchases

9. Lens Distortions

Best for: Adding special effects and realistic overlays

Platform: iOS, Android

Lens Distortions is a photo editor that specializes in adding realistic overlays and special effects to your photos. Whether it’s sunlight flares, snow, or fog, this app gives your photos a cinematic and dramatic touch. It’s perfect for users who want to create more atmospheric, visually appealing images.

Features:

  • Stunning light leaks, lens flares, and other effects
  • High-quality overlays
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Free with in-app purchases

10. Camera+ 2

Best for: Manual camera controls and advanced editing

Platform: iOS

Camera+ 2 is not just a photo editor, it also includes manual camera controls for taking photos in RAW format. The app provides advanced tools for editing exposure, focus, and even depth. It’s perfect for users who want a more hands-on experience with both capturing and editing their photos.

Features:

  • Manual camera controls
  • RAW file editing
  • Advanced editing tools (exposure, white balance, etc.)
  • Easy-to-use interface

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best free VSCO alternatives?

Answer: Snapseed, Afterlight, and PicsArt offer robust free versions with powerful photo editing tools. These apps provide many features without requiring a subscription.

2. Which VSCO alternative is best for creating artistic effects?

Answer: Prisma is a great VSCO alternative if you want to turn your photos into artwork. It uses AI to apply artistic styles to your images, giving them a unique, painterly look.

3. Can I use VSCO alternatives for professional photography editing?

Answer: Yes! Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, and Camera+ 2 offer professional-grade editing tools suitable for photographers who want full control over their images.

4. Which app is best for editing selfies?

Answer: Facetune 2 is an excellent choice for editing portraits and selfies, offering tools to smooth skin, whiten teeth, and enhance facial features with ease.

5. Are there alternatives to VSCO that offer social media features?

Answer: Instagram is the most popular social media platform with basic photo editing tools. PicsArt also includes social sharing features alongside its editing capabilities.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for VSCO alternatives, there are plenty of fantastic options to suit your needs, whether you’re after advanced editing tools, artistic filters, or easy social sharing. Each app offers unique features that cater to different styles of photography and editing, ensuring that no matter what you’re looking for, there’s an option for you.

From the professional-grade tools of Adobe Lightroom to the artistic magic of Prisma, these alternatives provide a wide range of features that will elevate your photos and let your creativity shine!

This page was last edited on 10 April 2025, at 8:58 am