Adobe Photoshop Review 2024: Is It Still the Gold Standard for Photo Editing?

For over three decades, Adobe Photoshop has defined the photo editing industry. From magazine covers to blockbuster movie posters, it’s the tool behind countless iconic visuals. But with a rising wave of affordable, user-friendly alternatives, many creators are asking: is Photoshop still worth the subscription cost?

In this comprehensive Adobe Photoshop review, we break down the 2024 version’s core features, pricing, pros, cons, and ideal user base. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual hobbyist, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.

What Is Adobe Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is a raster-based image editing software launched in 1990. It is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, and supports everything from basic photo retouching to complex digital painting, graphic design, and 3D asset creation.

Unlike lightweight editing tools, Photoshop offers pixel-level control, making it the preferred choice for professionals who need precision and flexibility in their work.

Key Adobe Photoshop 2024 Features

The 2024 update focuses heavily on generative AI and workflow efficiency. Below are the standout features that set this version apart:

1. Generative AI Tools (Firefly Integration)

All Photoshop 2024 plans include access to Adobe Firefly, the brand’s commercial-safe generative AI engine. The star tool is Generative Fill, which lets you add, remove, or extend image elements with simple text prompts.

Generative Expand lets you resize images beyond their original borders, automatically filling in missing areas with contextually appropriate content. All AI-generated content is trained on licensed, public domain, and Adobe Stock assets, eliminating copyright risks for commercial users.

2. Enhanced Neural Filters

Neural Filters use machine learning to automate complex editing tasks. The 2024 update improves popular filters like Skin Smoothing, Colorize, and Landscape Mixer, with better edge detection and more natural results.

New filters include a Depth Blur tool for realistic background defocus, and a Style Transfer update that mimics the look of famous artists and art movements more accurately.

3. Smarter Object Selection

The Object Selection tool now uses advanced AI to detect even the most complex subjects, including flyaway hair, fur, and transparent objects like glass or water. A single click selects the main subject, with a Refine Edge brush to fix small mistakes.

4. Cloud Documents & Cross-Device Syncing

Save your work as a Cloud Document to access it on any device with Photoshop installed. The 2024 update improves syncing speed, and lets you edit Cloud Documents directly in the web-based version of Photoshop without downloading files.

5. Advanced Typography & Vector Tools

Photoshop 2024 adds full support for variable fonts, which let you adjust weight, width, and slant with a single slider. It also improves vector shape editing, with better integration with Adobe Illustrator for cross-app workflows.

Adobe Photoshop Pricing Plans (2024)

Adobe switched to a subscription-only model for Photoshop in 2013, and there is no one-time purchase option available. All plans include regular updates and cloud storage. Here are the current 2024 pricing tiers:

• Photography Plan: $9.99/month – Includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and 20GB of cloud storage. Best for photographers who need both editing and organization tools.
• Single App Plan: $22.99/month – Includes Photoshop only, plus 100GB of cloud storage. Best for designers, digital artists, and creators who only need Photoshop.
• Creative Cloud All Apps: $59.99/month – Includes Photoshop plus all other Adobe Creative Cloud apps (Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.) and 100GB of cloud storage. Best for professionals using multiple Adobe tools.

All paid plans come with a 7-day free trial, so you can test the software before committing. There is no permanent free version of Photoshop.

Pros of Adobe Photoshop

• Industry-standard tool with unmatched feature depth for professional work
• Regular updates with cutting-edge AI tools that save hours of manual editing
• Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps for cross-workflow efficiency
• Massive library of free tutorials and a large active user community for support
• Commercial-safe generative AI tools with no copyright risks for paid users

Cons of Adobe Photoshop

• Subscription-only model with no affordable one-time purchase option
• Steep learning curve for beginners, with hundreds of tools and features to master
• Resource-heavy software that requires a modern, powerful computer to run smoothly
• Expensive for casual users who only need basic photo editing features

Who Is Adobe Photoshop Best For?

Photoshop is built for serious creators who need advanced editing capabilities. It is ideal for:

• Professional photographers and retouchers
• Graphic designers and digital artists
• Content creators and social media managers needing custom visuals
• Businesses creating commercial assets like ads, packaging, and marketing materials

Casual users who only need to crop, filter, or adjust brightness on photos may find free alternatives like GIMP or Canva more cost-effective.

Final Verdict: Is Adobe Photoshop Worth It in 2024?

After testing the 2024 version extensively, our Adobe Photoshop review concludes it remains the best photo editing software on the market for professionals. The new generative AI tools alone cut editing time by up to 40% for common tasks, according to Adobe’s official 2024 release notes.

For casual users, the subscription cost is hard to justify. But for anyone making a living with visual content, Photoshop’s unmatched feature set and regular updates make it a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Adobe Photoshop free?

No, Photoshop uses a subscription-only model. A 7-day free trial is available for all plans, but there is no permanent free version.

Can beginners learn Adobe Photoshop easily?

Photoshop has a steep learning curve, but Adobe offers free official tutorials, and there are thousands of free beginner resources on YouTube and creative blogs.

Is Adobe Photoshop available on iPad?

Yes, a streamlined iPad version of Photoshop is included with all paid subscriptions, with automatic cloud syncing to desktop and web versions.

Are Photoshop’s generative AI tools free to use?

Generative AI tools are included with all paid Photoshop subscriptions, with a monthly allocation of generative credits. Additional credits can be purchased if you exceed the limit.

Ready to try Photoshop for yourself? Sign up for the 7-day free trial today to test all 2024 features risk-free. Have questions about our Adobe Photoshop review? Drop them in the comments below!