22 Best Canva Alternatives & Competitors in 2025

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, I’ve curated a list of 22 free and paid tools that can elevate your design game.

Top Canva Alternatives at a Glance

Detailed Breakdown of Each Tool

Below is a detailed breakdown of every design tool I considered, including features, pricing, and real pros and cons.

1. Luminar Neo

I’ve used a lot of photo editors, but Luminar Neo really stands out for its AI-powered tools. It’s perfect for enhancing images with just a few clicks—no complex steps needed. I especially love how it handles sky replacements and portrait retouching automatically. If you’re into photography and want pro-level edits without the learning curve, this tool’s a game-changer.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• AI-powered photo editing tools can change the sky and lighting

• Portrait retouching with skin smoothing and blemish removal

• Creative effects like glow and color grading

• Batch processing for editing multiple photos

• Extension packs for advanced editing capabilities

Devices: Windows, macOS, iOS

Pros: Powerful AI, intuitive interface, advanced editing features.

Cons: Limited to photo editing.

Pricing: Paid from $49/year, or a one-time $79.

2. Visme

I focused on Visme when I needed more control over charts, infographics, and branded content. Unlike tools like Lightroom, which focus on photo editing, Visme is all about visual storytelling and data design. It’s great for creating presentations and social graphics that actually look professional. I especially like how easy it is to customize templates without needing design skills.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop editor for presentations and infographics

• Over 10 AI-powered tools, including brand wizard

• Data visualization with charts and widgets

• Collaboration tools for team projects

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: Intuitive interface, excellent for data visualization, collaboration tools.

Cons: Free plan has limited exports, slightly slower than competitors.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $12.25/month.

3. Adobe Express

I have considered Adobe Express a few times when I needed quick, polished designs for Instagram. It’s super handy for creating social media posts, especially if you want something more branded and professional than what Canva offers. I like that it has Adobe-quality tools but in a much simpler format. It’s not as flexible as Photoshop, but for Instagram graphics, it definitely gets the job done.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• Thousands of customizable templates

• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud

• Large library of fonts and stock assets

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: User-friendly, large typeface library, phone support.

Cons: No desktop app, smaller template library than Canva.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $9.99/month.

4. VistaCreate (Crello)

I’ve used VistaCreate (formerly Crello) when I needed quick, stylish visuals without starting from scratch. It’s great for social media posts, banners, and simple animations. I especially like the built-in cropping tool—it’s fast and super easy to adjust images to fit templates. If you’ve used Canva before, VistaCreate feels very similar but with a slightly different aesthetic.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Features: 

• Over 100,000 customizable templates

• Background remover for images

• Animation tools for social media posts

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: Generous free plan, animation capabilities.

Cons: Limited downloads on the free plan, not ideal for complex projects.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $10/month.

5. Snappa

I’ve been using Snappa to quickly make graphics without dealing with complicated stuff. It’s really beginner-friendly and works great for social media posts, ads, and blog images. The templates are clean and easy to tweak, which saves me a ton of time. It might not have all the fancy features of other tools, but it’s perfect for simple, fast designs.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Features: 

• Drag-and-drop editor for social media graphics

• Pre-sized templates for platforms like Instagram

• Stock photo integration

Devices: Web

Pros: Fast, beginner-friendly, affordable.

Cons: Limited to social media designs, no mobile app.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $10/month.

6. Stencil

I’ve used Stencil when I needed quick, clean visuals for social media without spending hours designing. It’s super lightweight and has a huge library of royalty-free images and icons. I like how simple it is—you don’t need any design experience to create something that looks polished. It’s not as advanced as some other tools, but for fast, everyday graphics, it really does the job.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Features:

• Social media graphic templates

• Integration with scheduling platforms

• Stock photo and icon library

Devices: Web

Pros: Simple, affordable, great for social media.

Cons: Limited design scope, no mobile app.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $9/month.

7. PicMonkey

I’ve tested PicMonkey when I needed something simpler but still powerful than Photoshop. It’s great for quick edits, adding text, or creating social media graphics without getting overwhelmed by too many tools. While it doesn’t have the depth of Photoshop, it covers most basics really well. If you’re looking for easy-to-use Photoshop alternatives, PicMonkey is definitely worth a try.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• Photo editing with touch-up tools

• Templates for social media and print

• Collage and graphic design tools

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: Strong photo editing, user-friendly.

Cons: No free plan, limited video editing.

Pricing: Paid from $7.99/month.

8. Fotor

I’ve been using Fotor for quick photo edits and simple designs, and it’s surprisingly powerful for a free tool. What I like most is how easy it is to enhance images and create collages without any hassle. If you need a straightforward editor that gets the job done fast, Fotor is a solid choice.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5

Features:

• AI-powered photo editing

• Collage maker with customizable layouts

• Art effect generator for creative styles

• Batch editing for multiple images

Devices: Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows

Pros: Affordable, mobile-friendly, AI features.

Cons: Free plan is limited, slower performance.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $8.99/month.

9. Easil

I’ve been considering Easil for a while now, and I really like how it helps keep my brand consistent with its brand kit features. The templates are easy to customize, making design quick even when I’m short on time. However, the free version has limited assets, so I found upgrading worth it for more options.

G2 Rating: 4.0/5

Features:

• Over 1,000 social media templates

• Drag-and-drop design editor

• Text effects and animations

Devices: Web

Pros: Trendy designs, easy to use.

Cons: No AI tools, limited corporate features.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $7.50/month.

10. Design Wizard

I gave Design Wizard a try when I needed to whip up some quick and simple visuals, and I really liked how easy it was to use. The video editing features were a nice bonus—they made adding motion to my designs super simple. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the limited template choices compared to other tools I’ve used.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Features: 

• Editable templates for print and digital

• Stock video and image library

• Basic photo editing tools

Devices: Web

Pros: Dynamic templates, easy sharing.

Cons: No mobile app, limited advanced features.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $9.99/month.

11. Pixlr

I’ve used Pixlr a lot when I need quick photo edits without opening heavy software. It’s really user-friendly and has handy AI tools that make background removal super easy. For a free tool, Pixlr offers impressive features that help me get great results fast.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• Lightweight photo editing tools

• AI-powered background removal

• Templates for quick designs

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: Fast, affordable, browser-based.

Cons: Less robust than Canva, limited templates.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $4.90/month.

12. Movavi Video Editor

I looked into Movavi Video Editor, which is very user-friendly, particularly for those new to video editing. It has all the basic tools I need, like trimming, filters, and transitions, without being overwhelming. Plus, it runs smoothly and helps me create polished videos quickly.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Features:

• Video editing with transitions

• Photo editing with AI enhancements

• Screen recording capabilities

Devices: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android

Pros: Robust video tools, customizable.

Cons: No free plan, pricey for casual users.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $19.95/month.

13. HubSpot

I’ve used HubSpot for managing my marketing and sales, and it really simplifies everything. It combines tools for email marketing, CRM, and automation all in one place. What I like most is how easy it is to track leads and keep everything organized without jumping between apps.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• Free templates for marketing graphics

• Integration with HubSpot CRM

• Drag-and-drop editor

Devices: Web

Pros: Completely free, CRM integration.

Cons: Limited design scope, no mobile app.

Pricing: Free.

14. Figma

I use Figma all the time because it’s perfect for designing and collaborating in real-time. What I love most is how easy it is to share my work with others and get instant feedback. Plus, it works right in the browser, so I can design from anywhere without any hassle.

G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Features: 

• Real-time collaboration tools

• Vector editing for UI/UX design

• Prototyping for interactive designs

• Plugin library for customization

Devices: Web, macOS, Windows

Pros: Real-time collaboration, versatile.

Cons: Steeper learning curve, not for casual users.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $3/month.

15. Affinity Designer

I’ve been using Affinity Designer for a while now, and it’s a fantastic tool for both vector and raster design. What I love most is that it offers professional features without a subscription—just a one-time purchase. It’s perfect for creating detailed illustrations and layouts, especially if you want powerful software without ongoing costs.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Features:

• Vector and raster design tools

• Precise typography controls

• Unlimited artboards for projects

Devices: macOS, Windows, iPad

Pros: One-time purchase, professional-grade.

Cons: No web version, learning curve.

Pricing: One-time $69.99.

16. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a really powerful graphic design tool, especially when I need precise control over my work. I use it whenever I want to create professional-quality graphics that look just right. What I love most is how easy and intuitive the interface is—it makes even tricky projects feel more manageable.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Features: 

• Vector illustration tools

• Advanced typography options

• Photo editing with AI enhancements

Devices: macOS, Windows, Web

Pros: Professional tools, customizable.

Cons: Expensive, complex for beginners.

Pricing: Paid from $36.58/month.

17. BeFunky

BeFunky is a user-friendly online photo editor that makes creating collages and graphics simple. I consider it when I need quick edits without fussing over complicated tools. Its straightforward interface helps me get great results fast, even when I’m in a hurry.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Features:

• AI-powered photo editing tools

• Collage maker

• Graphic design templates 

• Artsy effects to turn photos into cartoons or paintings

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: User-friendly interface, affordable pricing, versatile for photos and graphics.
Cons: Limited advanced features compared to professional tools, some features are premium-only.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $6.99/month.

18. Vectr

I’ve tried Vectr, and it’s a solid free tool for simple vector designs. What I like most is how easy it is to use, even if you’re new to graphic design. It’s not as powerful as some paid software, but it gets the job done for basic projects.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Features: 

• Free vector graphic editor

• Real-time collaboration

• Basic shape and path tools

Devices: Web, macOS, Windows

Pros: Completely free, collaborative.

Cons: No templates, basic features.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $3.99/month.

19. Desygner

I’ve been using Desygner for a while, and what I like most is how easy it is to create professional designs on the go. It has plenty of templates and lets me customize almost everything without any fuss. Plus, the mobile app means I can work on projects anytime, anywhere.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Features: 

• Templates for print and digital media

• Drag-and-drop editor

• Brand kit for consistent designs

• Stock image and icon library

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: Print-focused, affordable.

Cons: Free plan limitations, less versatile.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $29.99/month.

20. Kapwing

Kapwing is a user-friendly online video and image editor that makes creating content simple. I’ve found it really helpful for quick edits and adding subtitles without any complicated software. It’s perfect when you need to produce polished visuals fast and without hassle.

G2 Rating: 4.0/5

Features: 

• Video editing with AI tools

• Subtitle and caption generator

• Meme and GIF creation tools

• Collaboration for team projects

Devices: Web

Pros: AI video tools, user-friendly.

Cons: Limited free plan, web-only.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $16/month.

21. PlayPlay

PlayPlay is a user-friendly video creation tool designed to help anyone make professional videos quickly. When I tried it, I found the templates and drag-and-drop features really easy to use. It’s perfect for creating engaging content without needing advanced video skills.

G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Features: 

• Corporate video editing templates

• Automated subtitle generation

• Stock footage and music library

Devices: Web

Pros: Professional video tools, GDPR-compliant.

Cons: No free plan, expensive.

Pricing: Paid subscription.

22. Appy Pie Design

I tried Appy Pie Design when I needed a simple tool for creating both apps and graphics. What I liked most was how easy it was to use, even without any design experience. It’s not the flashiest tool out there, but it gets the job done for quick and straightforward projects.

G2 Rating: 4.7/5

Features: 

• AI-powered design generator

• Templates for social media and ads

• Drag-and-drop editor

• Stock image integration

Devices: Web, iOS, Android

Pros: AI-driven, easy to use.

Cons: Limited free plan, basic features.

Pricing: Free; Paid from $8/month.

Final Thoughts

After testing these 22 tools, I believe there’s a Canva alternative for every need. Visme stands out for business visuals, Adobe Express for Adobe fans, and Luminar Neo for photo editing. You can read more on the Luminar Neo Review Page. I recommend trying free plans or trials to find what fits your workflow. Which tool are you excited to test? 

Canva Alternatives FAQs

What is Canva?

Canva is an online design platform launched in 2013, used by over 225 million monthly active users. Used for creating graphics, presentations, videos, and more, thanks to its drag-and-drop editor, templates, and AI tools like background removal. It’s available on web, desktop, and mobile.

What is Canva good for?

Canva excels at creating social media posts, presentations, logos, and basic videos. The template library and ease of use are ideal for non-designers and small businesses. Yet, it lacks advanced photo editing and customization compared to some alternatives.

What is better than Canva?

The top 5 Canva alternatives include:

1. Luminar Neo: Top for AI-powered photo editing.

2. Visme: Best for data visualization and interactive content.

3. Adobe Express: Great for Adobe users with robust templates.

4. VistaCreate (Crello): Ideal for animated social media graphics.

5. Figma: Perfect for collaborative UI/UX design.

How is Luminar Neo different from Canva?

Luminar Neo is built specifically for photo editing, while Canva focuses on graphic design and templates. With Luminar Neo, you get powerful AI tools for enhancing images, retouching portraits, and working with layers—things Canva doesn’t offer. If you’re serious about editing photos with professional results, Luminar Neo easily outperforms Canva in that area.

What unique features can other design websites like Canva offer?

These unique features are found in Canva alternatives:

• Luminar Neo: AI-powered photo enhancements.

• Visme: Interactive charts and data widgets.

• Adobe Express: Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Figma: Real-time collaboration for teams.

• Kapwing: AI-driven video editing with subtitles.