Photoshop alternative

[Codoc24]

After doing a search, it doesn't look like this has been discussed in a couple of years, so I'll throw this up for suggestions again. I am looking for a Photoshop alternative. I won't use it a lot. Just to make a book cover 2 or 3 times a year. I'm not a beginner, I have used software in the past, but it was commercial software that I don't think even exists anymore.

Here are my requirements:
1. A monthly/annual subscription is a deal breaker.
2. Low-cost but I will consider open source.
3. I've tried GIMP but not too crazy about it.
4. I don't need lots of bells and whistles.
5. My PC is pretty new and is a gaming PC, so it should be beefy enough to handle any hardware tech requirements.

Has anyone tried PaintShop Pro? It is $79.99 right now.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[SyleusSnow]

Well, the very best alternative in my opinion is Affinity Photo. Local install, no spying, and you get their equivalents of Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for a low one-time lifetime purchase. They are all very capable and get better with every (free) update. It has zero AI features like Generative Fill, though, and they don't plan to add any.

If you just want an easy, very capable locally installed image editor for Windows only, Paint.net is free and good (if you want to support the developer, there's a Windows Store version that's payware).

If you're okay with online editors, Photopea is apparently the most photoshop-like, but also check out Canva (who just bought the maker of Affinity). It has a ton of features, but not all of them free.

 

[MillieDynamite]

My cover designer uses MidJourney, which is AI. She also uses Photoshop, but not for AI; she edits and designs covers with stock images.

 

[NotWise]

I use Gimp for raster images and InkScape for vector images. Both are free.

 

[Carnevil9]

I'm researching this same topic. My new Windows 11 laptop will not run the venerable version of Photoshop 6 that I purchased in 2000. Go figure!

I haven't settled on anything yet, but Photoshop Elements looks good: about eighty bucks and no subscription needed.

 

[RejectReality]

Photoshop Elements was my suggestion as well. It most likely has all the filters and effects you'll need for making book covers, with a one-time flat fee.