kitio.aiAdobe Photoshop vs Adobe Photoshop Elements
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill
Free trial · $19.99/moConsumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale
Free trialAt a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Generative Fill
- Generative Expand
- Remove tool
- Neural Filters
- Select Subject
- One-click AI fixes
- Guided edits
- Generative expand
- Generative Upscale
- Photo organizer
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Photoshop Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill | Consumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | No, trial available |
| Made by | Adobe | Adobe |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Both offer: Generative expand.
Pricing compared
Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Photography
$19.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Photoshop and Lightroom
- 1TB cloud storage
Photoshop
$22.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Photoshop desktop, web and iPad
- Generative credits included
Creative Cloud Pro
$69.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- 20+ Creative Cloud apps
- Premium Firefly features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Adobe Photoshop
- Most complete editing toolset
- AI tools blend into real edits
- Works on desktop, iPad and web
- Expensive subscription
- Steep learning curve
- Generative credits are capped
Adobe Photoshop Elements
- No subscription required
- Guided edits teach techniques
- Organizer included
- License expires after three years
- Fewer tools than full Photoshop
- Some AI features have usage limits
Which one should you choose?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you want:
- Most complete editing toolset
- AI tools blend into real edits
- Works on desktop, iPad and web
Watch out: expensive subscription.
Choose Adobe Photoshop Elements if you want:
- No subscription required
- Guided edits teach techniques
- Organizer included
Watch out: license expires after three years.
Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Photoshop Elements FAQ
What is the difference between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill. Adobe Photoshop Elements: Consumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale. Both are image tools.
Is Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Elements have free plans?
Adobe Photoshop: No, 7-day trial. Adobe Photoshop Elements: No, trial available.
Who makes Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Who makes Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Adobe Photoshop Elements is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you value most complete editing toolset and ai tools blend into real edits. Choose Adobe Photoshop Elements if you value no subscription required and guided edits teach techniques.