By Tracey Dowdy

With all of us spending more time at home, things that we’ve said we’d do as soon as we got the time are suddenly getting done. If going through the pictures on your phone is on that list, these photo-editing apps may be enough to salvage photos otherwise headed for the trash. 

Adobe Lightroom has long been the industry standard for professional photographers, and the mobile version is designed with the same high-quality tools. Images sync in the cloud so you can start on one device and seamlessly switch to another. 

Available on iOS and Android – some functions available for free, or $4.99 per month for full access. 

 

Photoshop Express offers many of the features you’d find in Lightroom but cuts out some of the pro tools and cloud syncing found in Lightroom’sLightroom’s paid version. You’ll still have access to editing tools, including exposure, contrast, and color editing options, plus a selection of filters and overlay textures. You can also create photo collages, so though it’s not as extensive as other options in this list, you can’t beat the price. 

Available on iOS and Android – Free. 

 

Prisma isn’t your basic photo editing app as it’s filters transform your photos into art. Many of its effects are inspired by artists such as Salvador Dali and Picasso to create bold, painting-like images. Not every filter will work with every photo, but you’ll enjoy tweaking and playing with the effects. 

Available on iOS and Android – $7.99 a month or $30 a year.

 

Google-owned Snapseed is robust enough for serious amateur photographers, but its easy-to-use controls make it accessible for beginners. The toolbox includes exposure and color tools and filter options from vintage to modern styles, as well as HDR looks. 

Available on iOS and Android – Free. 

 

PicsArt offers a wide range of editing tools, from exposure and contrast to cinematic color grading plus a collection of dramatic filters to transform your images into painting-like artwork. You can even morph the tone and shape of your face in those not-quite-right selfies.  PicsArt also offers an Instagram-style social sharing element so you can show off your creations.

Available on iOS and Android – limited functions for free or $48 a year for the complete suite of tools.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits, and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.