Best AI photo editors for small businesses

High-quality visuals are the currency for successfully running a business online. However, creating these visuals often comes with high costs or time-consuming learning curves that not everyone can afford. And if you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or solopreneur, you’ve probably felt the pinch of those constraints firsthand.

Thankfully, with the rise of AI, came AI photo editors that promise to take the pain out and make things easier for you in the photo editing department.

So today, I’m cutting right to the chase and sharing the best AI photo editing tools specifically for small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants high-quality visuals without the fuss (or the expense) of full-blown design software. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which tools are best for you.

Top AI photo editors for small businesses

The AI-powered tools on this list were selected based on ease of use, accessibility, features, and price points. I tested them based on how easy and quick it is to edit a picture and the type of results you can get with minimal effort. Also, all the tools on the list allow you to bulk/batch edit.

Photoroom: Best for professional e-commerce and product shots on a budget

If you’re running an online store or frequently posting product photos on social media, Photoroom’s mobile app is one photo editor you absolutely need to check out. It’s hands-down one of the easiest, most effective ways to create professional-looking product shots without hiring a photographer or investing in expensive equipment. Photoroom’s focus is clear: helping small businesses make their products stand out with minimal effort—and on a budget.

Many small businesses are choosing Photoroom because it does the one-click edits so well. The background remover is one of the best I’ve seen, and the templates are genuinely helpful, especially if you’re selling on platforms like Amazon or Shopify. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and laser-focused on solving the exact pain points small businesses face with product photography ideas that seem out of reach.

If you’ve struggled with messy or inconsistent product shots in the past, Photoroom is like having a professional photo studio right in your pocket. For e-commerce, this is the best photo editor.

Key features

AI Background Remover: Photoroom’s AI-powered background remover is the most exceptional of all the tools on this list. In seconds, it can remove even the trickiest backgrounds (think messy desks or fur) and replace them with a clean white background or something more creative, which brings us to the next feature.

AI Backgrounds: With Photoroom's AI Backgrounds tool, you can make backgrounds for any subject that look very real and professional. You can replace boring or busy settings with ones that look better or reimagine your products in new scenarios to connect with your audience. This is great if you don't have access to a photo studio but still want your goods or portraits to stand out.

AI Retouch: This is the easiest way to remove any unwanted object or person from your picture. Once you've uploaded the image you want to retouch, all you have to do is brush your fingertips over the regions you wish to eliminate, and Photoroom AI will erase them. It will then automatically replace the erased pixels with new ones that mix nicely with the rest of the image.

Marketplace templates: Photoroom is the only photo editor in this list that provides pre-sized templates for marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Etsy, Deepop, Poshmark, and many more.

Other AI tools include AI Expand which lets you make bigger images by adding new image pixels, AI Fill which allows you to add specific details to your image using simple text descriptions, AI Shadows which adds realistic shadows to objects or subjects, making them appear more natural and much more.

To try out Photoroom, I attempted to create a cupcake sale picture for a bakery. The goal here was to see what I could get in as few clicks as possible. I used the mobile app for this experiment and clicked on the “Start from Photo” button to get started. After selecting the cupcake’s picture from my gallery, Photoroom’s AI immediately cleaned out the background in one buzzing second (it was satisfying to watch). I could immediately see multiple templates and themes for me to choose from. I selected a sale template and made no further edits.

I also liked that when I generated AI backgrounds, it intelligently added details like cookie crumbs around the cupcake. The new backgrounds were also easy to add with a single tap. Of all the tools on this list, Photoroom wins the one-click enhancement award.

Pricing: Photoroom has a free, Pro, and Teams plan. The Pro plan costs $4.99/week or $12.99/month or $89.99/year. The Teams plan costs $69.99/year. It is available as a mobile app and web app.

Adobe Express: Best for all-round photo editing and graphic design

When it comes to tools that blend sophistication with simplicity, Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is a standout. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I’ve spent years dabbling in Adobe’s more complex tools like Adobe Photoshop, and I wondered if Express could hold its own. Spoiler: It does.

Adobe Express takes the intimidating parts of design and editing and boils them down to an approachable, user-friendly experience. For small business owners, the appeal lies in its balance of professional-level tools and intuitive design, making it accessible even if you’ve never touched editing software before. If you’ve ever been intimidated by the full Adobe Suite, this is Adobe’s way of saying, “Relax, we’ve got your back.” And honestly? They do.

As expected from an AI photo editor, you can remove backgrounds, generate new ones, and resize images. Here are some other standout features of Adobe Express.

Key features

Generate Template: With this feature, Adobe Express distinguishes itself from the tools on this list. You can simply type in what design you want to create, e.g., “modern flyer for fall clothing fashion”, and it will generate a unique template for you to edit.

Themes: This is one of my favorite features. You can select from multiple curated color palettes and apply them to your design. You don’t have to worry about using colors that don’t work well together. You can also create a color theme that matches your brand and apply it to designs as needed.

Styles: You can select up to two styles to help the software generate more consistent graphics for you. The styles include bold, retro, business, minimal, organic, and elegant.

Brands: This feature allows you to upload your logo, brand colors, fonts, and graphics so your team can apply them to any design in a single click.

Pricing: Adobe Express has a free plan and a 30-day free trial for their premium plans. The premium plan costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year. There is also a Team plan for $7.99/month or $79.99/year with a minimum of two seats required.

To test Adobe Express, I tried the same example with Photoroom, but this time on a PC and it was easier than expected. At first, I spent a lot of time looking for a template that works (potential downside depending on your design needs), so I opted to use the “Start from Photo” option, just like with Photoroom. By uploading a picture of the cupcake, Adobe Express intelligently suggested design ideas from blog banners to video and Pinterest covers. It was easier to use from there as I simply selected a sale template to use.

Personal con: I wish the “Start from Photo” option automatically cleaned out the background like with Photoroom so the cupcake was more centralized.

If you want to tweak it further, you can explore the features in the left menu bar or double-click on the element you want to change. View the immediate result without further enhancements in the image below.

Canva: Best for business teams needing branding consistency

Canva is more of a graphic design tool than a photo editor, but its AI photo editing features scored it a spot on this list. While Canva is fantastic for solo entrepreneurs, it really shines for small businesses with teams. The collaborative features make it easy to keep everyone on the same page, while tools like the Brand Kit ensure your visuals always look cohesive, no matter who’s working on them. And because Canva is so versatile, your team can handle everything from photo editing to social media posts to print materials in one tool.

Canva also has a background removal feature but these are its standout AI tools:

Key features

Magic Design: This feature helps you create high-quality social posts and videos using a text prompt. You can add your own media to make it unique and on-brand

Magic Resize: This automatically resizes your designs to fit different platforms. Designed an Instagram post? With one click, Canva will create versions optimized for Facebook, Twitter, and even Pinterest. I preferred Photoroom’s AI Resize because it adds details to the image while Canva simply changes the dimension.

Magic Media: This feature allows you to generate images, graphics, and videos in different art styles using text prompts.

Magic Grab: With this tool, you can select any item in your image and reposition, resize, or move it around.

Pricing: Canva Pro costs $15/month or $120/year while Canva Teams cost $100/year/person with a minimum of three users. There is a free plan and a 30-day free trial for the paid plans.

For our cupcake sale ad, it was really easy to do it due to Canva’s multimillion template gallery. A quick search for “cupcake sale” in the Templates library returned 20,000 templates for me to pick from. I chose a simple template and added the cupcake picture.

But, when I used the Background Remover (only available on Canva Pro) to single out the cupcake, it did quite badly in that area. The plate was still in the picture and it made the design look unprofessional.

If your business involves multiple people contributing to your marketing or visual branding, then Canva is the glue that keeps everything running smoothly. For teamwork and versatility, it’s hard to beat.

Related: Photoroom or Canva: What is best for your editing needs

Fotor: Best for quick enhancements

Fotor is one of those tools that feels like an old reliable friend. It doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does well. If you’re a small business owner looking for a no-fuss photo editor to quickly enhance your product images, touch up a headshot, or create promotional graphics, Fotor might just be the perfect fit.

It automatically enhances the quality of your photo. It corrects the image brightness and contrast, improves the coloring, and eliminates the grain, making the pictures look better. This tool is useful for any company that wishes to enhance the look of its products or services without having to retouch the images individually.

Key features

• BG Remover: This feature automatically selects your subject and removes the rest of the background. This tool is great for developing materials for advertisements, online store items, or social media marketing, where you want the object to stand out.

• AI Replace: This is my favorite Fotor feature. You can select parts of your image and replace it with an AI-generated image.

• AI Photo Effect: It’s one of the best tools for adding effects to your photos with a single click. For all your design needs, from the artistic to the retro and the modern, Fotor’s AI will help you professionally and creatively enhance your image for use in online ads, social media, or website content.

• AI Photo Enhancer: It automatically enhances the quality of your photo. It corrects the image brightness and contrast, improves the coloring, and eliminates the grain, making the pictures look better.

• Object Remover: This lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos smoothly without adding any artificial look to your picture.

Pricing: Fotor has three plans. The free plan does not give you access to a lot of the AI tools. Fotor Pro costs $8.99 per month or $39.95 per year and it gives you access to all AI tools. The Pro+ plan costs $19.99 per month or $89.88 per year. You can only batch edit on Pro+.

Fotor did not pass the minimal editing test as far as creating the cupcake ad goes, but its 1-Tap Enhancer was the best at upgrading the quality of the original image. I also used the AI replace feature to add cookie crumbs to the plate. See the before and after below

Pixlr: Most affordable AI photo editor

Pixlr is a browser-based photo editor that is lightweight, intuitive, and packs a surprising punch for a free (or low-cost) tool. Pixlr's suite comprises several specialized tools:

• Pixlr Editor (Pixlr E): An advanced photo editor offering features like layers, masks, customizable brushes, and a variety of filters and effects. It supports multiple file formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PSD.

• Pixlr Express (Pixlr X): A user-friendly editor designed for quick and straightforward edits, providing tools for cropping, resizing, and applying filters. It's ideal for users seeking rapid enhancements without extensive editing.

• Pixlr Designer: This tool offers templates and animation features, enabling users to create professional designs efficiently.

• Remove BG: An AI-powered background removal tool that simplifies the process of isolating subjects from their backgrounds.

• If you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder that works across multiple devices, Pixlr is worth a closer look.

Like every other AI photo editor on this list, Pixlr also allows you to use AI to remove image backgrounds, expand an image, remove objects from an image, upscale it, and much more. It also offers a range of filters, effects, and overlays that can add creative flair to your images. Perfect for making social media posts more eye-catching.

Pricing: One of Pixlr’s biggest draws is its affordability. The basic version is completely free, and it’s surprisingly robust for no cost but it comes with ads. If you want access to premium templates, advanced features, and ad-free editing, the subscription starts at $1.99/month for the Plus plan which gives you 80 AI credits. The premium plan is $7.99/month and there is a Teams plan at $12.99/month.

What should you look for in an AI photo editor?

When using AI in photo editing, you don’t need every bell and whistle—especially if you’re a small business owner with a clear focus: you want sharp, professional visuals without the heavy lifting. So before you start exploring tools, it’s worth taking a moment to think about what really matters. Here’s a quick guide to the essentials that were considered before selecting the tools on this list:

User-friendly interface: Let’s be honest: if a tool isn’t simple to use, it’s not going to save you any time or frustration. So, look for editors with drag-and-drop, intuitive interfaces, clear labeling, and AI tools that are as close to “click-and-done” as possible. Many AI photo editors out there are designed for people who aren’t designers by trade, so don’t settle for one that feels more complicated than it’s worth.

Templates and presets: A great AI photo editor will offer templates and presets that align with social media platforms, ads, and other common marketing formats. Pre-designed layouts let you create professional images with minimal effort, which is particularly helpful if design isn’t your strong suit. Look for a tool that provides templates for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or even print materials, so you can stay consistent without reinventing the wheel each time.

Background removal: Background removal is a must-have for small business owners, especially if you’re dealing with product photos or professional headshots. AI-powered background removal tools can isolate your subject with precision, giving you clean, distraction-free images that are ready for use on your website, e-commerce store, or social media. The easier the tool can do this without you needing to erase around edges manually, the better. You can compare the precision levels of different tools and how easily they remove backgrounds of complex shapes like hair.

One-click enhancements: Time is money, especially for small business owners. One-click enhancements—where the AI automatically adjusts lighting, contrast, and color balance—can make a big impact in seconds. This feature is ideal if you need a quick uplift without diving into each detail manually. It’s also a lifesaver if you’re dealing with images taken in less-than-ideal lighting or with basic equipment since it brings out the best in what you’ve got.

Advanced AI edits: Sometimes, you might need a little more than basic enhancements. Features like realistic shadows, image generation, or object removal, can help you create visually compelling images that grab attention. While these advanced tools might not be necessary for every edit, having access to them can open up creative possibilities when you need a little something extra.

Consistent branding tools: Building a brand means having consistent visuals. Some AI editors allow you to save brand colors, logos, and even preferred fonts, helping you maintain a consistent look across all your images. This small feature can make a big impact on your brand’s identity, as it ensures that each image, whether a product shot or social media graphic, feels part of the same visual family.

Accessible price points and payment options: Finally, budget matters, and many AI photo editors offer flexible pricing to accommodate different needs. Many tools have free versions with basic functionality or offer affordable monthly plans, which can be ideal if you only need occasional edits. Be sure to look at what’s included in each pricing tier, so you’re not paying for features you don’t need.

How to choose the right AI photo editor for your small business

You need to focus on finding a balance between functionality, ease of use, and budget because your tool of choice will be handling a major part of your business (making your products/brand look good). Here’s what I’d recommend focusing on to make sure you end up with the right match.

1. Assess your needs: First, think about what you actually need from an AI photo editor. Are you mostly working with product shots that need simple background removals, or are you dealing with lifestyle photos that could use a bit more dramatic finesse? Some editors specialize in straightforward edits, while others have advanced options for more sophisticated projects. Knowing your primary goal can save you from getting lost in extra features that, while impressive, may not serve your immediate needs.

2. Consider your budget: There’s no need to stretch your budget here. Free tools usually have core features that work for light edits, and some offer affordable upgrades for advanced features. If you’re looking for a tool you’ll use frequently, it might be worth a small monthly investment for added flexibility. But if you’re only doing occasional touch-ups, stick with a free version and see if it meets your needs.

3. Check device compatibility: This one’s easy to overlook, but it’s important: to make sure the tool you choose is compatible with the devices you actually use. Some editors are browser-based, which means you can access them from any device with internet access, while others have dedicated mobile or desktop apps. If you’re often editing on the go, a tool with a solid mobile app might be a lifesaver.

4. Try before you commit: A lot of these tools offer free trials, and it’s well worth your time to take advantage of them. I’d recommend trying out a few different editors to see how each one feels and whether the features are intuitive for you. Sometimes what looks good on paper (or in a review) might not quite click in practice, so give yourself permission to explore.

5. Look for consistency and reliability: Finally, reliability matters. The best tools produce consistently high-quality edits and have a good track record among users. Take note of what others say about the tool’s performance and customer support, whether that’s through online reviews, forums, or feedback from other small business owners. If you’re using a tool regularly, it’s a comfort to know there’s help if you ever need it.

Create professional images in 1-click with Photoroom

Photoroom makes it easy to create professional images in just one click. With features like AI background removal, AI images, and a variety of templates for e-commerce and social media, it’s a tool designed to save you time and help you produce high-quality visuals consistently. Create a free account or download the mobile app on the App Store or Google Play to get started.

Best AI photo editor FAQs

Do I need any design experience to use an AI photo editor?

No, most AI photo editors are designed with non-designers in mind. Many of them use intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and one-click options, so you don’t need any design experience to create professional-looking images.

Are AI photo editors expensive?

Not necessarily. Many AI photo editors offer free versions or affordable monthly plans with essential features. You can find tools that fit your budget and still deliver quality results.

Can I use an AI photo editor on my phone?

Yes! Many AI photo editors are available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to edit images wherever you are.

Are my images safe when I upload them to AI photo editors?

Most reputable AI photo editors have privacy policies in place to protect your images and data. It’s always a good idea to check the privacy policy of any tool you use, especially if you’re handling sensitive images.

Which AI photo editor is best for my business?

Consider your specific needs, budget, and editing goals. For instance, if you’re primarily focused on e-commerce, tools like Photoroom with background removal and product-focused templates may be ideal. Test a few with free trials to see which fits your workflow best.