Capturing the perfect photo is just the beginning, and to truly make your images stand out, you need to have the proper set of tools at your disposal.
This is where photo filter apps come into play.
They allow you to transform your ordinary pictures into visually stunning works of art.
But you may have seen so many of them, so which one should you choose?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 11 best apps for filters that can take your photos to the next level with top features.
11 Best Apps for Filters [in year]
1. VSCO
- Best for: Achieving a polished and sophisticated look for your images.
VSCO, short for Visual Supply Co., is a photography app that’s highly regarded for its minimalist, user-friendly interface.
It’s a go-to choice for those who prefer subtle and natural photo enhancements.
With VSCO, you can explore various filters, each meticulously designed to elevate your images without overwhelming them.
The app also offers professional-grade editing tools, enabling you to fine-tune every aspect of your photo.
What sets VSCO apart is its robust social platform, allowing you to share your work, connect with fellow photographers, and even publish your photos in a sleek portfolio.
If you’re looking for a polished, sophisticated look for your images, VSCO is the way to go.
2. Snapseed
- Best for: Those who crave complete control over their photo editing process, with precise and customizable adjustments.
Snapseed, a Google creation, is the perfect choice for those who crave complete control over their photo editing process.
This app boasts a plethora of filters, but its real strength lies in its precise and customizable adjustments.
Each filter can be fine-tuned to your liking, and you can layer multiple filters to achieve the perfect effect.
Snapseed’s user-friendly interface is designed for both beginners and professionals, ensuring that your photos look exactly how you envision them.
Plus, it’s free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious photographers.
3. A Color Story
- Best for: Adding vibrancy and life to everyday photos, thanks to its extensive collection of colorful filters and creative effects.
A Color Story is a dream come true for those who want to add vibrancy and life to their photos.
The app is known for its extensive collection of colorful filters and effects, making it ideal for enhancing everyday shots.
What sets A Color Story apart is its continuous updates, ensuring that you have access to the latest and trendiest filters.
Additionally, the app offers tools to modify colors and create custom filters, giving you complete creative freedom.
4. YouCam Perfect
- Best for: Selfie enthusiasts looking for real-time beautification features and interactive photo editing that enhances their appearance.
YouCam Perfect is your go-to app if you’re a fan of selfies.
Beyond filters, it offers real-time beautification features that instantly improve your appearance.
You can smooth out blemishes, enhance your skin tone, and even experiment with makeup effects, all in real-time.
What makes YouCam Perfect unique is its fun and interactive approach to photo editing, ensuring that you always look your best in selfies.
5. Prisma
- Best for: Art lovers seeking to transform photos into unique artworks inspired by famous artists and art movements.
Prisma is an app for art enthusiasts.
It transforms your photos into artworks inspired by famous artists and art movements.
With Prisma, you can make your photos resemble Van Gogh’s Starry Night or Picasso’s Cubist style.
Its artistic filters provide a unique and creative touch that separates your images.
Prisma is perfect for adding an artistic twist to your photos and making them unique.
6. Afterlight
- Best for: Combining filters with basic editing tools, offering a user-friendly experience to add a vintage and film look to images.
Afterlight is a versatile app that combines filters with a suite of essential editing tools.
It offers a user-friendly experience for enhancing your photos.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, Afterlight provides an easy and accessible way to edit your photos and give them a distinct character.
7. Adobe Lightroom
- Best for: Professional photographers who require advanced editing tools.
Adobe Lightroom, known for its powerful desktop version, offers a mobile app that’s a hit among professional photographers.
It provides a comprehensive set of editing tools and a range of filters to transform your photos.
The best part of Adobe Lightroom is its ability to sync edits across devices seamlessly.
Whether working on your smartphone or computer, your edits are always harmonious.
It’s the go-to choice for photographers who require in-depth control over their images and demand professional-grade results.
8. Instagram
- Best for: A convenient one-stop solution for both photo editing and sharing.
Instagram is more than just a social media platform; it’s a versatile photo editing tool.
It boasts a wide array of filters, each designed to give your photos a distinct style.
Instagram’s integrated platform allows you to not only enhance your images but also share them instantly with your audience, as we all know.
A key feature of Instagram is its ease of use and the ability to connect with a vast community of photographers and creators easily.
If you’re looking for a convenient one-stop solution for both photo editing and sharing, Instagram is the app to choose, although it is more limited compared to specialized filter tools.
9. Retrica
- Best for: People who want old-school filters
Retrica is a user-friendly app focusing on real-time filters, making it perfect for spontaneous photography.
It offers a variety of filters to transform your photos instantly.
It probably was the most popular out of all 6-7 years ago, so if you want a more old-school nostalgic filter app, this is the one for you.
What sets Retrica apart is its additional features, including the ability to create collages and GIFs.
It’s an ideal choice for those who want to add a creative and dynamic touch to their photos without spending hours in post-production.
10. Polarr
- Best for: Users who struggle with complex editing tools because it has a user-friendly interface.
Polarr is a robust photo editor designed for those who seek complete control over their editing process.
It offers a range of filters and advanced editing features.
It is unique because of its advanced AI-driven enhancement tools, which automatically adjust your photos for the best results.
For those who want to fine-tune their images to perfection but not do everything manually, Polarr is an excellent choice.
11. Facetune
- Best for: Portrait enthusiasts who want to achieve flawless portraits with retouching features
Facetune is a must-have for portrait enthusiasts.
It specializes in retouching, allowing you to remove blemishes, whiten teeth, and apply makeup effects.
What sets Facetune apart is its real-time preview, which shows you the changes as you make them.
This ensures that your selfies always look their best.
If you want to achieve flawless portraits, Facetune is the app to choose.
Tips for Using Filter Apps
Using filter apps effectively can significantly enhance your photos and videos, providing that extra flair and visual appeal.
Here are some valuable tips to help you make the most of these creative tools:
- Start with a Quality Shot: Filters are fantastic for enhancing photos, but they work best when you begin with a well-composed, well-lit image. Ensure your source material is of high quality to get the best results.
- Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different filters. Try out various styles to discover which ones best match the mood and subject of your photo or video.
- Subtle Adjustments: Sometimes, less is more. A fine filter application can often yield more appealing results than heavy-handed edits.
- Consider the Subject: The type of filter you choose should complement the subject of your photo. For example, vibrant and colorful filters can work well for landscapes and cheerful scenes, while monochrome filters may suit portraits.
- Consistency for Branding: If you’re using filter apps for branding purposes, maintaining consistency in the filters you apply can help establish a recognizable and uniform visual style across your content.
- Combine Filters: Many apps allow you to layer multiple filters. Mixing filters to create unique effects that suit your style or the specific mood you want to convey.
- Edit in Context: When applying filters to photos, consider the context in which they’ll be used. A filter that looks great on Instagram may not be the best choice for a professional portfolio.
- Backup Originals: Before applying filters, back up the original, unedited versions of your photos. This way, you can always return to the unfiltered image if needed.
- Adjust Settings: Most filter apps provide options to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and saturation. Don’t hesitate to fine-tune these settings to achieve the desired effect.
- Be Mindful of Trends: Stay updated with the latest filter trends and styles. This can help your content feel fresh and relevant in the fast-paced world of social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use These Apps on Both Android and iOS Devices?
Absolutely! The majority of the apps discussed in this article are designed to work seamlessly on both Android and iOS platforms, ensuring that users of all smartphones can enjoy their features and benefits.
Are These Apps Free to Use?
While many of these apps offer free versions, they often come with in-app purchases that provide access to additional features and a broader selection of filters.
The free versions are usually a great starting point, allowing users to explore and become familiar with the apps before deciding whether to invest in the premium features.
Which App Is Best for Beginners in Photography?
For photography beginners, Snapseed is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools make it easy to enhance your photos and develop your editing skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Are There Any Other Apps You Recommend for More Advanced Users?
Indeed, for more advanced users, Adobe Lightroom stands out. It offers an extensive array of editing features and is highly respected within the photography community.
Professional photographers often choose Adobe Lightroom for its unparalleled capabilities in fine-tuning and enhancing their images.
Conclusion
All the options we explored here are great, but the best filter app depends on your specific needs and style.
Each of these 11 best apps for filters has its unique features and benefits, ensuring that there’s an ideal choice for every type of photo lover.
Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements, vibrant color, artistic transformations, or real-time beauty adjustments, there’s an app on this list that will help you make your photos truly outstanding.
Don’t settle for ordinary images when these apps can help you create visual masterpieces with just a few taps and no complexity.
