In our Affinity Photo review, we particularly liked how, unlike Photoshop, the tool isn't dependent on current OS and hardware – it runs equally well on older machines. And if you prefer to draw on an iPad, Affinity Photo for iPad is also available. It also has enough power even to cope with 100+ megapixel images, so you don't have to worry about working with super-high-resolution files. If you've already used Photoshop but want to move away from the subscription model, then Affinity Photo is certainly one of the best options since it offers full compatibility with PSD files, making it effortless to migrate projects over. In terms of power and performance, it's pretty much on a par with Photoshop, though it lacks some of Adobe's most advanced features like content-aware fill. It's a one-time purchase, so once you've paid the initial cost of the software, you're set.

If that's you, Affinity Photo is probably your best alternative to Photoshop. Not everyone wants to commit to a monthly subscription. For drawing on the go, see our selection of the best drawing apps for iPad and the best 2-in-1 laptops for creatives.

Many of these programs work well with the best drawing tablets you can buy, so you don't need to worry if you've already got a digital art setup. If we haven't tested a program, we have good reason for including it, and have done extensive research to back up our claims. We've tested much of this software, with our reviewers assessing each pick against a range of criteria including power and overall performance (see how we test software for more – and watch out for the links to full reviews). In this guide, you'll find offerings on both ends of the price spectrum, from zero to, well, not zero. From pro tools with pro prices to completely free options, the best digital art software comes in all shapes and sizes when it comes to price. And there's also the question of cost, which is particularly pertinent right now. There are specific tools for photo editing, graphic design, digital painting and everything in-between.

Best drawing software for laptop