Adobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Industry-standard vector graphics.
The industry standard image editor.
The verdict
Both Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Adobe Illustrator — Industry-standard vector graphics.
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $9.99/mo). The industry standard image editor.
Adobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop: side by side
| Dimension | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $22.99/mo | From $9.99/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Designers, Illustrators | Designers, Photographers, Professionals |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios | Mac, Windows, Ios |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Adobe Illustrator key facts
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $22.99/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Designers, Illustrators
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 1987
- Headquarters
- San Jose, CA, USA
Adobe Photoshop key facts
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $9.99/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Mac, Windows, Ios
- Best for
- Designers, Photographers, Professionals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 1990
- Headquarters
- San Jose, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe Illustrator better than Adobe Photoshop?
Neither is universally better — Adobe Illustrator edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $9.99/mo. Adobe Illustrator starts at from $22.99/mo; Adobe Photoshop starts at from $9.99/mo.
Can Adobe Illustrator replace Adobe Photoshop?
Yes for most teams — both are graphic design tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.