Top 3 Affordable Image Editing Apps That Boost Productivity and Are Worth Every Dollar

Running marketing campaigns, creating banners, and updating product images can be a time-consuming grind—especially if you don’t have a dedicated designer. As someone who handles these tasks regularly for websites, email campaigns, and product listings, I’ve tested countless tools to help me work faster without sacrificing quality.

Here are my top 3 affordable image editing apps that I personally use and recommend. These tools have genuinely made my marketing workflow easier, more efficient, and totally worth the investment.

1. Canva – The All-in-One Visual Design Tool That Keeps Getting Better

Best for: Website banners, email campaigns, social media graphics, and team collaboration
Pricing: Free plan available; Pro starts at approx. AUD $17.99/month

Canva has been my go-to tool for years, and with each update, it just gets better. I use it almost daily to create website banners, product highlights, and full campaign assets. What really sets Canva apart now is its latest set of integrations—especially the new partnership with Klaviyo, one of the main platforms I use for email marketing.

Now you can connect Canva directly to Klaviyo, making it super easy to push email visuals straight into your campaign drafts—no more downloading and re-uploading images. It’s a huge productivity win and helps maintain brand consistency across all channels.

Why it boosts productivity:

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop design interface
• Magic Resize, AI-powered features, and brand kits
• Direct integration with tools like Klaviyo, HubSpot, and Meta
• Built-in stock library, icons, videos, and templates
• Ability to share designs for feedback or client approval—no downloads needed

Personal tip: I often share draft designs with clients directly via Canva’s share link. They can view or comment without needing an account, which makes collaboration and approvals much faster. Plus, with Klaviyo connected, I can go from concept to campaign in just a few clicks.

✅ Great for: Designers, marketers, and business owners who want a seamless way to create, collaborate, and launch visually strong campaigns.

2. Pixlr – Lightweight but Powerful Editor for Advanced Product Edits

Best for: eCommerce sellers, marketers, and creators who need Photoshop-style features on a budget
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium from approx. AUD $2.90/month

If you’ve ever struggled with removing tricky backgrounds—like products with irregular shapes or shadows—Pixlr is a hidden gem. I love it because it gives you access to many Photoshop-like tools without the steep price or system requirements. You can use layers, masks, and even advanced selection tools right from your browser.

Why it boosts productivity:

• Offers Pixlr X (easy) and Pixlr E (advanced) based on your skill level
• Layer-based editing for building multi-element designs
• Selection tools (lasso, magic wand, shape selections) for precise cropping
• Great for removing difficult backgrounds when auto tools like Canva struggle
• Fast, web-based performance—no downloads needed

Personal tip: I regularly use Pixlr E when I’m editing product photos that need detailed background removal. For items with complex outlines—like transparent packaging or textured edges—the manual tools give me the precision I need without having to fire up Photoshop.

✅ Great for: Creators who want pro-level edits without pro-level costs or software.

3. ChatGPT (with Image Features) – The Unexpected Productivity Tool

Best for: Caption writing, content ideas, and image feedback
Pricing: Free plan available; GPT-4 with image tools in ChatGPT Plus (approx. AUD $31/month)

While not a traditional image editor, I use ChatGPT to support nearly every step of my creative process—from generating campaign ideas to writing product captions that match my visuals.

Why it boosts productivity:

• Helps generate text for banners, social media, and product images
• Offers real-time feedback on layout, colours, or text positioning
• Combines design suggestions with content strategy
• Pairs well with Canva for complete creative campaigns

Personal tip: When I’m stuck on writing banner headlines or email subject lines, I upload the image to ChatGPT and ask for suggestions—it works shockingly well.

✅ Great for: Marketers and small teams who want creative support beyond just design tools.

Final Thoughts

Designing for campaigns doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With Canva for design, Pixlr for product images, and ChatGPT for smart creative support, you can confidently manage your own marketing visuals like a pro.

These tools have helped me produce website banners, email graphics, and product visuals faster and smarter—without needing a full design team.

Need help with content and creative for your online store?
At Online Market Experts, we help businesses build strong, visually engaging campaigns with the right tools. Contact us for support with marketing automation, image editing workflows, or digital growth strategies.