CompareStack/Adobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop
HomeAdobe Illustrator vs Adobe Photoshop
Updated March 2026 · Independent Analysis

Adobe IllustratorvsAdobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop starts at $9.99/mo, 57% cheaper than Adobe Illustrator's $22.99/mo. Both rated 4.7/5 by users.

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Adobe Illustrator

Industry-standard vector graphics editor for logos, icons, and illustrations

4.7/5Founded 1987Part of Creative Cloud (30M+) users
Try Adobe Illustrator Free →
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Adobe Photoshop

The definitive image editing and design tool for photography and graphics

4.7/5Founded 1990Part of Creative Cloud (30M+) users
Try Adobe Photoshop Free →

⚡ Quick Stats

Avg Rating
🏆 Adobe Illustrator wins
💰
Starting Price
🏆 Adobe Photoshop wins
🔧
Features
🏆 Adobe Illustrator wins

📊 Ratings Breakdown

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Adobe Illustrator

4.7/5 avg
G2 Score4.6/5
Capterra Score4.7/5
Overall Avg4.65/5
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Adobe Photoshop

4.7/5 avg
G2 Score4.6/5
Capterra Score4.8/5
Overall Avg4.699999999999999/5

⚡ Quick Verdict

Independent analysis based on features, pricing, and user ratings

Choose Adobe Illustrator if you need:
  • Vector Design
  • Pen Tool
  • Typography
  • Color Management
  • Artboards
Try Adobe Illustrator Free →
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you need:
  • Photo Editing
  • Layer-based Design
  • Generative Fill (AI)
  • Generative Expand
  • Neural Filters
Try Adobe Photoshop Free →

🔧 Feature Comparison

Adobe Illustrator uniquely offers Vector Design, Pen Tool, Typography. Adobe Photoshop uniquely offers Photo Editing, Layer-based Design, Generative Fill (AI). Both share 2 features including Cloud Documents, iPad Version.

Feature
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Cloud Documents
iPad Version
Vector Design
Pen Tool
Typography
Color Management
Artboards
Symbols
Patterns
Image Trace
3D Effects
Variable Fonts
Creative Cloud Libraries
Plugins
AI-powered Features (Generative)
Photo Editing
Layer-based Design
Generative Fill (AI)
Generative Expand
Neural Filters
Object Selection
Content-Aware Fill
Camera RAW
Brushes
Masks & Channels
Smart Objects
Actions & Automation
3D
Total Features
15
15

💰 Pricing Comparison

Adobe Photoshop starts at $9.99/mo, 57% cheaper than Adobe Illustrator's $22.99/mo.

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Adobe Illustrator Plans

Paid plans only

IllustratorBest Value
$22.99/mo
  • Single app
  • 100GB storage
All Apps
$59.99/mo
  • 20+ Creative Cloud apps
Full Adobe Illustrator pricing breakdown →
A

Adobe Photoshop Plans

Paid plans only

Photography PlanBest Value
$9.99/mo
  • Photoshop + Lightroom
  • 20GB storage
Photoshop
$22.99/mo
  • Single app
  • 100GB storage
All Apps
$59.99/mo
  • 20+ Creative Cloud apps
Full Adobe Photoshop pricing breakdown →
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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