Alternative
A free alternative to Photoshop for background removal
Photoshop is the tool everyone learns first, which is why so many people pay for it long after they stopped using 90 percent of it. If background removal is the only thing you open Photoshop for, you are paying a monthly subscription for one feature that runs on models any open tool can load.
Open the toolWhy people look for an alternative
- —Photoshop is $22.99 per month. Background removal is one feature inside that price.
- —Select Subject and Remove Background both run on segmentation models that anyone can download.
- —Photoshop needs install and license management. Remova runs in a browser tab.
- —Batch work in Photoshop requires setting up actions. Batch in Remova is a drag and drop.
Doing the same thing without Photoshop
- 01Open Remova in a browser tab.
- 02Drop the image.
- 03Download the transparent PNG.
- 04Import it into your design tool if you want to keep editing.
The output is a standard PNG with an alpha channel. It imports into Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and anything else that takes a PNG.
At a glance
| Feature | Remova | Adobe Photoshop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $22.99/month |
| Install required | No | Yes |
| Batch processing | Up to 20 files per batch | Action-based, complex setup |
| Hair and fur preservation | Yes, optional | Yes (Select Subject) |
| Runs on | Browser | Desktop app |
Common questions
Does Photoshop produce better results?
For most images, no. Both tools run the same class of segmentation model. Photoshop has been refining Select Subject for years, but the difference is invisible on product photos, portraits, and everyday subjects.
Can I still edit in Photoshop afterward?
Yes. Download the PNG, open it in Photoshop, and continue from there. The alpha channel is preserved end to end.
What about edge refinement?
The manual editor inside Remova has an erase brush, a restore brush, and a lasso tool. It covers the same edge work as Photoshop's Refine Edge without the interface overhead.