It’s hard to imagine a time when the iPhone was first released and we didn’t have access to the incredible photo editing tools that are now so readily available. Today, there are hundreds of apps and filters that allow you to make sure your selfies are on point and that your food photography gets all the likes it deserves.
Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite photo editing apps, so you can take your Instagram game to the next level:

Table of Contents
best apps for filters on iphone
- VSCO: The most popular filter app right now
VSCO, the ultimate photo filter app for iPhone
The L5 filter in the VSCO app for iOS
The premium version of the VSCO app includes more than 200 filters, called presets within the app. Many filters are based on vintage film looks, but there are also dedicated filters for landscapes, selfies, urban scenes, and more.
VSCO filters allow a lot of flexibility, and new presets are added all the time, making them perfect for fashion photographers, Instagram influencers, and small businesses.
VSCO on the App Store
- Retrica: Film-like filters for retro photographers
Want to turn your iPhone into a retro camera with the look of film? Look no further than Retrica, an app that lets you apply retro filters before taking a photo. More than 190 filters can be applied in real-time, which means you can take photos without any additional editing.
Exclusive filters are released periodically to premium members, and Retrica also includes fun editing tools that you can use before and after taking a photo.
Retrica on the App Store
- Snapseed: A feature-packed filter app for photographers
The Drama 1 filter in Snapseed for iPhone
Snapseed, an iPhone app with free photo filters
Snapseed is one of the most comprehensive free photo editing apps, with a great mix of filters that can be endlessly adjusted and combined. Unique filter categories include black-and-white options along with vintage, grunge, grainy film, Retrolux, and Glamour Glow. The nondestructive editing feature means that you can change any aspect of your edit without having to start over.
Snapseed on the App Store
- A Color Story: Create custom filters for your photos
A Color Story includes more than 100 endlessly adjustable filters, plus the ability to create custom filters for your own unique look that can be saved for future use. Motion effects include lens flare, bokeh, light leakage, glow, and texture, and you can change every aspect of the effects so that they fit your photo perfectly.
A Color Story on the App Store
- PS Express: Pops of color and nature-based filters
Photoshop Express, one of the best photo filter apps for iPhone
The Red filter in the Photoshop Express app
Adobe Photoshop Express is a fast and easy photo editor with a variety of interesting filters that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The app is free to download, but premium features require a subscription fee. Our favorite filters allow you to add pops of color to otherwise black and white photos, create replicates of black-and-white film photos, and create HDR looks with a single tap.
- Instagram: The first filter app ever
Instagram, the original filter app
Instagram, the very first app with iPhone filters
We can’t talk about photo filter apps without mentioning the one that started it all. Instagram began in 2010 as a way for users to upload photos, add predesigned filters, and share them with followers and has since become one of the world’s largest social media platforms.
While Instagram doesn’t offer dozens upon dozens of filters like many other photo apps, the filters that it does offer are well-loved by their users. Just about every Instagram user has a favorite filter, but the most widely used filter, according to Shutterstock, is Clarendon.
Instagram on the App Store
- iPhone Photos: iPhone’s native photo filter app
For casual photographers and folks who don’t want to download a dedicated app just to add filters on their selfies, we recommend going with the Photos app. The editing tools and filters available are great for casual sharing, and there’s no uploading or downloading because your photo library is already built right in. Nine filters are currently available in the Photos app, providing a variety of looks in color and black and white.
Once you discover your favorite photo filter app, you’ll find that it is both fun and addicting to use. You’ll want to start editing every photo you’ve ever taken just so you can add your favorite filters. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
face filter apps
- Facetune2
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Facetune 2 app
Facetune 2 app hair color changer
Facetune 2 app filter
Not pleased with your recent selfie? Don’t worry. With Facetune2, upgrading your lame selfie into a trendy look won’t be a problem.
This selfie editor app features tons of free beauty and color filters and easy-to-use tools that allow you to enhance your facial features. This includes contouring your jaws, changing your hair color, enlarging your eyes, taming your eyebrows, and so on.
These all make you look better in an instant. The app also comes with some advanced editing tools that alter the light sources in your selfie, making it one of the best filter apps for selfies.
Download: Facetune2 for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
- Snapchat
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Snapchat Create Filter Edit Design on App
Snapchat Create Filter Design on App
While Snapchat allows you to chat with friends and share stories, most people use it to take selfies. This app became so popular due to its unique lenses and face filter effects that they regularly change.
Want something unique? You can create your own face filters in Snapchat by tweaking various settings. The app also lets you use other filters created by fellow users.
Besides the face filters, Snapchat also features text overlays, Bitmoji, and World Lenses that you can add as finishing touches to your photos.
Download: Snapchat for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
- Retrica
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Retrica filter
Retrica filter Vignette
Retrica is the dream app for people who can’t get enough of a good vintage camera. The app offers over 193 unique filters and effects that you can preview before you take a snap. With simple and easy-to-use tools, you can add grain, blur, vignette, ratio, and other retro-styling flairs to your selfies.
Are you having a hard time picking what selfie to post? Combine those snaps and turn them into a collage with Retrica.
Download: Retrica for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
- AirBrush
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AirBrush app
AirBrush filter
AirBrush Makeup Filter
Say goodbye to your imperfections with this face filter app. AirBrush has everything that you need to look flawless with one click. This app has real-time editing tools to let you enhance your features before taking the picture.
It features a blemish remover, teeth whitening, eye brightening, body slimming, and more. AirBrush also has some color-correcting and natural-looking makeup filters if you’re having a lazy day.
Download: AirBrush for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
- Cymera
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Cymera app
Cymera filter
Cymera hair sticker
If you’re looking for a face filter app with a beautiful interface, have a peek at Cymera. This app has all the essential tools to create the perfect look. With real-time beauty camera filters, you’ll see your flawless face before you even click the button.
There are effects to smoothen skin, options to erase dark circles, stickers to add to your hair and makeup, and beauty filters to transform your bare face. On top of that, you can also try the unique camera lenses to upgrade your snap.
Download: Cymera for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
- VSCO
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VSCO filters
VSCO filters
VSCO vignette
VSCO is one of the most popular photo editor apps on iOS and Android. This app offers a set of stunning filters that take your selfies to a whole other level.
There are 10 free presets that you can adjust with a simple slider, but you can purchase more from the library of over 200 filters. The easy-to-use editing tools let you tweak and play around with the colors, brightness, exposure, sharpness, temperature, and more.
Conclusion
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