Users switch for the one-time $69.99 price with no subscription. Gain: Feature parity for 95% of tasks, excellent performance, full PSD compatibility, and perpetual ownership. Trade-off: Smaller plugin ecosystem, less AI features, fewer learning resources than Photoshop.

Users switch because it's completely free and open-source. Gain: Zero cost forever, cross-platform (Linux/Mac/Windows), no subscription tracking or data concerns. Trade-off: Dated interface, steeper learning curve, slower development, no official support.

Mac users switch for the $49.99 one-time price and native Apple integration. Gain: Beautiful macOS-native interface, excellent performance on Apple Silicon, machine learning features. Trade-off: Mac-only (acquired by Apple), fewer advanced features than Photoshop.

Users switch for free browser-based editing with no installation. Gain: Works anywhere with a browser, opens PSD files, familiar Photoshop-like interface, completely free. Trade-off: Requires internet, ad-supported, limited to browser performance.

Professional photographers switch for superior RAW processing and tethered shooting. Gain: Better color science, faster culling workflows, perpetual license option available. Trade-off: Expensive ($299 perpetual or $179/year), less retouching tools, steeper learning curve.

Digital artists switch for free professional-grade painting tools. Gain: Superior brush engine, animation support, completely free and open-source, active development. Trade-off: Not optimized for photo editing, different workflow than Photoshop.