Ever tried removing a background from a photo and wanted to throw your computer out the window? Been there! These days, AI tools do all that tedious work automatically – no Photoshop degree required.
I’ve spent wayyy too many hours trying to cut out people from photos. Then I discovered these AI background removers. Game changer!
The Best Background Removal Tools (That I’ve Actually Used)
So here’s the deal – there are tons of these tools floating around online. I’ve tried most of them when working on my small Etsy shop (gotta make those product photos pop!).
Remove.bg – My Go-To for Quick Fixes
This one’s honestly scary good. You upload your pic, wait like 5 seconds, and boom – background gone. I was super skeptical at first but it actually works!
What it does well:
- Instant results (literally seconds)
- Handles batches of photos if you need
- Pretty accurate for most simple images
The not-so-great stuff:
- Free version gives you low-res images 😒
- Gets pricey if you need lots of high-quality downloads
- Sometimes struggles with very wispy hair
It costs about $9/month for the paid version, which is worth it if you’re doing this regularly. I use it for my online store and it’s saved me countless hours.
Clipping Magic – For When You Need More Control
This one’s a bit different – it lets you make tweaks after the AI does its thing. Like when Remove.bg messes up a bit, Clipping Magic gives you tools to fix it yourself.
I remember using this for a family portrait where my brother’s curly hair was giving the AI fits. The manual tools saved the day.
Good stuff:
- Combines automatic and manual editing
- Really good with tricky edges and hair
- More precise than fully automatic tools
Annoying bits:
- Free version adds those ugly watermarks
- Takes longer than pure AI tools
- Interface feels a bit clunky sometimes
It’s cheaper than some others at $3.99/month for the premium version. Worth checking out if you’re dealing with complicated images.
Slazzer – Fast and Pretty Accurate
Slazzer’s another solid option that I’ve used for product photography. It’s super straightforward – upload, process, download. Done.
My colleague swears by this one for his Amazon listings. Says it’s faster than anything else he’s tried.
The good:
- Works quick as lightning
- Handles different file types
- Batch processing saves tons of time
The bad:
- Free version? Watermarks (ugh)
- Need to pay for high-res downloads
- Not many manual options if it messes up
Pricing starts around $9.99/month, which is standard for these kinda tools.
Fotor – More Than Just Background Removal
Fotor’s got a bunch of editing tools beyond just removing backgrounds. I’ve used it to both remove backgrounds AND add new ones, which is super handy.
What’s cool:
- The AI works pretty well
- Super easy interface even for tech-challenged folks
- Let’s you swap in new backgrounds
What’s not:
- Their watermarks are especially annoying
- Free version is limited
- Sometimes needs more editing for perfect results
Costs about $8.99/month for the premium version – middle of the road pricing.
PicWish – Simple But Effective
I stumbled on PicWish while looking for something to use for my mom’s small business. It’s straightforward and gets the job done.
Pros:
- One-click removal that actually works
- Good for basic product photos
- Has a usable free version
Cons:
- Watermarks (sensing a theme here?)
- Premium required for decent resolution
- Complex images need some help
Starts at $9.99/month for the full version. Not bad if you just need something simple and reliable.
AI Cutout – Good Quality Results
This one delivers slightly better quality than some others I’ve tried. My designer friend uses this for client work and says the precision is worth it.
What works:
- Crisp, clean cutouts
- Fast processing
- Works with different image formats
What doesn’t:
- Limited resolution in free version
- Need to pay for batch processing
- Interface could be more intuitive
Premium starts at $5/month, which is actually cheaper than most competitors.
Photoshop Express – Adobe Quality, Easier Interface
If you’re intimidated by full Photoshop (I still am, tbh), Photoshop Express gives you Adobe’s tech without the learning curve. Plus it syncs with your Creative Cloud if you’re into that.
The good stuff:
- Powerful tools beyond just background removal
- Adobe quality results
- Cloud storage integration
The not-so-good:
- Free version is pretty limited
- $9.99/month feels steep for casual users
- Still more complex than some alternatives
Worth it if you’re already in the Adobe ecosystem. Otherwise, probably overkill.
Background Eraser – Basic But Gets the Job Done
This one’s nothing fancy but works in a pinch. I’ve used it when I just needed something quick and wasn’t too worried about perfect results.
What’s decent:
- Super simple to figure out
- Has both auto and manual options
- Quick for simple images
What’s meh:
- Watermarks in free version
- Struggles with complex edges
- Limited features
Premium is cheaper than most at $3.99/month. Good budget option.
InPixio – All-In-One Photo Editing
I found InPixio when looking for something that could do more than just backgrounds. It handles enhancement too, which is nice for one-stop editing.
What I like:
- Easy enough for beginners
- Does more than just backgrounds
- Background replacement options built in
What I don’t:
- Those darn watermarks again
- Limited without paying
- Some tools feel basic
Premium is pretty affordable at $5.99/month if you need the extra features.
Canva – For The Full Design Package
If you’re already using Canva for design (who isn’t these days?), their background remover is surprisingly good. Plus you can immediately use those images in your designs.
The good:
- Super intuitive interface
- Works within your design workflow
- One tool for multiple needs
The bad:
- Limited uses in free version
- Full version is pricier at $12.99/month
- Not specialized just for background removal
I use this one the most simply because I’m already paying for Canva Pro for my business.
Lunapic – Totally Free But Dated
I used Lunapic years ago when I was a broke college student. It’s completely free and still works, but feels like using internet tools from 2010.
Pros:
- Completely free!
- No account needed
- Has tons of effects beyond background removal
Cons:
- Interface is… let’s say “vintage”
- Can be slow
- Results aren’t as clean as paid options
Worth trying if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the dated feel.
GIMP – For The Tech-Savvy
GIMP is basically free Photoshop. It’s powerful but has a learning curve steeper than my driveway (and I live on a hill).
What’s great:
- Completely free and open-source
- Incredibly powerful
- Total control over the process
What’s not:
- You’ll need tutorials
- Interface feels cluttered
- Takes longer than AI tools
I used this before AI tools existed and still keep it installed for occasional detailed work.
My Personal Take
After trying literally all of these tools (my credit card hates me), I’ve settled on a combo approach. I use Remove.bg for quick, easy stuff and Canva’s tool when I’m already making designs there. For truly tough images where quality matters, I’ll use Clipping Magic.
The technology behind these tools is honestly amazing – what used to take me an hour now takes seconds. If you’re selling products online, creating social media content, or just want to make some fun photo edits, these tools are absolutely worth checking out.
Just remember most free versions have limitations – usually low resolution and watermarks. But even the paid versions are WAY cheaper than hiring a professional photo editor!
