VSCO review
Film-inspired presets and a creative photo community
- VSCO
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
Does it deserve #8?
The verdict
VSCO is known for its film-inspired presets, and they still look great. The editor covers the essentials, and the app doubles as a low-key community for sharing photos. The catch is value: most of the best presets and tools sit behind a paid membership, and the editing depth trails Lightroom and Darkroom. Get it if you love a consistent film look across your feed.
- Film-inspired preset library
- Core photo and video editing
- Photo-sharing community
- Membership tiers for more tools
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Presets give a consistent, film-like look
- Clean, simple editing interface
- Low-pressure community for sharing work
What could be better
- Most presets and tools need a membership
- Editing depth trails dedicated editors
Photographers who want a consistent film look and a place to share it
you want deep RAW editing or local masking tools
Questions about VSCO
Is VSCO free?
VSCO is free to download with a small set of presets and basic editing tools. Paid memberships unlock the full preset library and more advanced creative tools.
Can VSCO edit videos?
Yes. VSCO can apply its presets and adjustments to video, though some video tools require a paid membership.
What are the best alternatives to VSCO?
The closest alternatives are Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed and Darkroom. See all of them ranked on our VSCO alternatives page.
Where does VSCO rank?
VSCO ranks #8 of 8 in our Photo & Video ranking, with an overall score of 7.8 out of 10.