Freedom251 › Design, Video & Audio
Free and open first
Best Photo Viewer Software in 2026
Browsing a folder of images calls for different capabilities than editing them, so consider what you need to inspect and how you work. Compared on color management, RAW image support, and metadata viewing, these photo viewers also differ in contact sheets and side-by-side comparison. Supported platforms, free plans, and paid-from prices can help you narrow options for your setup. ImageGlass, XnConvert, and Geeqie are among the entries, along with nomacs. Consider which image details you want to see at a glance and whether you review collections or compare versions, then weigh those needs against the listed features.
- 34 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
ImageGlass
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1ImageGlass covers image browsing, metadata viewing, and basic edits, with a free Classic edition and paid Pro options. Check the listed platform requirements and Pro features against your needs.
- 2
Pineapple Pictures
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Choose Pineapple Pictures if you need a free image viewer with a Stay-on-Top reference window and broad format support across desktop systems.
- 3
Geeqie
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsGeeqie offers folder-based viewing and file organization alongside metadata, search and duplicate tools.
- 4
ApolloOne
Free plan MacApolloOne brings photo review, metadata search, and location tools into a Mac viewer, with batch workflows in Pro Edition.
- 5
FastStone Image Viewer
by FastStone Image ViewerFree plan WindowsFastStone Image Viewer brings image editing, collection handling, scanning, and slideshow tools into a Windows application.
- 6
feh
Free plan LinuxChoose feh if you want a free, configurable image viewer with command-line workflows, multiple viewing modes, and X11 background setting.
- 7
Free Photo Viewer
Free plan WindowsFree Photo Viewer focuses on viewing images and their metadata, with RAW support, slideshows and IPTC comments. The listed plan is free and the application is for Windows.
- 8
Gwenview
Free plan LinuxGwenview combines image viewing with basic editing, markup, and file actions in a free Linux application. Its remote-storage access and export options depend on KDE extensions and plugins.
- 9
nomacs
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsnomacs combines image browsing, basic adjustments, and comparison tools without a usage fee. Check the available build's format support and system compatibility before relying on it.
- 10
HawkView
Free plan WindowsChoose HawkView for personal Windows use if broad format support, metadata editing and slideshow export matter.
- 11
Image Eye
Free plan WindowsImage Eye is focused on viewing and browsing, with detailed adjustment controls and support for numerous image formats.
- 12
- 13
JPEGView
Free plan WindowsChoose JPEGView if you want a free Windows image viewer with broad format support and on-the-fly adjustments. Its portable archive option is useful if you prefer to run it without installation.
- 14
Loupe
Free plan LinuxLoupe offers image viewing, metadata inspection, and quick editing on Linux at no cost. Users can obtain the latest version through Flathub, with builds for two listed architectures.
- 15
PhotoQt
Free plan LinuxWindowsPhotoQt offers extensive format support and viewing features at no cost. Its image adjustments are basic and do not persist beyond the current session.
- 16
qView
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsqView focuses on image viewing with a minimal interface and includes browsing controls, format support, and configurable preferences.
- 17
nsxiv
Free plan Linuxnsxiv offers image browsing, thumbnail caching, and customization through configuration and scripts. Its Linux-only platform and build dependencies are important considerations.
- 18
Phiewer
Free plan MacChoose Phiewer if you want media browsing, file management and editing in a Mac app, with support for many formats and EXIF search.
- 19
JPEGView
Free plan WindowsJPEGView combines broad format support, folder slideshows, and live image adjustments in a free Windows package. Check the PSD limitation and unsigned MSI before choosing an installation method.
- 20
Pictureflect Photo Viewer
Free plan WindowsPictureflect combines image viewing with editing, metadata and batch tools on Windows.
- 21
Pixea
Free plan MacPixea brings media browsing, image adjustments, and video playback together for macOS. The free version has useful editing tools, but limits batch edits to three images.
- 22
Viewnior
Free plan LinuxViewnior covers viewing, basic edits, wallpaper setting, and metadata display in a free GNU/Linux application. Check your system’s GDK-PixBuf support for the image formats you need.
- 23
vimiv
Free plan Linuxvimiv offers image browsing and basic adjustments through a customizable, keyboard-oriented interface. Check the Python and Qt requirements, and note the maker's stability caveat about the Qt port.
- 24
FastRawViewer
Free trial MacWindowsFastRawViewer focuses on fast RAW assessment and file handling rather than broad editing.
- 25
BreezeBrowser Pro
Free trial WindowsBreezeBrowser Pro combines image selection, metadata work, basic adjustments, and presentation outputs in a Windows application.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
More in Design, Video & Audio
- Photo Watermarking Software33
- Pitch Correction Software25
- Pixel Art Software70
- Podcast Advertising Platforms24
- Podcast Analytics Software26
- Podcast apps55
- Podcast Clip Makers30
- Podcast Cover Maker Software35
- Podcast Guest Booking Software23
- Podcast Monetization Platforms31
- Podcast Recording Software22
- Podcast Show Notes Software22