7 Best Filter Apps for Selfies and Photos 2025

A quick selfie, solo or with friends, is something you’ll probably end up cherishing more than you realize. In the moment, it might not seem like much. But later, when you scroll through your profile and stumble on that one photo from that one random day, it hits differently. It brings back emotions you didn’t even know were attached to it. So regardless if it’s for the future you or the present-day perfectionism, you want your selfie to look as in the moment and contemporary as possible. Filters are really helpful in this regard. These best photo filter apps free to set the mood, notch-up the vibe, and give your picture that little something extra so everyone gets the feel of the day just by looking at it.

Our picks for the top free filter apps aren’t just based on what kind of overlay you can slap onto a photo. It goes a little deeper than that. Filters in filter app today have evolved, they don’t just set the tone, they shape the whole aesthetic, smooth out details, add effects, and sometimes even tell a story. So when narrowing down the top 7, we looked at more than just color tones. We picked based on what people are really searching for:

 – What’s the best filter app free for selfies?

Well, the answer may be subjective to your needs. But for selfies, you’ll want an all-encompassing filter that matches your specific aesthetic at just the right level. In this regard, BeautyPlus offers a dynamic range that can work for almost anyone. Other than that, Snapchat and Instagram have built-in filters for you to explore.

 – What’s the best face filter app for those subtle glow-ups?

For subtle enhancements, BeautyPlus is a solid option since it allows you to control exactly how much change you want. TikTok filters offer a similar experience, which makes them great for quick, on-the-go video edits.

 – What’s the best funny face filter app when you just want to be unhinged with your friends?

Snapchat is pretty versatile with its range of unique filters, but if you’re after more fun or unhinged face filters, apps like YouCam Fun, Banuba, and FaceApp can be worth checking out too.

 – And what’s the best vintage filter app that actually gives you that old-school film vibe without feeling try-hard?

For those chasing vintage aesthetics, there are plenty of film camera apps solely dedicated to that aesthetic. Some of the best ones include Huji Cam, Dazz Cam, and Calla, all of which bring that retro film look straight to your phone.

These seven photo filters app hit those marks and a few even go beyond.

BeautyPlus

BeautyPlus is both an app and a website, and just like it’s an all-rounder in how we use it, it doesn’t fall short when it comes to overlay filters either. On the app, you’ll find a wide range of classic filters that enhance your photos with just the right aesthetics. From vintage aesthetics to the bohemian effect, you can get all in one click.

There are free filters like Polaroid camera, Holiday, Movie, and tons of others that lean into everything from Sakura hues to vintage film looks. You’ll also find themed overlays for portraits, outfits, travel scenes, food and even those slightly creepy edits if you’re in a more chaotic mood. 

Popular filters:

• Natural (Bare 2)
• Polaroid Camera (Polaroid 3)
• Sakura (FJ1)
• Movie (NST 4)
• Color (BNT 2)

Pros:

• Great for both aesthetics and practicality.
• Realistic and hyper realistic results.
• Web + app versions give you flexibility depending on how you’re editing.
• Extra editing features like retouch, makeup, and background remover built in.

Cons:

• Some of the filters need premium access for download. 
• Too many choices can sometimes be a little overwhelming if you just want a quick edit.

Instagram

Instagram is a social media app. We all know that. But while it was originally known for photo posts, now it’s all about videos, reels, and lives. And Instagram makes sure to give you filters that match that evolution. You could be filming a quick story, going live, or just posting a casual selfie, there’s always a filter ready to cast the exact energy you’re going for.

Popular filters:

• Clarendon
• Rise
• Juno
• Hefe
• Ludwig

Pros:

• Instant access, built right into your camera while you’re taking the shot.
• Huge variety of community-made AR filters, from beauty to bizarre.
• Great for stories, reels, and lives with auto-beautify.
• No need to leave the app to post.

Cons:

• Can’t tweak the filter intensity as much as some dedicated editors.
• Once you post it, you’re stuck with the filter unless you delete and re-upload

VSCO

VSCO had its time to shine, especially post-2010, when the whole “VSCO girl” filter trend blew up and everyone was hyping it. But it’s way more versatile than the aesthetic it got known for. It’s not just about soft tones and grainy vintage vibes anymore; VSCO filters have range. You can use them for bold edits, minimal tones, or even professional-grade color grading depending on how deep you go with the tools.

Popular Filters:

• A6
• C8/C9
• HB1/HB2

Pros:

• Iconic aesthetic filters, soft tones, minimal vibes, film looks.
• Very clean interface and smooth editing experience.
• Great for moody travel, food, and lifestyle shots.
• Option to save filter “recipes” for consistent editing.

Cons:

• Most filters are locked in the paid version.
• Not really built for selfies or playful filters.

Dazz

Dazz Cam, although it started off as your better camera substitute to take aesthetic pictures, quickly turned into a filter heaven. You might just get tired choosing between filters, there’s literally endless options. From retro film looks to Y2K flashcore, it’s got every aesthetic packed in. You could do anything from recreating a disposable camera feel or getting that grainy, time-stamped chaos..

Popular filters: 

• Retro 1988
• Polaroid flash
• Distorted TV

Pros:

• Filters that scream vintage, retro, Y2K, disposable film.
• Has its own camera so you can shoot and filter in one go.
• Video support is decent for aesthetic vlogs and short edits.
• You’ll never run out of filters to try.

Cons:

• Can be a little glitchy or slow to export sometimes.
• Filters lean heavy on the “aesthetic” which is not always good for everyday shots.

Snapseed

Right off the bat, when you open a photo in Snapseed, the first option you’re hit with is filters. The options may be versatile, but they lean more toward subtle, moody tones than anything dramatic. Also, you get very little control over the degree of the filter you want on the photo; it’s kind of an all-or-nothing situation. That said, Snapseed makes up for it with its other tools, like selective editing and healing, but as far as filters go, it’s not the most customizable experience.

Popular Filters:

• Drama
• Vintage
• Noir
• Grunge
• Portrait

Pros:

• Fully free, no annoying paywalls or ads.
• Classic filters like “Drama” and “Vintage” that still hold up.
• Lightweight app and runs well even on older phones.
• Integrated with advanced manual tools like curves and selective adjust.

Cons:

• Filter range is limited and not updated frequently.
• Little to no control over filter strength.

Polarr

You’ll find that Polarr has all the filters you’d expect from any photo editing app: portrait, landscape, film, black and white, etc. but with a whole lot more versatility. It doesn’t just stop at presets. Polarr lets you create your own custom filters or even import ones made by other users. So even if you somehow can’t find something you vibe with in their already expansive library, you’ve still got the freedom to experiment and build your own look from scratch. It’s basically a filter playground for anyone who wants more control.

Popular Filters:

• Fujifilm Pearl
• Willow Makeup
• Dazz Cam codes

Pros:

• Super versatile: portrait, landscape, black & white, cinematic.
• You can create your own filters or import others.
• Great UI that balances simplicity with control.
• Light on storage and works offline too.

Cons:

• Some pro features are locked unless you go premium.
• Can have a bit of a learning curve at first if you’re new to editing.

Adobe Lightroom

If every other editor is playing checkers, Adobe Lightroom is playing chess with filters. Sure, it has presets and not just any presets, but ones that are versatile, adjustable, and crafted with pro-level finesse. You get full control over the tones, shadows, hues, and everything in between, making color grading feel less like editing and more like storytelling. What makes it even better is that you can create your own filter looks, save them, and apply them across multiple photos in one go. Major time-saver, especially if you’re aiming for that perfectly consistent aesthetic.

Popular Filters:

• Film packs
• Moody RETRO
• Lifestyle influencer sets

Pros:

• Total control over everything, tones, hues, shadows, whites, contrast.
• Let you make and save your own presets like a pro.
• Syncs edits across multiple photos to speed up your workflow.
• Amazing quality and results that look straight out of a magazine.

Cons:

• Takes a little time to learn if you’re used to simpler apps.
• Some features only work best if you’re also editing RAW images.

These picks for the best photo filter apps give you a wide range of filters to play with and while we’ve narrowed it down to seven, the good news is they’re all free to use (at least for the basics). So go ahead, download them all if you like and dive into the fun without spending a dime.