Top 10 Apps to Blur Backgrounds of Photos | Free & Paid Tools
From a personal perspective, app to blur background not only enhances visual appeal but also facilitates creative expression. Whether aiming to emphasize portrait details or create a dreamy atmosphere, a good background blur app can help realize these visions. With hundreds of options vying for your attention, the crucial question becomes: which ones genuinely stand out, delivering superior performance and aligning perfectly with your unique requirements?
After rigorous testing of numerous leading tools, evaluating their performance against stringent criteria, we're excited to spotlight Aiarty Image Matting as our top recommendation.
Solution: Blur Background precisely using Aiarty Image Matting. No more lagging or battery drain issue.
Aiarty Image Matting is preferred with its intelligent background blurring and precise subject isolation. Designed to address common mobile editing challenges—such as small screens making intricate edges like hair difficult to refine and high-resolution processing causing lag and battery drain—Aiarty ensures a smooth, efficient experience on PC and Mac.
Top 10 App to Blur Background Review [Tested]
Dive into our comprehensive review of the top 10 background blur apps for iOS and Android. Discover which ones deliver professional-looking results with just a few taps.
1. Blur Photo Background
- Platform: iOS 12.0+.
- Pricing: Free (offers in-app purchases).
- Rating: 8.4/10.
- Best for: Users seeking fast and effortless background blur effects.
Blur Photo Background is designed for quick and efficient background blurring with minimal effort. The app provides a simple interface where users can easily apply blur effects with swipe gestures. Its "Blur Intensity" slider allows precise control over the blur strength, ensuring smooth transitions between sharp and blurred areas.
The app also offers advanced tools like the "Portrait Mode" effect, which automatically detects faces and applies professional-looking background blur. For manual adjustments, users can use the brush tool to refine edges and focus points. Additional editing features such as brightness, contrast, and saturation adjustments are also included.
- Intuitive interface ideal for beginners.
- Auto-detection simplifies background blurring in portrait photos.
- Includes essential editing tools beyond blur effects.
- Fast and efficient performance for on-the-go edits.
- In-app purchases required for some advanced features.
- Limited precision compared to professional photo editors.
- Does not support RAW image editing.
- No batch processing functionality.
2. Snapseed
- Platform: iOS 13.0+; Android 7.0+.
- Pricing: Free (no ads or in-app purchases).
- Rating: 9/10.
- Best for: Casual users and hobbyists seeking quick, intuitive background blurring.
Developed by Google, Snapseed remains a gold standard for free mobile photo editing. Its "Lens Blur" tool simulates DSLR-like depth-of-field effects with adjustable radial or linear gradients, letting users control blur intensity and focal points. The app to make background blur also features selective editing brushes for refining specific areas (e.g., sharpening eyes while blurring backgrounds).
Unlike many AI-driven tools, the app to blur background emphasizes manual control, making it ideal for users who prefer hands-on adjustments. It supports RAW file editing and integrates seamlessly with Google Photos for cloud backups. Recent updates added HDR Scape presets and improved edge detection for smoother transitions between blurred and focused zones.
- Completely free with no ads, watermarks, or subscriptions.
- Non-destructive editing: Revert changes anytime without losing original quality.
- Advanced tools like Healing Brush and Perspective Correction alongside blur effects.
- Works offline—no internet required.
- Cross-platform sync via Google Photos.
- No AI automation: Requires manual masking for complex subjects (e.g., hair, foliage).
- Limited batch processing: Cannot blur multiple images simultaneously.
- No video support: Focused solely on photos.
- Lacks modern AI features like auto-subject detection.
3. Adobe Photoshop Express
- Platform: iOS 14.0+; Android 9.0+.
- Pricing: Free (premium: $9.99/month).
- Rating: 8.5/10.
- Best for: Creators needing cross-platform compatibility and basic-to-mid-level editing.
Adobe Photoshop Express condenses the power of its desktop sibling into a mobile-friendly app. Its "Blur" and "Tilt-Shift" tools let users apply background blur with adjustable intensity, while premium subscribers unlock AI-powered background removal and advanced filters. The app supports RAW files—a rarity in mobile editors—and integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud for seamless project syncing across devices.
The 2024 update introduced AI Auto-Blur to the app to blur background free, which detects subjects and applies context-aware blurring automatically. Social media creators benefit from pre-sized templates for Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, though heavy edits may slow performance on older devices.
- RAW file support for professional-grade editing.
- Adobe ecosystem integration: Syncs with Lightroom and Creative Cloud.
- Social media templates for quick, platform-optimized posts.
- AI Auto-Blur (premium) simplifies complex edits.
- Frequent updates with new filters and tools.
- Premium paywall: Key features like AI blur require a subscription.
- Resource-heavy: Lags on devices with <4GB RAM.
- Limited manual masking: Less precise than Snapseed or Pixelmator.
- No layer support: Restricts advanced compositing.
4. AfterFocus
- Platform: iOS 12.0+; Android 6.0+.
- Pricing: $3.99 (one-time purchase).
- Rating: 8/10.
- Best for: Photography enthusiasts wanting DSLR-like depth control.
AfterFocus specializes in realistic bokeh effects, offering both manual and AI-driven modes. Users can draw focus areas with a brush or let the app auto-detect subjects. Unique "Motion Blur" adds dynamic streaks to backgrounds, mimicking camera panning effects. The app exports images up to 8K resolution, making it a favorite for print-ready edits.
While its interface feels dated compared to rivals like Focus by Lightricks, the app to blur background appeals to purists who value granular control over blur gradients and light falloff. A new update added custom bokeh shapes (hearts, stars) but lacks AI edge refinement for complex subjects.
- One-time purchase—no subscriptions or ads.
- Motion Blur for creative, action-focused edits.
- 8K export retains detail for large prints.
- Manual controls for blur radius and opacity.
- Lightweight app (<50MB install size).
- Dated UI: Steep learning curve for beginners.
- No AI edge detection: Struggles with fine details like hair.
- Limited sharing options: No direct social media integration.
- Rare updates compared to competitors.
5. PicsArt
- Platform: iOS 13.0+; Android 7.0+.
- Pricing: Free (premium: $13/month).
- Rating: 8.5/10.
- Best for: Social media creators needing all-in-one editing.
PicsArt blends background blur tools with a vast library of AI effects, stickers, and collages. The "Focus" tool of apps to blur out background offers preset blur styles (Bokeh, Motion, Tilt-Shift) and manual brushes for selective adjustments. The app’s standout feature is its community-driven content—users can remix trending templates or share edits publicly.
Premium subscribers access AI Background Generator, which replaces blurred areas with dynamic landscapes or patterns. But the app to blur background free bombards users with ads, and heavy edits often crash on budget phones.
- All-in-one toolkit: Blur, collage, text, and AI art tools.
- Trending templates updated daily for viral content.
- Remixable community posts for collaborative editing.
- AI Background Generator (premium) enhances creativity.
- Cross-platform sync via PicsArt account.
- Aggressive ads disrupt workflow in the free version.
- Overwhelming interface: Cluttered with non-essential features.
- Performance issues on low-end devices.
- Watermarks on free exports.
6. PhotoRoom
- Platform: iOS 14.0+; Android 8.0+.
- Pricing: $4.99/month or $35.99/year (Free tier with limitations).
- Rating: 8.5/10.
- Best for: E-commerce sellers, content creators, and social media users needing quick, AI-powered background edits.
PhotoRoom leverages advanced AI subject detection to isolate and blur backgrounds instantly, making it a go-to app to blur background free for product photography and social media content. Its one-tap background blur feature applies realistic bokeh effects, while adjustable intensity sliders allow users to fine-tune the depth of field. Recent updates introduced Enhanced Edge Refinement, improving accuracy around challenging details like hair, jewelry, and fabric textures. The app also includes pre-designed templates optimized for Instagram, Amazon listings, and ads, streamlining workflows for businesses.
Complex edits (e.g., multi-subject images or intricate patterns) require an internet connection for AI processing, and the subscription model may deter casual users.
- Delivers clean subject-background separation with minimal manual input.
- Adjust intensity and choose from Gaussian, Bokeh, or Motion blur styles.
- Templates with blurred backgrounds for product shots.
- Instantly visualize edits without lag, even on mid-tier devices.
- No granular brush tools for refining edges.
- Sometimes creates artificial-looking blurs.
- Exports include branding unless upgraded.
7. Canva
- Platform: Web, iOS 14.0+, Android 8.0+.
- Pricing: Free (Pro: $12.99/month).
- Rating: 9/10.
- Best for: Designers and marketers creating branded content.
Canva’s "Background Blur" tool prioritizes simplicity over customization, offering a one-click solution ideal for quick social media posts. Pro users unlock AI Background Remover and Magic Resize of the app to blur background of photo to adapt blur edits across platforms. The app to blur background shines in team collaboration, allowing real-time editing and feedback via shared workspaces. Its library of 100M+ stock photos and templates integrates blurred backgrounds seamlessly into posters, flyers, or ads.
However, blur intensity cannot be fine-tuned, and offline access is restricted to downloaded projects.
- Drag-and-drop simplicity for non-designers.
- Team collaboration with shared folders and comments.
- 100M+ stock assets (photos, videos, fonts).
- Brand Kit integration (Pro) for consistent visuals.
- Web and mobile parity for cross-device editing.
- Basic blur controls: No gradient or selective adjustments.
- Internet dependency: Most features require connectivity.
- No RAW support: Limits professional use.
- Watermarked exports in the free plan.
8. Pixelmator
- Platform: macOS Big Sur+; iOS 15.0+.
- Pricing: $4.99/month or $39.99/year.
- Rating: 8.5/10.
- Best for: Pro editors needing desktop-grade precision on mobile.
Pixelmator brings desktop-level editing to mobile with ML Super Resolution and layer-based workflows. Its "Depth Blur" tool uses machine learning to simulate 3D camera effects, adjustable via a depth map. The app supports Photoshop PSD files, making it a bridge for professionals transitioning from desktop. Apple Pencil users benefit from pressure-sensitive brushes for precise masking. The downside? The subscription model of the app to blur background frustrates one-time purchasers, and the lack of Windows/Android support limits accessibility.
- Photoshop PSD compatibility for layered edits.
- ML Super Resolution upscales blurred images without artifacts.
- Apple Pencil support for detailed masking.
- Depth maps for realistic 3D blur effects.
- Full RAW and TIFF support.
- No Windows/Android version.
- Steep learning curve for non-professionals.
- Subscription-only: No lifetime license.
- No AI auto-detection: Manual masking required.
9. Blur Photo Editor
- Platform: Android 7.0+.
- Pricing: Free (with ads).
- Rating: 7.5/10.
- Best for: Android users wanting a no-frills blur tool.
This minimalist app focuses on privacy-centric blurring, letting users pixelate or blur sensitive details like faces, license plates, or text. Radial, linear, and motion blur tools are included, though adjustments are basic compared to Snapseed.
The pixel-level brush allows pinpoint accuracy, but the lack of AI assistance means complex edits take time using the app to blur background. Ads frequent the free version, and there’s no iOS counterpart.
- Free with no sign-up required.
- Privacy-focused: Ideal for censoring sensitive info.
- Lightweight: Installs in seconds on low-end devices.
- Manual brush for precise blurring.
- No internet permissions—works entirely offline.
- Ad-heavy interface.
- No AI tools: Fully manual editing.
- Basic export options: Max 1080p resolution.
- Android-exclusive: No iOS or web version.
10. FaceTune
- Platform: iOS 13.0+; Android 8.0+.
- Pricing: Free (Premium: $9.99/month).
- Rating: 8.5/10.
- Best for: Influencers and portrait artists perfecting skin and backgrounds.
FaceTune’s "Defocus" tool blurs backgrounds while enhancing facial features with AI Skin Smoothing and Teeth Whitening. Its edge detection avoids the "halo effect" common in cheaper apps, preserving hair and accessory details. The recent update added "Background Studio", offering 200+ replaceable blurred backdrops.
However, the app to blur background focuses on portraits, which makes it less suitable for product or landscape edits, and subscription costs add up quickly.
- Portrait-specific AI for flawless skin and hair detailing.
- Background Studio with replaceable blurred backgrounds.
- One-touch presets for Instagram aesthetics.
- High-resolution exports (up to 4K).
- Frequent tutorials and community support.
- Expensive premium plan.
- Overkill for non-portraits: Weak object/landscape tools.
- No video support.
- Heavy retouching can look unnatural.
Desktop Dominance: Aiarty Outshines Apps to Blur Background
For precision and power in background blurring, desktop wins. Aiarty Image Matting leverages your PC's robust processing for flawless, detailed results, unlike resource-limited mobile apps. With features like intelligent matting, customizable blur styles, and precise control, the software allows users to highlight subjects and eliminate distractions for any occasion, from portraits to product shots, delivering high-quality results with ease.
- Compatibility: Available for Windows 10+ and macOS (Apple Silicon/Intel CPU).
- Image Quality: 9/10 perceptual output rating.
- Formats Supported: JPG, PNG, RAW, WebP, TIFF, and more.
- Pricing: Freemium for casual users.
- Best For: AI art, photography, web images, and digital creations requiring high-definition output and batch processing.
Aiarty Image Matting uses cutting-edge AI to create smooth, natural background transitions while keeping the subject in sharp focus. This ensures a DSLR-quality depth-of-field effect without professional equipment or technical expertise. Just enhance portraits, product images, and creative shots with professional-level background blurring. Perfect for e-commerce, social media, and personal photography. You can take full control with 8 customizable blur effects.
Read also: How to Blur the Background of a Photo on iPhone.
Key Features of Aiarty Image Matting:
- 4 AI Models for Intelligent Matting
- 320K HQ 4K Training Dataset
- 3 Advanced Edge Refinement Algorithms
- 4 Manual Brushes for Custom Adjustments
- 5 Built-in Effects for Instant Enhancement
- Auto Focus on Subject with Background Blur
Free download Aiarty Image Matting for Windows or Mac:
How We Tested the Best Apps to Blur Backgrounds
To identify the best app to blur background, we rigorously evaluated 9 highly recommended tools across a range of scenarios. Our goal was to highlight apps that excel in realism, usability, and adaptability while catering to diverse user needs—from casual photographers to professionals.
We tested each app against four distinct image types to assess performance in real-world conditions:
- Portrait with Complex Edges: A close-up photo with intricate hair/flyaways and a busy background.
- Product Shot with Reflections: A glossy object against a cluttered backdrop to test edge detection on hard surfaces.
- Low-Light, Noisy Image: A dimly lit photo with graininess to evaluate noise handling during blurring.
- AI-Generated Art: A detailed digital artwork with intricate patterns to assess adaptability to non-traditional images.
After 50+ hours of testing, we prioritized apps that delivered natural-looking blurs without "halo effects" around subjects.
Conclusion
Whether you're aiming for a professional portrait effect, enhancing privacy, or eliminating distractions, apps like Focos, Blur Photo Editor, and Adobe Photoshop offer powerful tools to achieve stunning results. For bulk, smooth, natural background transitions, try Aiarty Image Matting. When choosing the right app, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and platform compatibility.
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This post was written by Brenda Peng who is a seasoned editor at Digiarty Software who loves turning ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. With AI assistance from DeepSeek for brainstorming and drafting, the post is reviewed for accuracy by our expert Abby Poole for her expertise in this field.
