Published January 15, 2025 · 5 min read
Best Background Remover for Photoshop Users
If you already use Photoshop, you might wonder: should I use Photoshop's built-in background removal, or a third-party AI tool? Here's an honest comparison.
Photoshop's built-in tools
Remove Background button
Photoshop has a one-click "Remove Background" button (in the Properties panel with a selection active, or via Select → Subject). It uses Adobe's AI (Adobe Sensei) to detect the subject.
Strengths: Fast, integrated, decent on common subjects.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent on complex edges (hair, transparent objects). Requires Photoshop subscription ($22–$60/month).
Select Subject
More control than Remove Background. Select → Subject picks the main subject; you can then refine the selection with Quick Selection or Refine Edge.
Strengths: More precise than one-click.
Weaknesses: Requires manual refinement.
Pen tool
Manual, precise, slow. The Pen tool is still the gold standard for difficult selections (logos, fine edges).
Strengths: Maximum precision.
Weaknesses: Takes 5–30 minutes per image. Requires skill.
Refine Edge / Select and Mask
Powerful tools for refining selections. Especially good for hair and complex edges.
Strengths: Best-in-class for difficult edges when used by an expert.
Weaknesses: Steep learning curve.
Third-party AI tools
AI background removers like remove.bg, PhotoRoom, and BG Remove are trained specifically on background removal. Their edge detection on hair, fur, and semi-transparent objects often exceeds Photoshop's built-in tools.
When to use what
Use Photoshop when:
- You need pixel-perfect precision (product catalogs, print)
- The subject is complex (transparent objects, layered items)
- You need to composite the result into another image (you're already in Photoshop)
- You have an active Photoshop subscription
Use BG Remove when:
- You need speed (10 seconds vs 5 minutes)
- You're working on high volumes
- You don't have a Photoshop subscription
- The subject is standard (person, product, animal)
- You're using a device without Photoshop (mobile, Chromebook)
The hybrid workflow
The fastest professional workflow is often hybrid:
- Remove background with BG Remove (10 seconds)
- Download the transparent PNG
- Open in Photoshop
- Refine edges using Select and Mask, Pen tool, or clone stamp
- Composite into final design
This uses AI for the 90% that's easy and Photoshop for the 10% that needs precision. Time saved: 3–8 minutes per image.
Cost comparison
- Photoshop: $22.99/month (Photography plan) or $59.99/month (All Apps)
- BG Remove: Free
- remove.bg: ~$0.20–$2 per image for full resolution
- PhotoRoom: $9.99–$19.99/month
- Adobe Express: Free with Adobe ID; premium $9.99/month
Technical considerations
Resolution
Both Photoshop and BG Remove preserve full resolution. There's no quality loss from using BG Remove — the output PNG is at the original resolution.
Transparency
BG Remove outputs true transparency (alpha channel). This is compatible with Photoshop's native format.
Color profiles
If your image uses a non-sRGB color profile (Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB), you should convert to sRGB before processing with AI tools. BG Remove assumes sRGB.
Batch processing
Photoshop supports batch actions. BG Remove processes one image at a time (batch is on our roadmap). For large volumes, use the Photoshop batch workflow or contact us for API access.
Recommendations by use case
Product photography for Amazon
BG Remove's AI output + Photoshop for final cleanup. Fast and quality.
Portrait retouching
BG Remove for background, Photoshop for skin retouching. Best of both.
Logos and text
Photoshop (Pen tool or Refine Edge). AI struggles with vector-style content.
Complex compositing
Photoshop throughout. The workflow is naturally in Photoshop, so AI adds friction.
Quick social media graphics
BG Remove alone. You don't need Photoshop for a clean cutout in a Canva template.
Frequently asked questions
Is Photoshop's background removal good enough?
For simple subjects, yes. For hair, fur, and complex edges, third-party AI tools usually produce better results with less manual work.
Does BG Remove output work with Photoshop?
Yes. The PNG files are compatible with Photoshop and preserve transparency. Open them like any other PNG.
Can I automate BG Remove in a Photoshop workflow?
Not directly, but you can use BG Remove's API to script background removal before opening in Photoshop. Contact partners@bgremove.site for access.
Is it worth paying for Photoshop just for background removal?
No. If background removal is your only need, use BG Remove (free) or a cheaper alternative. Photoshop is worth it if you need its full suite of editing tools.