When you're shopping for creative photo video audio software, GIMP is a go-to open-source editor, and you can now pick up a physical copy for Windows without a subscription. The core editing power is similar between these two editions, so the main trade-offs come down to the physical medium, system requirements, and listed price. This head-to-head looks at the GIMP 2024 Photo Editing Software CD and the GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro Graphic Design software on a USB drive.
Quick verdict
Choose the GIMP 2024 CD if you want the lower listed price and don't mind installing from a disc. Choose the GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro USB if you prefer a flash-drive install and are willing to pay $6.13 more. Both are lifetime-licensed, brand new, Windows 10/11 installers in English.
Listed price and format comparison
| Product | Format | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIMP 2024 Photo Editing Software CD | CD | USD 9.86 | |
| GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro | Flash Drive | USD 15.99 |
Where the GIMP 2024 CD wins
The GIMP 2024 CD is the lower-priced option in this comparison. It provides layers, masks, RAW processing, and GPU-accelerated performance, and can be installed from disc with no internet required after setup. This is useful if you need to work on an offline machine.
Where the GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro wins
The GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro is the higher-priced option, but it comes on a USB flash drive, which is easier to use on modern laptops that lack disc drives. It also specifies a minimum processor speed of 1 GHz, giving you one more system requirement to compare. The edition offers tools for exposure adjustment, retouching, and original artwork, making it a practical choice for photographers, artists, marketers, and students.
Product notes
GIMP 2024 Photo Editing Software - Graphic Design, Image Enhancement & More CD
The CD edition is the lower-priced way to get a lifetime-licensed GIMP for Windows 10/11. It comes on CD and includes the disc only without a box. It offers layers, masks, RAW processing, and GPU-accelerated performance, plus the ability to restore old photos. This is a solid pick if you know your computer has an optical drive and you want the lowest listed price. Just remember that you'll need to use a CD drive for installation.
GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro Graphic Design - Photo Editing Software for Windows
The USB flash drive edition is the higher-priced option, but the extra cost buys a more convenient install medium. You don't need a disc drive, and a minimum processor speed of 1 GHz is listed for this version. It includes tools for retouching portraits, adjusting exposure, and creating original artwork. The package includes the USB drive only, with no box. If you value the portability of a flash drive, this is the edition to choose.
Final choice by use case
Go with the GIMP 2024 CD if you want to spend the least listed amount and have a CD drive available. Go with the GIMP 3 (2026 Edition) Pro USB if a flash drive is more convenient for your setup and you're okay with the higher listed price.
