IOPaint vs ComfyUI
An open-source image editing tool (formerly Lama Cleaner) that removes objects, people, text and watermarks from photos using AI inpainting — and can replace or expand parts of an image. Runs locally, free and private.
🧠 Expert verdict
Our expert verdict: ComfyUI is the stronger all-round choice, scoring 4.7/5 versus 4.5/5 for IOPaint, and it stands out for "Total control via node-based pipelines". Choose ComfyUI if you want the best image tool overall, especially for advanced image generation; pick IOPaint if "Remove objects, people & watermarks" matters more for your workflow.
IOPaint
An open-source image editing tool (formerly Lama Cleaner) that removes objects, people, text and watermarks from photos using AI inpainting — and can replace or expand parts of an image. Runs locally, free and private.
ComfyUI
A powerful node-based interface for Stable Diffusion and open image/video models. ComfyUI lets you build custom generation pipelines visually — total control over every step — the open-source favorite of serious AI artists.
IOPaint
✅ Pros
- +Remove objects, people & watermarks
- +AI inpainting & outpainting
- +Runs locally & free
- +Open source
- +Simple browser UI
❌ Cons
- −Needs a GPU for best speed
- −Local install required
- −Fewer features than Photoshop AI
- −Results vary by image
ComfyUI
✅ Pros
- +Total control via node-based pipelines
- +Runs Stable Diffusion & open models locally
- +Huge community & custom nodes
- +Free and open source
- +Private, offline generation
❌ Cons
- −Steep learning curve
- −Needs a good GPU
- −Not beginner-friendly vs Midjourney
- −Setup and node management required
🎯 Best for — IOPaint
🎯 Best for — ComfyUI
🏷️ Tags — IOPaint
🏷️ Tags — ComfyUI
Our Verdict
After comparing ratings, pricing and features, ComfyUI comes out ahead with a 4.7/5 rating. It is the better choice for most users.
Expert take on each tool
📌 IOPaint
IOPaint (formerly Lama Cleaner) is the go-to open-source image cleanup tool: remove objects, people and watermarks or expand images with AI inpainting, all locally and free. A private, no-subscription alternative to paid photo editors.
📌 ComfyUI
ComfyUI is the most powerful open-source image-generation tool of 2026: a node editor that gives serious artists total control over Stable Diffusion and open models, running locally and free. Harder than Midjourney to learn, but unmatched for control and privacy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: IOPaint or ComfyUI?
ComfyUI has the higher user rating (4.7/5 vs 4.5/5), making it the stronger overall pick. That said, IOPaint can still be the better fit depending on your budget and specific needs — see the full comparison above.
Is IOPaint or ComfyUI cheaper?
IOPaint (Free / Open Source) and ComfyUI (Free / Open Source) sit at a similar price point. The best way to compare actual cost is to check each tool's plans for the specific features and usage limits you need.
Can I switch from IOPaint to ComfyUI?
Yes — switching between IOPaint and ComfyUI is usually straightforward since both are image tools with similar core workflows. Most users can export their data and get started with ComfyUI within a day; just check ComfyUI's free plan before committing to a paid tier.