Background eraser apps on the iPhone help isolate the object from the background. Although the portrait mode on iPhone is arguably the best, sometimes blurring the background fails to make the cut. Let’s take a look at some of the best apps to remove the background from an image.
1. VistaCreate: Graphic Design – Editor’s choice
VistaCreate: Graphic Design app is more than a background eraser app. It is a full-fledged graphic design app, rich with various templates, editing features, and even royalty-free photos. Background removal is pretty simple, load the image, tap Remove background and wait for the magic. Its background removal is so precise that it can even separate hair strands and doesn’t affect the quality of the image. Looking at the refined performance, I would suggest this app even for those who want to create posts on social media with good graphics. The best part is that this and many other features are free to use. If you want more, you can take the flexible subscription plans spread across monthly, quarterly, and annual. Even if you decide not to take a subscription, the free use of the app is not limited to any time frame. You might consider this a pro or con, but the app has a UI similar to Canva, so it doesn’t have a steep learning curve. Although I have one complaint, it doesn’t have a desktop version or a Mac app. Price: Free (Subscriptions start at $9.99)
Precise background removal Many free designs Easy to use Flexible subscription plans
No desktop app
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2. Magic Eraser Background – Editor’s choice
Magic Eraser Background Editor touts an impressive set of features. You get the usual Erase, Restore, Invert Mask, and Red Eye feature. In my opinion, the biggest draw of this app is the Magic Wand feature. It lets you choose a target area for erasing the background. Thanks to the automated background area removal tool, erasing background is super easy and fast. Some features like triangle and square brushes, shadow tools, and more pattern backgrounds are limited to the premium version. Price: Free (Subscription starts at $9.99)
Easy to use Better precision Magic wand feature
Intrusive ads
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3. Background Eraser: Superimpose – Fine-tune with manual options
Background Eraser is one of the best background removal tools. It not only lets you remove the background but also adds new ones to the image. You also get a great set of image editing tools, including crop, contrast, saturation, exposure, and more. We suggest you get acquainted with a few quirks of Background Eraser. Upload an image and open the Remove menu. Next up, use Erase option to remove some parts of the background. However, avoid using it to erase the edges of the objects as it lacks accuracy. The undo button will help rectify mistakes. Finally, use the Offset option to erase edges around the object. Be careful as you could end up erasing parts of the object. Once done, you can use new background images, and the app will superimpose the object. On the accuracy front, Background Eraser has plenty of room for improvement. Price: Free (Subscription starts at $9.99)
Good image editing tools Stock background images in free version Superimpose the image on any background
Lacks accuracy Time-consuming
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4. Pages – Remove image background for free
As surprising as it may sound, the Pages app lets you remove background from an image. Most importantly, it is entirely free, and you don’t have to deal with pesky ads. Open the Pages app and add an image. Tap the + icon → select Photo or Video → choose the image. Now, tap the image → Edit/Paintbrush icon at the top. Hit Instant Alpha from the pop-up menu. Now with steady hands, drag the tool across the image to erase the background. I hate to say this, but the accuracy is not that great. The resulting image is transparent, and you can save it directly on your phone. You can add some much-needed flair with the help of Style templates.
5. Apowersoft Background Eraser – Best paid background eraser
Apowersoft works flawlessly not only in automatically detecting and erasing the background of objects but also of human portraits and signatures. The cutout accuracy is extremely high (even hair strands are nicely separated). If you detect some error, you can even manually edit the image.
Pre-installed iOS app. Free of cost
Lacks edge detection No option to restore image
The process is so uncomplicated that even an amateur wouldn’t have any issues navigating. You can also add multiple images and select the background color of the added images. Further, you can create a passport image in different sizes as per your region. Another unique feature is “Blurry Portraits Cleaner,” which sharpens blurry images. However, the only con is that you need its subscription plan. Although the app is available for free to download, you can’t save the image without buying its paid plan. So, if your work involves a lot of background erasing, the tool is value for money. Price: Subscription starts at $3.99*
Clean interface Highly accurate Automated Process Sharpen blurry images
Paid
Note: This app supports bulk editing. It offers discounts for buying 1000 images($0.02 per image), annual and quarterly subscriptions. Download
6. Adobe Spark Post – Background removal at its best
Adobe has designed Spark Post with social media in mind. The photo editor app flaunts some funky editing features and tons of animations to choose from. The background remover feature on Spark Post is currently in beta and, thus, is available for free. All you need to do is follow some simple steps to erase the background from the image. Tap the + button and select the image from Photo Library. Next up, tap the image and choose Restore Background from the Edit option. The app will take a couple of seconds to work its magic and automatically remove the background from the image. The best part is that the automatic background removal process is completely automated! Price: Free (Subscription starts at $9.99/month).
Best image editing tools Automated background removal Optimization for social posts
Background remover feature is in beta. After exiting beta, it will be exclusive to paid users
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7. Canva – Automatic background removal
Canva’s popularity soared high owing to its simple interface and template-based editing features. Unknown to many, Canva offers a robust background image removal tool. However, it is available in the paid version, namely – Canva for Enterprise, Canva for Education, and Canva for Nonprofits users. Follow the steps below to remove the background from an image.
Tap the image you want to edit Head over to the editor toolbar and select Effects. Choose BG Remover from the edit menu.
Once processed, the app will automatically remove the background from the image. Erase and restore brushes help improve the results. Price: Free (Subscription starts at $12.99/month)
Automated process High accuracy
Available only on the premium version
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Bonus: Removal.ai – Best online background removal app
If you don’t want to download an app, online background eraser tools are the best bet. I tried out several options and finally settled on Removal.ai. The tool lets you create a transparent background for any image on your iPhone. The entire process is speedy, and you get a clean, transparent image in about 5 seconds. Removal.ai lets you erase and restore images. Furthermore, you also get basic editing options, including text, image resizer, background color options, and blur. You only get to preview results in the free version. If artificial intelligence doesn’t make the cut, you can hire Removal.ai’s manual editors with 24 hours turnaround time. Price: Free (Subscription starts at $5.99).
No need to install the app Get help from manual editors Easy to use
Only preview option for free users Sluggish while handling higher resolution images
Check it out A word of caution Unfortunately, App Store is plagued with scam apps. These apps promise the moon with fake features and end up ripping you off with exorbitant subscription fees. While researching, I discovered that many background removal tools are scam apps. I would suggest using the app’s free version before shelling out money for the premium version. Read more:
PicWish review: Magically remove background from images How to blur the background in FaceTime video calls Best photo editing apps for iPhone and iPad How to edit Live Photos on iPhone (Just in 5 steps)
