10 Best Apps to Blur Background for Stunning Photos

Ever captured a moment with your phone, wishing it had that dreamy, professional touch of a DSLR? You’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll explore the best background blur app for android and iOS.

Now, we didn’t just throw darts at the app store to pick these gems. 

We chose them based on some serious criteria: App Store and Play Store ratings, user reviews, and key unique features of each app.

But wait, there’s more! 

This blog isn’t just a list of apps. We’re also going to show you how to pick the right blur background app, and how to use these apps like a pro. 

Plus, we’ve got a special treat for you — a bonus tip on the latest AI technology to blur photo backgrounds and how to use AI to get that perfect blur.

So, let’s dive in and see which ones are worth your download!

Top 10 Apps to Blur Photo Backgrounds in 2024

 1. LightX

LightX AI can be a handy tool for adding background blur to your photos. It lets you easily adjust the focus on your subjects while softening the background. This feature can really boost the overall look of your images, making them appear more polished.

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.2 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Free AI-Powered Background Blur for instant, high-quality results.
  • Automatic Subject Detection using advanced AI technology.
  • Refinement Tools like Magic Brush and Magic Erase.
  • Adjustable Blur Intensity for customizable depth-of-field.
  • Soft Focus Appeal for various image types, enhancing visual appeal.

 2. Snapseed

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.2 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Lens Blur for adjustable blur strength and customizable focus areas.
  • Precise control over the blur effect.
  • Smooth transition from focused to blurred areas for a natural depth of field.

 3. YouCam Perfect

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.8 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Background blur effect with adjustable intensity.
  • Tools for selective focus to keep the subject sharp.
  • Combines background blurring with beautification features.

 4. PicsArt

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.2 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Paid BG Blur option for automatic background blur.
  • Multiple blur types: Gaussian, Lens, Motion, and Radial.
  • Precise control over blur intensity.

5. PhotoDirector

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Automatic detection of objects, people, and pets for precise blurring.
  • Various blur types including Gaussian, lens, and radial effects.
  • Customizable blur tools with circular and linear options.

 6. FaceTune

• Availability: iOS  and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.6 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.1 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Automatic subject detection for precise background blurring.
  • Various blur styles, including Gaussian and radial effects.
  • Adjustable blur intensity and customizable brushes.

 7. Fotor

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 4.1 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Automatic subject detection for precise background blur.
  • Multiple blur styles, including Gaussian, radial, and tilt-shift effects.
  • Adjustable blur intensity and customizable brush tools.

 8. Focos

• Availability: iOS only
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Automatic background blur with realistic bokeh effects.
  • Built-in camera for adjustable depth of field, simulating DSLR quality.
  • Various simulated aperture diaphragms for different bokeh spot effects.

9. Pixlr

• Availability: iOS and Android
• App Store Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.1 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Blur tool for applying and adjusting background blur effects.
  • Options for general or selective blurring.
  • Combines background blurring with other editing tools.

10. Blur Photo Editor

• Availability: Android only
• Google Play Store Rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Key Features:
  • Multiple blur effects, including Gaussian, radial, and linear.
  • AI technology for automatic background detection and blurring.
  • Adjustable blur intensity and selective blur tools.

With these amazing apps at your fingertips, you’re now equipped to blur backgrounds like a pro. Each app offers unique features and tools to help you achieve the best blur background for both iPhone and android users.

We know! Choosing the best one can feel overwhelming—so many great options! Don’t worry, We’ve got your back. 

Let’s explore how to choose the perfect app for blurring backgrounds. We’re here to help you find the ideal app to blur your pictures!

Blurry Backgrounds But Clear Choices: How To Choose The Best App For Background Blur?

Blurring backgrounds is not a new technology, and many apps seem to offer similar features. However, what truly sets these apps apart are Innovation and User Experience.

Innovation and Technology: Go for photo blur apps that use AI and machine learning, to make editing more precise and automated.
These advancements can make a huge difference in the app’s performance. They give your photos that pro look with less effort.

User Experience: The best apps have clean, intuitive interfaces that make navigation a breeze.
Features should be right there—one click, and bam, your job should be done. No digging through menus or hunting for options just to apply a simple background blur. Beyond these main points, here are a few other things to keep in mind (because who doesn’t love a good checklist?):

When picking an app, make sure to check out Performance and Quality. Look at how good the blur effect is—some apps just make your photos look more natural and professional. See how the app handles tricky backgrounds and keeps the picture looking great. 

Also, think about the Customization Options. Decide how much control you want over your edits. Find apps that let you change the blur intensity, use different brushes, and have other tools to play with. Otherwise, it’s just like using the regular portrait mode. 

And don’t forget about Support and Updates. Choose an app from developers who keep updating it with cool new features and offer help if you get stuck. This way, you’ll always have the latest stuff and someone to help you out if you need it.

How the Best Background Blur Apps Work

Using the best free photo editing app to blur backgrounds is straightforward and user-friendly.

Now that you know what to look for in a blur background app, let’s explore how the best ones actually work. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide using LightX as an example: 

• Open the App:
  Download and install the LightX app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  Open the app and scroll down to the ‘Portrait Tools’ to select the ‘Blur Background’ tool.
• Upload Your Photo:
  Choose the photo you want to edit from your gallery. Supported file formats include JPEG and PNG.
• Automatic Subject Detection:
  LightX’s Blur Background tool uses AI to automatically detect the subject of your photo. It highlights the main subject and blurs the background for you.
• Adjust the Blur Intensity:
  Use the Intensity slider in LightX’s Blur Background tool to customize the level of blur in the background. Slide it to the right to increase the blur and to the left to decrease it, making the background as sharp or as soft as you like.
• Refine the Blur Area:
  If needed, use tools like the “Magic Brush” to manually refine which areas are blurred or kept sharp. This helps you make precise adjustments to your image.
• Save the image:
  Once you’re happy with the blur effect, tap “Save” to export the edited photo to your gallery or share it directly on social media.

Learn more: /blog/how-to-blur-the-background-of-a-photo

And just like that, you’ve got beautifully blurred backgrounds and stunning photos. Thanks to LightX, making your pics look professional is a breeze! Now, let’s take it up a notch with a tip on how AI can make this job even easier and more effective.

Bonus Tip: How to Maximize AI for Effortless Background Blurring

To get the most out of AI for blurring backgrounds, use apps like LightX that have “Auto Blur” features. These tools automatically spot the subject and apply a perfect blur to the background with just one tap. 

After that, tweak the blur intensity using AI adjustments to make it look natural. 

For tricky backgrounds, let the app’s advanced AI do its thing to keep everything looking top-notch. 

Make sure to keep your app updated to enjoy the latest AI features and improvements. Give these AI tools a go, and watch your photos become effortlessly awesome!

Phone’s Portrait Mode vs. Background Blur Apps

Reading this blog, you might be wondering, “Why bother to use apps to blur background when my phone’s portrait mode can do the job?”

 It’s a fair question, but blurring backgrounds isn’t just about making your photos look good—it’s about making them look great. 

Sure, the portrait mode on your phone can blur backgrounds. It’s already built-in, so you don’t need to download anything extra. Plus, it’s quick and easy to use. So, why do you need app to blur images in 2024?

While the portrait mode on our phones can blur backgrounds, it can’t provide the same level of control and creativity.

Not to mention, it’s typically designed for close-up shots and might not work well for wider scenes.

Background blur apps can transform a regular photo into a portrait mode style, but you can’t revert pictures taken in portrait mode back to regular ones. Therefore, it’s recommended to take standard photos and then use apps to apply background blur.

Dedicated blurring apps usually produce higher-quality blurs that look more natural and professional compared to the sometimes fake-looking effect of phone cameras. 

To help you see the difference, here’s a quick comparison between using an application for background blur and your phone’s Portrait Mode:

Aspect	Photo Editing Apps (Blur Background)	Portrait Mode
Control	Greater control over blur intensity, area, and style	Limited control; typically a uniform blur
Flexibility	Can blur backgrounds in any photo, regardless of how it was taken	Only applies blur when taking photos in Portrait Mode
Selective Blur	Ability to selectively blur different parts of the image	Uniform blur; less creative flexibility
Adjustments and Corrections	Allows for refinements and adjustments to the blur effect	Limited adjustments after photo is taken
Layering Effects	Can combine blur with other effects like color adjustments and filters	Cannot layer effects beyond basic adjustments
Compatibility	Works with images from any camera, including DSLRs and smartphones	Only available on specific devices with Portrait Mode
Undo and Redo	Provides undo and redo options for experimentation	No undo options; changes are often final
High-Resolution Editing	Maintains high resolution of photos during editing	Resolution might be reduced depending on device and settings
Accessibility	Available on mobile and desktop platforms	Limited to devices with Portrait Mode capability
Artificial Look	Can achieve natural-looking blurs with fine-tuning	Often creates artificial blur, especially around subject edges
Inconsistent Performance	Consistent quality regardless of lighting or background complexity	Performance varies with lighting and background complexity
Limited Flexibility	Suitable for all types of scenes and subjects	Best for close-ups; struggles with wider scenes
Processing Time	Edits can be done at your own pace without impacting capture speed	Slower capture speed due to additional processing time
Storage and Battery Usage	Less impact on battery and storage when editing	Higher battery and storage usage
Editing Options	Highly flexible and reversible edits	Limited flexibility; blur effect is baked in
Dependence on Software	Independent of device-specific software limitations	Relies on device’s software; bugs can affect quality

By now, it’s pretty clear that dedicated blurring apps are the superheroes, and Portrait Mode is just their trusty sidekick. 

The Bottom Line: Why You Should Totally Go for Blurring Apps

Blurring the background is not just a fancy trick; it’s a powerful technique that can elevate the quality of your images in ways you might not have imagined.

Blurring the background will make your main subject stand out, giving your photos a cool, professional look called bokeh. 

It will hide messy or distracting backgrounds, add depth and dimension, and even improve lighting. 

You’ll be able to get creative with different blur effects to make your photos unique. 

Apps like LightX will make it super easy to blur backgrounds with just a tap, letting you adjust and fine-tune specific areas.

To sum it all up, with these apps, you’ll be editing photos anytime, anywhere, and transforming them into stunning images effortlessly.

Give blurring apps a try, and you’ll see just how incredible your photos can look with minimal effort!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do these apps offer customer support if I encounter issues?

Yep, many popular apps like LightX have customer support through FAQs, user guides, and options like email or chat. Just check the app’s support section for details.

2. Are there any limitations on the file size or resolution of photos that can be edited?

Some apps do have limits on file size or resolution, especially in free versions. Check the app’s specs to see if there are any restrictions. 

3. How can I share my edited photos directly from these apps?

Most apps let you share your edited photos straight to social media, email, or messaging apps with built-in sharing options.

4. Can I use these apps to blur backgrounds in real-time while taking photos?

Nope, these apps usually don’t offer real-time background blurring while you’re taking photos.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using apps to blur backgrounds?

Avoid over-blurring the background, not refining the edges around the subject, and ignoring light and shadows. Keep it subtle for a more natural look.

6. Can these apps be used for professional purposes, such as business or marketing?

Absolutely! Many of these apps including LightX are great for professional use, making your business presentations, marketing materials, and social media content look top-notch with high-quality blurred background photos.