IrfanView, FastStone, or Nomacs – Instead of Microsoft Photos?
I started using IrfanView because it was fast. Then I added FastStone for organizing and batch edits. Nomacs came last, clean interface, accurate colour, works across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Now I use all three, depending on the job. If you’re managing lots of images or just want a better way to view and edit them, these are worth a look. Here’s what I’ve learned and what users are saying.
IrfanView
IrfanView loads fast, handles nearly every format, and lets you batch-convert folders in seconds. It looks basic, but it’s rock-solid for quick previews and edits — especially if you work with lots of files.
I use it when I need speed — flipping through dozens of images, checking exports, or cleaning up folders without touching a heavier app.
FastStone Image Viewer
FastStone gives you a smoother interface, fullscreen previews, and built-in editing tools like red-eye removal and annotation. Great for sorting folders, checking metadata, and comparing shots side by side.
If you work with 3D renders or product shots, its side-by-side view and EXIF display make a big difference.
Nomacs
Nomacs is open-source and works on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It feels modern, reads RAW files, respects colour profiles, and syncs across screens if you’re comparing versions. It’s slower to update, but clean and capable.
It’s the one I reach for when I’m switching between systems or checking visual consistency — especially with large renders or export files from 3D work.
Quick Recommendation
- IrfanView works best if you want speed, batch tools, and a no-frills viewer that opens anything instantly — even on older machines.
- FastStone suits you if you need fullscreen previews, quick edits, and a smoother way to browse and sort large image folders.
- Nomacs is ideal if you prefer a cleaner interface, care about colour accuracy, or work across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
If your workflow already includes tools like 3ds Max and V-Ray, a viewer like IrfanView or Nomacs can speed up how you check files in between edits.
IrfanView
Best for lightning-fast viewing and batch editing
⭐ 4.6 / 5 average from tech users
What stands out:
- Opens huge files instantly — even on old PCs
- Works with almost any image format
- Batch rename, resize, convert in seconds
- Plugins add more features if you need them
- Keyboard shortcuts = fast workflows
What users say:
“According to me, it is the best image viewer available on the internet till date. The performance is just tremendous, it can open almost all the formats…” — G2
Cons:
- Interface is outdated
- Takes time to find the features
- Editing tools are basic
FastStone Image Viewer
Best for organized browsing and fullscreen previews
⭐ 4.7 / 5 on SnapFiles, Download.com
What stands out:
- Fullscreen mode with pop-out tools
- Batch convert, rename, or email photos
- Compare images side-by-side
- Read EXIF data and sort files by folder
- Red-eye removal, drawing, cropping, more
What users say:
“Rarely do you find a program that offers this much quality in freeware. I use it every day to manage pictures for my online business. It does everything I need. — SnapFiles
Cons:
- Interface needs a refresh
- Slower than IrfanView for huge folders
- No Unicode support in some filenames
Nomacs
Best for cross-platform users and colour accuracy
⭐ 4.5 / 5 on SourceForge
What stands out:
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
- Modern, clean interface
- Accurate colour rendering (great for RAW)
- Open multiple images side-by-side
- Batch resize, format convert, explore folders
What users say:
“Finally, a viewer that handles RAW properly.” — Reddit
“Faster and more accurate than FastStone.” — Hacker News
Cons:
- Slower updates, less active dev cycle
- Can lag with very large files
- Slight learning curve in menus
Which Should You Pick?
- IrfanView is my go-to when I’m working with large folders or just need to flip through images fast. It’s basic, but it never slows down.
- FastStone comes in when I’m reviewing shots, renaming files, or doing light edits before a handoff. The fullscreen mode and side-by-side comparison save time.
- Nomacs is what I use when I’m switching between systems or working with RAWs. It feels modern, handles colour well, and keeps things clean.
Comparison: IrfanView vs FastStone vs Nomacs
Speed
- IrfanView: Instant — even on older machines
- FastStone: Fast, with richer UI
- Nomacs: Fast for most files, lags with some RAW
Interface
- IrfanView: Functional but outdated
- FastStone: Intuitive, but still looks XP-era
- Nomacs: Clean and modern
Editing tools
- IrfanView: Crop, resize, rotate
- FastStone: Basic edits + annotations
- Nomacs: Basic edits + batch processing
Format support
- IrfanView: Huge range via plugins
- FastStone: RAW support built-in
- Nomacs: RAW, WebP, PSD — good across OS
Best for
- IrfanView: Speed + batch processing
- FastStone: Viewing and organizing folders
- Nomacs: Accurate viewing + cross-platform use
Platform
- IrfanView: Windows only
- FastStone: Windows only
- Nomacs: Windows, macOS, Linux
Licensing
- IrfanView: Free for personal and commercial use
- FastStone: Free for personal use only
- Nomacs: Open-source, fully free
Conclusion
IrfanView, FastStone, and Nomacs each earned a spot in my workflow. I don’t use them the same way — but together, they’ve replaced everything I used to rely on Photos for.
Test one. Open a folder you use often. See which one handles it better. Then tell me what surprised you — your feedback might save someone else time, clicks, or both.
FAQs
Which image viewer is the fastest to open large image folders?
IrfanView opens folders instantly, even on older systems. It’s lightweight and designed for speed — great for large photo sets.
Can I batch-edit or rename files with these tools?
Both IrfanView and FastStone support batch rename, resize, and format conversion. Nomacs supports batch tasks too, but with fewer options.
Do any of these image viewers work on Mac or Linux?
Nomacs works on Windows, Linux, and macOS. IrfanView and FastStone are Windows-only.
Can I do quick edits like crop, rotate, or adjust colour?
All three let you crop, rotate, or adjust brightness and contrast. FastStone also has drawing tools and red-eye removal.
What’s the best alternative to Microsoft Photos for basic use?
If you want pure speed and simplicity, IrfanView is best. If you prefer a friendlier interface with more features, go with FastStone.
