Instagram
A free app that allows the user to play around with filters and image modifiers before posting to a variety of social networking Web sites like Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Foursquare. The app has been designed for both the iOS and Android. Google Play

Instagram the photo sharing apps company's journey has so far been delusional. April this year will be a historic month for it.

The company launched its long-awaited Android app and soon after it was sold to Facebook for a whopping $1 billion. It crossed over 40 million users within the first 10 days after the debut of the Android app, which was the icing on the cake!

The company API reported that it had one million Android downloads on its first day that has now jumped 10 million total users in that time frame.

But is Instagram really the best and the most beautiful photo sharing app for your iPhone and Android phones? Check out some other similar apps that we believe are equally good and can give tough competition to Instagram.

Please note, the list is not on the basis of significance.

1. Pixlr-o-matic

Pixlr-o-matic is a popular photo app offering over 2 million combinations to make your photos look spectacular.

Known to be the best editing app on smartphones, this app is available for both iOS and Android devices as well as Facebook and Chrome browser.

The app has just received an update and the latest Version 2.1 brings in some new features such as the one click square crop, upgraded effects engine for improved stability and new effects and improvements on performance for high resolution images.

Download Pixlr-o-matic for iOS devices and Android devices.

2. Picplz

Like Instagram, picplz is also a social photo sharing app that lets you share photos on your favourite social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Posterous and Foursquare accounts as well as blogs.

Picplz includes several filters that can be applied to your photos. The latest free photo filter pack includes great effects like the Instant Film effect, Russian Toy Camera, The 70s, & High Contrast Monochrome.

This app can be used both on the iOS and Android devices.

Download Links

Android and iDevice

3. Hipster

Hipster lets you create and send beautiful photographic postcards and these cards create a real-time, visual record of locations and events all around the world.

Hipster works with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPod Touch running iOS 4.0 or higher. With this app you can choose your postcard style from 10 gorgeous themes and share them on the social networking platform.

The latest 1.5 version of Hipster has added SSL and opt-in alert for all data transfers with Hipster's server and access to phone's contact list. The app has also revamped some of its least-loved themes.

This app is available for only iOS devices. (Download link)

4. Adobe Photoshop Express 2.0

Adobe Photoshop Express 2.0 is mainly an app for editing, touching up and enhancing images. The one touch effects of the app let you crop, rotate or adjust color of your already existing photos with just a simple drag of your finger. You can undo and redo changes until you get the look you want. A copy of your original file is always saved.

The latest 2.1 version fixes some bugs that previously existed in the last version and also lets you explore different looks for your photos by choosing from 22 new borders and frames.

Download Links

Android users

iDevices (Adobe Photoshop Express 2.0 is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later)

5. Streamzoo

Winner of the 'Best Android Photo Sharing App' on 2011 Best App Ever Awards, Streamzoo is a free, fun and easy way to create and share beautiful photos.

According to MakeUseOf.Com, Streamzoo is the best alternative to Instagram.

Streamzoo helps you share, organize and discover #streams of mobile photos and videos. The latest 2.4 version makes filters, borders and other features available offline without login and sets individual items as private, viewable only to the person uploading them.

Download Links

Android devices

iDevices

6. Lightbox Photos

Available only on the Android platform, the Lightbox Photos app is more than just a filter app. This app helps you enhance photos from your Android camera with effects and share them with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Lightbox.com.

The Lightbox Photos app works with other Android photo app and lets you import photos saved from photo editors such as Pixlr-o-matic, PicSay, Little Photo and Photoshop Express.

Download Link for the Android devices

7. Retro Camera Plus

Retro Camera Plus offers five cameras, five vignette styles and several processing effects such as film scratch and cross processing effects for that off-the-hip analog look.

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch (4th generation), iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iPad (3rd generation) and iPad Wi-Fi + 4G. Requires iOS 4.0.2 or later and with all Android devices.

Download links

Android devices

iDevices

8. Tadaa

This app has received a 5-star rating from all around the world. Tadaa comes with over 21 different filters and loads of in-depth editing tools. It has a super fast HD Cam and is an editing tool and photo sharing app that promises to meet demands of serious photo lovers.

The app is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and requires iOS 4.2 or later.

Download Link for iDevice

9. Path

Path, the popular social network that competes with the likes of Instagram, allows only 150 friends to share your pictures with. You can upload your pictures directly to the network for sharing, and edit them with one of the eight free filters. Why only photos? You can also share your thoughts, the music you're listening to, where you are, who you are with and other updates.

Download Links

Android devices

iDevices

10. Flickr

The most popular social photo site and the best possible competitor of Instagram is Flickr. The latest mobile version lets you shoot, upload and geo-tag your photos. The app with its easy-to-use interface works as a simple tool for storing photos and also lets you apply few titles, descriptions, comments and tags and also lets you share with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or e-mail. One missing feature in this great app is its editing tool.

Download link

Android devices

iDevices

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