GIMP I don't think is really better by any metric except it's being free. As far as Photoshop alternatives go, I'm not sure which if any are actually decent for photo editing, but if you're using it as an art program, Krita is pretty good
I have used GIMP for more than half my entire life, I have also used Photoshop quite a lot due to my school handing out free licenses since forever back but I strongly prefer GIMP, especially with my own customizations.
I've used both but prefer Photoshop also the adrenaline rush of wondering whether I'll have to re install windows after downloading a possibly virus infested installer is too good