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Luminar Neo alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Luminar Neo

The most popular alternative to Luminar Neo is Adobe Lightroom, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Luminar Neo are Capture One, Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro, and darktable.

Most alternatives to Luminar Neo are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Luminar Neo alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
7 apps

All Luminar Neo alternatives

  1. Adobe Lightroom

    Adobe Lightroom is a non-destructive photo editor and organizer for processing RAW files, adjusting color and light, and managing large libraries with ratings, keywords and AI-based search. The cloud-based Lightroom syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile, while Lightroom Classic keeps catalogs on the local disk. Presets, masking and AI removal tools serve both enthusiasts and professionals.

    9 Adobe Lightroom alternatives

    Pros

    • Non-destructive RAW editing with powerful masking
    • Library tools with ratings, keywords and AI search
    • The cloud version syncs edits across desktop, web and mobile

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual license
    • Choosing between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic can be confusing
    • Cloud storage adds to the cost for large libraries
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Color gradingCross-device syncNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Lightroom

  2. Capture One

    3.5(330) · App Store

    Capture One is a photo editing and asset management application known for its RAW color rendering and tethered shooting, used in studio, fashion and commercial photography. It offers layer-based local adjustments, advanced color editing, sessions and catalogs for organizing shoots, and live sharing tools for clients. It runs on Windows and macOS, with an app for iPad and iPhone.

    7 Capture One alternatives

    Pros

    • Renowned RAW color rendering and advanced color tools
    • Fast, reliable tethered shooting for studio work
    • Layer-based local adjustments and session workflows

    Cons

    • Pricing is high for hobbyist photographers
    • Steep learning curve for newcomers
    • Fewer mobile and cloud features than Lightroom
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Color gradingLayersNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Capture One

  3. Adobe Photoshop

    4.5(94.4K) · App Store

    Adobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.

    12 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard for retouching and compositing
    • Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
    • Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials

    Cons

    • Subscription only, which adds up over time
    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Demanding on hardware with large files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Background removalDigital paintingImage generationLayersPlugins & extensionsRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Photoshop

  4. Pixelmator Pro

    4.4(561) · Mac App Store

    Pixelmator Pro is an image editor designed for macOS that brings photo editing, retouching, illustration and graphic design into one app. It offers non-destructive layer-based editing, RAW processing and machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising, background removal and automatic enhancement. Pixelmator was acquired by Apple in 2024, and the app is sold on the Mac App Store.

    9 Pixelmator Pro alternatives

    Pros

    • Native Mac design with a clean interface
    • Machine learning tools for upscaling, denoising and background removal
    • Combines photo editing, painting and vector design

    Cons

    • No version for Windows or Linux
    • Fewer plugins and pro integrations than Photoshop
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Mac
    Features
    Background removalLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingUpscalingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Pixelmator Pro

  5. darktable

    13.3Kstars

    darktable is a free, open source photography workflow application that acts as a virtual light table and darkroom for RAW files. It offers non-destructive editing with a scene-referred pipeline, parametric and drawn masks, color calibration tools, tethered shooting and a tagged image library. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS and suits photographers who want advanced RAW processing without a subscription.

    6 darktable alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source RAW processing with no subscription
    • Scene-referred pipeline with advanced masks and color calibration
    • Runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, with tethered shooting

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve and a dense interface
    • No mobile apps or cloud sync
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Color gradingNon-destructive editingPhoto library managementRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about darktable

  6. Affinity

    Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

    12 Affinity alternatives

    Pros

    • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
    • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
    • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

    Cons

    • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
    • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
    • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Affinity

  7. RawTherapee

    4.2Kstars

    RawTherapee is a free, open source program for developing RAW photos on Windows, macOS and Linux. It focuses on image quality, with several demosaicing algorithms, advanced noise reduction, color management and detailed tone and color tools, all applied non-destructively through processing profiles. It includes a file browser and batch queue but no catalog, so it suits photographers who organize files themselves.

    6 RawTherapee alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source RAW development with fine-grained controls
    • Several demosaicing algorithms and advanced noise reduction
    • Batch queue and processing profiles for consistent results

    Cons

    • No catalog or library management
    • Technical interface with a steep learning curve
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Color gradingNon-destructive editingRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about RawTherapee

Luminar Neo vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Luminar Neo, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Luminar Neo vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBackground removalLayersPhoto enhancementRAW photo editingUpscaling
Luminar NeoFree trialWindows, Mac
Adobe LightroomFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Capture OneFree trialWindows, Mac, iPhone
Adobe PhotoshopFree trialWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
Pixelmator ProPaidMac
darktableFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Luminar Neo alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Luminar Neo?

The most popular alternative to Luminar Neo is Adobe Lightroom: Photo editing and library management for photographers, on desktop and mobile. Other great alternatives are Capture One, Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro, and darktable.

Is there a free alternative to Luminar Neo?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Adobe Lightroom, darktable, Affinity, and RawTherapee.

Is there an open source alternative to Luminar Neo?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including darktable and RawTherapee.

Is Luminar Neo free?

Luminar Neo is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Luminar Neo with its alternatives

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