Adobe Lightroom is a widely-used photo editing software specifically designed for photographers. The software offers a range of tools and features to organize, edit, and enhance digital photos. It is the primary choice of professionals and enthusiasts who want to enhance their photos. The software also comes with seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Although the software is really impressive, it is complex for beginners and is also resource-intensive. So, a lot of people look for alternatives. Several people also search for Adobe Lightroom alternatives due to pricing reasons. Lightroom is a subscription-based service where users will have to pay a monthly or annual fee. People with limited budgets do not find it affordable. If you are also searching for a good Adobe Lightroom, keep reading. In this article, I am listing the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives.
Also see: Best Photo Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Alternatives
1. Capture One Pro
Capture One Pro is a professional-grade photo editing software known for its powerful editing capabilities and exceptional image quality. It offers advanced tools for organizing, editing, and enhancing photos, making it a popular choice among professional photographers. Capture One Pro supports a wide range of cameras and provides excellent control over color grading and image adjustments.
Capture One Pro provides exceptional raw image processing capabilities. It also uses advanced algorithms for processing raw files and provides excellent image quality, color accuracy, and detail retention. The software offers several advanced adjustment options such as curves, levels, color grading, local adjustments, and masking tools. It also has extensive camera and lens support making it a good tool for professionals. It provides fast and stable connections with supported cameras.
Capture One Pro is priced at $299. You can also subscribe by paying $24 per month or $179 per year. You also get a free trial. Pricing makes it costlier than Lightroom Classic.
Pros:
- Outstanding RAW file conversion
- Unparalleled tethered workflow
- Powerful adjustment tools
- Layer-based editing
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Limited file organization
- Expensive
Platform Availability: Windows and macOS
2. Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is a feature-rich photo editing software that combines ease of use with powerful editing tools. It offers a wide range of filters, presets, and AI-powered features that simplify the editing process. Luminar’s interface is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners as well as more advanced photographers. It also includes advanced features like AI Sky Replacement and AI Structure for enhancing photos.
Luminar Neo comes with a wide range of editing tools and features. There are several AI-powered tools like AI Sky Enhancer, AI Accent, and AI Skin Enhancer for simplifying the editing process. It also includes advanced adjustment controls for exposure, color grading, tone mapping, and contrast. You also get special effects, textures, and creative filters for improving photos. The software also has AI features for sky replacement, portrait retouching, composition enhancement, and object removal. Luminar Neo also offers robust raw editing capabilities for basic adjustments and enhancements.
Skylum Luminar Neo is priced at $149.
Pros
- Unique AI photo-fixing tools
- RAW-editing
- Simple, pleasing interface
- Versatile built-in Presets
- Lots of adjustment tools, filters, and effects
Cons
- Some operations are slow
- No face recognition or keyword tagging
Platform Availability: Windows and macOS
3. DxO PhotoLab
DxO PhotoLab is known for its exceptional RAW processing capabilities and lens correction tools. It offers advanced features like PRIME denoising technology, which effectively reduces noise while preserving details in high-ISO images. DxO PhotoLab also includes local adjustment tools, smart lighting adjustments, and various presets to enhance your photos.
DxO PhotoLab uses DxO’s renowned optical corrections and noise reduction algorithms for reducing noise while preserving details,. It also comes with automatic lens correction profiles for a wide range of camera and lens combinations. It also offers features such as exposure and tone curve controls. The software also leverages its deep understanding of camera and lens characteristics to optimize raw file rendering, resulting in excellent image quality. It also includes exposure and tone curve controls along with control point technology, color management, smart lighting, and local adjustments. Although DxO PhotoLab’s organizational capabilities are not as extensive as Lightroom’s cataloging system, you get basic organizational features.
DxO PhotoLab is priced at $219.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Excellent picture quality
- A lens system that can be extended
- Sophisticated adjustment tools
- Geometry corrections
Cons:
- No HDR
- Pro version is expensive
- No HEIC/HEIF support
Platform Availability: Windows and macOS
4. ON1 Photo RAW
ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive photo editing software that provides a wide range of editing tools and effects. It offers a non-destructive workflow, advanced masking capabilities, and extensive photo management features. ON1 Photo RAW also includes AI-powered features like AI Auto Tone and AI Match, which simplify the editing process and help achieve consistent results.
Photo RAW offers tools for exposure, white balance, color grading, curves, and selective editing. It also has tools for portrait retouching, noise reduction, lens correction, and HDR merging. The software enables photographers to work with raw images by using tools for adjusting exposure, white balance, noise reduction, and lens corrections. It also comes with built-in layers and blending modes that make the software suitable for advanced compositing and creative editing. The software also has comprehensive organizational features to help manage and categorize your photos.
ON1 Photo RAW is available via one-time payment or with an ongoing subscription charged monthly or yearly.
Pros:
- Comprehensive editing tools
- Layer-based editing
- AI-powered tools
- Lens profile adjustments
Cons:
- No cloud storage
- Loading delays
- Some operations run slowly
Platform Availability: Windows and macOS
5. Darktable
Darktable is a free and open-source alternative to Adobe Lightroom. It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and supports a wide range of RAW file formats. Darktable’s interface is intuitive, and it provides features like non-destructive editing, tethered shooting, and powerful color grading tools. Despite being free, Darktable rivals many paid software in terms of functionality.
Like other software added to this list, Darktable also specializes in raw image processing. You can control exposure, white balance, color, noise reduction, and lens corrections. It also operates on a non-destructive editing model and keeps your original raw files remain untouched. Editing tools include exposure controls, curves, color adjustments, tone mapping, sharpening, and local adjustments. You also get masking, blending modes, and retouching tools. It also provides basic organizational features for managing your images using system-based organization.
Darktable is free open-source software.
Pros:
- Free
- User-friendly interface
- Powerful export system
- Repetitive tasks can be scripted
Cons:
- Limited RAW processing
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux
6. RawTherapee
RawTherapee is a free and open-source RAW photo editing software. It provides a wide range of powerful editing tools and supports various RAW file formats. RawTherapee offers advanced features like customizable algorithms for demosaicing and denoising, as well as precise color and tone adjustments. It also includes non-destructive editing, batch processing, and support for profiles and presets.
RawTherapee specializes in processing raw files from digital cameras. You get extensive control over various parameters such as exposure, white balance, color, and noise reduction. The software utilizes advanced demosaicing algorithms to extract maximum details. It saves all adjustments within the sidecar files. So, you can modify and experiment with your edits without permanently altering the original image data. It also offers features like exposure controls, curves, color adjustments, noise reduction, sharpening, lens correction, and selective editing through masks and gradients.
RawTherapee is free.
Pros:
- Free
- Limited features
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- No photo organization
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux
7. Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a powerful and affordable photo editing software that offers professional-level features. It provides advanced editing tools, precise selection tools, layer-based editing, and extensive retouching capabilities. Affinity Photo also supports a wide range of file formats and offers excellent compatibility with Adobe Photoshop files.
Affinity Photo comes with advanced editing tools, including advanced selection tools, layers, masks, curves, adjustment layers, blending modes, and retouching brushes. The software also provides robust tools for adjusting exposure, white balance, noise reduction, and lens corrections. Unlike Lightroom, Affinity Photo is primarily focused on editing and does not offer extensive cataloging and organizational features. Affinity Photo does support metadata editing, rating, and keywording to offer basic organization of your photos.
Affinity Photo is priced at a one-off payment of $69.99 on Windows or Mac. For iPad users, it costs $18.49.
Pros
- Perpetual license
- Excellent value for money
- Extensive retouching tools
- Non-Destructive Raw impressive
- Professional-level editing capabilities
Cons
- No image cataloging/image browser
- Could be too complex for beginners
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, and iPadOS
Each of the mentioned software options provides unique features and advantages compared to Adobe Lightroom. It depends on your budget, system, and requirements to decide what Lightroom Alternative you should pick. Each of the mentioned software options provides unique features and advantages compared to Adobe Lightroom. It depends on your budget, system, and requirements to decide what Lightroom Alternative you should pick. Capture One is an excellent Lightroom alternative for professionals. This software offers impressive photo editing and management tools. If you are looking for free options, RawTherapee and Darktable should be your choice.
