Photo editing programs allow both amateurs and professionals to make corrections to the raw footage captured by their digital cameras, by removing the errors therein.
One can remove background (green screen effect) with the help of these programs, remove noise from images, sharpen them, blur them, and have lots of other options.
When thinking about such programs, Adobe Lightroom is the first that comes to mind. However, it does not run on versions of Windows lower than version 10 (1709 or later) and also demands the latest versions of the Macintosh operating system too.
In addition to the above is Adobe's hefty price. It then becomes clear to understand why a Lightroom alternative will be needed.
Luminar's AI Sky Replacement
A quick online search reveals that there is no dearth of Lightroom alternatives or a Lightroom replacement.
We would suggest that you purchase one of the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives in 2024, as they offer you value for money and provide you with the same image editing power as Lightroom.
We are going to review apps like Lightroom, or apps similar to Lightroom, as this will help you determine what the best alternative to Adobe Lightroom is for your photo editing purpose.
We shall be reviewing 7 alternative Lightroom software that work on the Windows operating system and the Mac and review one good editing program that works on Linux.
Click to Quickly Navigate to:
- Luminar Neo + HDR Merge
- DxO PhotoLab
- Aftershot Pro
- PhotoDirector
- Capture One
- Exposure Software
- Franzis
The Perfect Alternatives to Lightroom (Mac, Windows & Linux)
These are perfect alternatives to Lightroom Mac, Windows, or Linux. We leave it to you to determine which one of the 7 will be a good alternative to Lightroom for Mac and the other operating systems and which will provide you with the best value for money after going through this comparison.
#1. Skylum Luminar Neo + HDR Merge
(Mac & Windows)
Although I was quite impressed with the previous versions of this Lightroom alternative, it did not have a DAM (Digital Assets Manager) in the form of an image library that allowed me to organize photographs in the same way that Adobe Lightroom does, or better.
Better Photo Library
Skylum has addressed this issue and the latest version of their Lightroom CC alternative now has an image library better than that offered by Adobe.
Luminar Neo is the latest release from Skylum, with powerful AI tools that let you bring out vivid and true colors from artworks and images.
Similar Interface
Luminar is a cutting-edge standalone photo editing program and one of the best Lightroom alternatives, packed with all the features you need to edit an image from beginning to end.
Like the offering from Adobe, it also boasts of a right-hand column, in which you can make adjustments with the help of sliders. This further shows how Luminar compares to Lightroom.
You also have the option to choose which adjustments you would like to appear in that column.
This similarity makes it easier for people looking for a photo editor like Lightroom (and people who may already have been used to Lightroom) to quickly get acquainted with Luminar.
Batch Processing Ability
The DAM included in the latest version for photo management, helps you keep your image organized along with options for batch processing and quick editing.
By the way, this program, which I consider to be an excellent Windows Lightroom alternative (and Mac), also includes layer masking, Adobe Photoshop-like layers, numerous filters, blend modes, as well as advanced stuff such as LUT mapping, which Lightroom does not have.
For your information, TIPA awarded Luminar Neo as the best imaging software enthusiast in 2022.
You can simply move a single slider or even do complex stuff like masks and multiple layers, or experiment with 3rd party plugins. However, the recently released Luminar AI-powered fully on Artificial intelligence does not support 3rd party plugins because it makes use of smart segmentation with adjustments done locally as against using layers.
An Array of Unique Filters
Luminar also boasts unique filters such as bottom and top lighting, sunrays, skin AI, super contrast, AI sky enhancer, and standard editing tools such as black & white, highlights/shadows, curves, raw development, and some others.
These, together, offer you endless opportunities for artistic and creative editing and straight-up batch-processing work. This is why I consider it to be the best Lightroom alternative for Windows 10 and 11 as well.
How Best to Use Luminar As A Plugin?
In order to, efficiently, use the older versions of this program as a plugin, Skylum provided Luminar Flex for this purpose. However, the new Luminar has the plugin capability already infused into it; so you will not need to have Luminar Flex for it to function as a plugin for other host applications.
Fast Processing
We loved the Accent AI in this new version as it has undergone a massive update. This can speed up the processing speed quite a lot.
Improved Photo Library Functionality
Luminar has improved the way the library works and has taken a giant stride with the introduction of its Modular engine that helps to edit and fix images as fast as possible.
When you apply the same look to numerous photographs, this image editing software understands that it should not transfer selective adjustments such as cropping, erasing all of the photographs, as well as cloning.
You now have the ability to copy and paste your adjustments over individual photographs or synchronize them across multiple images.
View Only the JPEG or RAW Images to Reduce the Clutter
Do you want to compare your edited images with the way your camera edits? Here's some good news for Fuji fans. You can view both of them simultaneously and use the JPEG for referencing while editing the RAW version.
HDR Merge
We shall now check Aurora HDR (Now HDR Merge) in this review of the best Lightroom alternative Mac to see how the former stands against the latter.
Although this program works excellently on the Windows operating system, it is the perfect Mac alternative to Lightroom.
Best for HDR Imaging
HDR is a highly specialized type of photography coded to expose details in both shadows and highlights of a specific scene by mixing multiple versions of an identical image, clicked at different exposures.
A Product of Merged Images
It is tough to do this right without overdoing it. The camera sensor cannot capture what your eyes see and this HDR technique compensates by creating the exact image you saw through your eyes.
Earlier introduced was the Quantum HDR Engine with AI (artificial intelligence) based tone-mapping technology. The 2024 version of this image editing software boasts of new and superior bracket merging. This helps produce natural results through more efficient photo merging.
A New Smart HDR Structure feature offers more realistic sharpness and precise details sans halos, noise, or artifacts.
Can Be Used As A Plugin or a Standalone
You can run this software as an Adobe Photoshop plugin or as a standalone app. It works as a plugin for Lightroom too (does this not put it ahead of Lightroom?) and even as an Apple Photos extension.
HDR Merge supports plug-ins of Photoshop such as the Nik Collection and Imagenomic and you also have the option to combine it with Luminar Neo as a bundle. HDR Merge also comes included in the Pro plan of Luminar Neo.
Can Also Transform One RAW Image into an HDR
Classical HDR photography mixes multiple images; however, HDR Merge, via its AI-based neural network, permits you to transform one RAW image to HDR as well.
It prevents ghosting and unnatural lighting, reduces noise, boosts contrast, as well as corrects colors.
Batch Processing (Quickly Identifies Bracketed or Standalone Images)
The batch processing feature of this photo editor allows you to import multiple image folders for export as single or bracketed images. It can accurately identify which images stand alone and which are bracketed. It allows you to work with different image formats, including RAW.
Image Bracketing
Easy-to-Use Interface (Quickly Create New Looks)
If you need software like Lightroom, Aurora HDR boasts a friendly interface and is extremely easy to use. The 2024 version improves on the ‘new Looks' feature introduced in the previous version, which was previously known as presets, with additional refined toning and aesthetic choices.
As a good Lightroom substitute for Mac and Windows, this photo editing software has sliders and controls that give you total visual power over your picture. This software ships with some Looks collections: Artistic, Dramatic, Architectural, Landscape, and Essential.
Easily Add Masking and Layers to One-click Looks
Applying one-click Looks is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as you can build in additional edits with the masking and layer features.
Non-destructive Editing
Like most Photoshop Lightroom alternatives, Aurora HDR Merge is non-destructive. It allows you to undo any adjustments. If required, you can revert to the original image and start from scratch.
Preview with LUT Mapping
The new Lookup Table (LUT) mapping feature allows you to simply put your mouse pointer over the 11 built-in LUTs to look at dynamic previews of the various color grading styles that you are able to apply to your photos.
Additional Textures, LUTs, and Looks are available either for free or for a reasonable price from the Aurora HDR Marketplace.
Price
If you are in need of software similar to Lightroom (and cheaper), the HDR Merge makes for a good option.
Existing users can always upgrade to the new version by supplying their names and emails or serial numbers for verification.
In our opinion, this is among the best OSX Lightroom alternatives.
Price
Luminar Neo has three pricing plans:
- Explore (HDR Merge Not Included) – $9.95/month (Includes all the essential tools you need).
- Pro (HDR Merge Is Included) – $149/year (Has all the Pro Extensions).
- Lifetime (HDR Merge Is Also Available for Purchase) – (The product is yours for life).
Get started with Luminar Neo.
#2. DxO PhotoLab
Key Features:
- Customizable workspaces.
- Blend modes, create adjustable watermarks, and save as presets.
- Direct access to Nik Collection plug-ins.
- Ability to launch photos in external editors.
- Various customizable export settings.
- Change orientation by rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise and clockwise.
- Organizing tools (file sorting, adjustable capture time, renaming batch files).
- Ability to manage metadata.
- Edit images from your disks without the need to import them.
- Create and edit existing presets.
- Create edit variations and compare virtual copies of photos.
- Ability to view editing history.
- Non-destructive workflow for masks.
- Manual and automatic red-eye correction.
- Photo retouch tools for cloning, repair, and more.
- Color editors.
- Adjustment of contrast and luminosity.
- High-quality denoising.
Overview:
Are you looking for the Best Lightroom Alternatives?
DxO PhotoLab is a RAW photo editing software that offers unparalleled image quality and powerful creative editing tools.
With its cutting-edge DeepPRIME denoising technology and U-Point capabilities, you can make exacting changes to your images with no complicated masking.
This imaging software has been the proud recipient of a TIPA award for multiple years in a row and boasts market-leading corrections founded on two decades' worth of research, giving you crystal clear photos devoid of any flaws.
Furthermore, it is free of subscription – once you buy it, it's yours for good!
You'll be able to master color and tone with ease while searching and sorting your photos with simple tags, keywords, and project hierarchies. All these come in one package so you don't have to worry about buying multiple programs or subscriptions.
Pricing:
DxO offers three plans:
ONE-TIME PURCHASE
- Free Trial – Try the full version for 30 days.
- Essential Edition – $139.
- Elite Edition – $229.
User Experience:
DxO PhotoLab not only offers an incomparable user experience but also serves as the Best Lightroom Alternative available.
Its nuanced controls and nimble image management make it one of a kind while its remarkable handling speed for large-file images is simply unbeatable!
This makes it an ideal choice for photographers looking for more advanced options when editing their photos.
DxO's noise reduction engine has earned rave reviews from users, who have found it to be one of the most influential and efficient solutions.
Additionally, its lens corrections capabilities are second-to-none and its RAW processing capabilities are unmatched – making DxO PhotoLab the perfect choice for photographers of all levels.
Best of all, DxO's machine learning algorithms have enabled the software to offer some of the most efficient correction and processing solutions on the market.
In short, if you're looking for an alternative to Lightroom that gives you more control over your photos, DxO PhotoLab is worth a look.
Get started with DxO PhotoLab.
#3. Corel Aftershot Pro
(Mac, Windows & Linux)
Finally, here is some good news for Linux users. Corel Aftershot Pro is the best Lightroom alternative (Linux). In fact, it is the only software among the 7 programs like Lightroom we are reviewing here that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Let us check this Adobe Lightroom alternative (Linux) in detail.
Great for RAW Editing
This program has all you need for a seamless RAW editing workflow on Linux, Mac, and Windows. It lets you edit, develop, and export your RAW files. Although it is primarily meant for professionals, it is struggling to overcome Adobe Lightroom as the most commonly used RAW editor.
Impressive Speed
We downloaded the 30-day free trial version and installed it on our Linux PC. We were impressed by the speed of the program. However, it lacked some of the advanced editing tools that the above-reviewed programs have. We had no worries about that as we needed a Linux-based photo editor at the time.
One-time Fee
Unlike Adobe's offering, which comes with a monthly subscription, you only need to pay a one-off charge for AfterShot.
Small Storage Space Needed for Installation
The program takes far less storage space than competitors. While Lightroom CC takes up a whopping 1.3GB, this offering from Corel takes just 142MB.
A Word About Installation and Settings
Once the installation is complete, you will view a dialog box with lots of text with the choice to adjust some settings like user data, cache, and so on. We suggest that you leave these settings to default unless you know what you are doing.
Next, you have the option to register this Linux, Windows, and Mac Lightroom alternative 2024 software using an email address.
Fair User Interface
The interface was, however, not as impressive as those of the other programs earlier mentioned in this review.
Coming from the house of Corel, we had expected much more. However, Linux users need not complain as they just do not have many choices.
Once you get yourself familiarized with the program, you'll find the program easy to use. We had to spend some time trying to figure out how to import an image.
Fast Image Importing Speed
However, once we found out the process, we were, pleasantly, surprised by the speed at which this Lightroom alternative for Windows, Mac, and Linux imported and built previews when we tried to import several images in one go.
The importing speed of this Lightroom alternative for Linux is the best of the programs compared here.
Price
The list price of this program is $79.99 but is generally discounted. Existing users can update to the latest version at any time, which is fair enough for this Adobe Lightroom equivalent for Linux and other operating systems.
#4. Cyberlink PhotoDirector
(Windows & Mac)
PhotoDirector is the last in the list of programs similar to Lightroom that we shall be reviewing today.
Unlike two of the programs reviewed here, you can download a free version of this software for trial purposes. Remember, the free version does not have all the features of the paid version.
The vendor has introduced professional-quality features like soft proofing and tethered shooting together with a new artificial intelligence style engine as well as additional style packages to modernize the creative process.
Improved Layering
As a good Lightroom alternative software, PhotoDirector offers a number of enhancements, which include improvements to its layering system.
Good for Both Professionals and Amateurs
This allows greater creative flexibility to experienced editors without losing its simple touch, ensuring that less experienced users will also be able to use the tool and learn to edit photographs with it.
The introduction of layer grouping, cropping masks, as well as the capability to add new empty layers to projects collectively presents an excellent range of options for users interested in experimenting with their Lightroom alternative raw images.
Available Style Layer Templates
Users looking for quick and creative solutions can purchase a wide range of stylish express layer templates, available for sale from the website of the vendor.
Four Additional Effects Packs
In addition to the existing collection that ships with this online Lightroom alternative, the vendor will be offering four additional packs, which include Comic, Teenage, Galaxy, and Shapes.
These packs will make your life simpler when adding special effects to images. For example, the Comic pack allows you to create professional-looking comic strips in a flash. You no longer have to waste time creating speech bubbles.
Easily Turn Your Photo Into A Masterful Piece of Art
Easy Program Navigation
On numerous occasions, first-time entrants in the world of photo editing feel intimidated by the number of editing tools available on the same bar. It is due to this that PhotoDirector, yet another Lightroom alternative for Mac and Windows, offers a navigation system with clearly labeled editing tools, divided into tabs.
Explanation and Practical Tips for the Amateur Image Editor
On rare occasions in which the program uses icons, they are always explained with practical tips. There is a large variety of options available; however, the tabbed design implies that there are never too many options on the screen simultaneously.
This prevents new editors from getting confused. They might have to spend some time to find a specific function, but it is always clear where to look.
Price
The “Ultra” version of this online alternative to Lightroom retails for $99.99, but the vendor is currently offering it at a discount.
#5. Capture One Pro
(Mac & Windows)
Another powerful photo editing software that can be a good replacement for Lightroom is Capture One Pro. From import to export, it gets the job done (and quickly too).
Its interface is similar to that of Lightroom. Hence, you should find it familiar if you have been using Lightroom before or migrating.
Catalog and Sessions
For those familiar with Lightroom, it makes use of catalogs for photo organization and storage while Capture One makes use of both catalogs and sessions for the same function.
Because Lightroom works with one database file, it can get pretty slow when you have several thousands of photographs in its catalog whereas Capture One gives you the option of also using ‘sessions'.
‘Sessions' in Capture One, creates folders for your photos that are carefully organized into subjects (or whatever the session folder is about). They are portable so you can just move those folders from one place to the other. This can be handy if you do a lot of traveling.
Wide Array of Supported Cameras
Capture One supports many camera types and brands, so you should not face any problems with camera compatibility.
Some camera brands supported include:
- Fujifilm
- Sony
- Leica
- Samsung
- Ricoh
- Pentax
- Panasonic
- Nikon
- Konica Minolta
- Canon
- Mamiyaleaf
- Olympus
- and others
Re-arrangeable Editing Tools and Interface
The editing tools in the toolbar and user interface can be reorganized and customized as you deem fit. You may remove editing tools that you do not need or add those that you need. Some are also collapsible and expandable.
Levels and Curve for Adjustments
Capture One has ‘Levels' and ‘Curve' adjustments, which are standard for all you need for professional photo editing.
Keyboard Shortcuts Can be Customized
In addition to a wide array of toolbar options to choose from, it also contains keyboard shortcuts that can be customized to speed up your workflow.
Layering
You can stack up photos in layers with Capture One and adjust the opacity. You can also toggle between a layer and the background. This will help you see the ‘before' and ‘after' of any image.
Good RAW Image Conversion and Output
There are ‘Process Recipes' available for a perfect output of your files into whatever format you need. You can also create your own ‘Process Recipes' for output. You can also select many images for batch processing.
#6. Exposure X7 (Alien Skin Software)
(Mac & Windows)
‘Exposure Software' is the new company name of ‘Alien Skin'. This is a non-destructive RAW photo editor developed to serve all creative photographers.
The latest of these is the ‘Exposure X7' which comes with some new improved functionality to enhance editing and make for an efficient workflow.
Some of the new functionalities in Exposure X7 include:
- 3D color masking preview
- Ability to correct lens distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting
- Ability to target specific problem areas in an image by setting mask parameters
- Ability to take the luminosity and color range that is used to define the layer mask on an image and re-use them on other images with similar characteristics
- Remove unwanted areas from the mask with a brush thereby saving you time
There are, basically, 3 editing tools that you can get in the Exposure bundle. They are:
(i) Exposure
As already mentioned above, it lets you edit in a non-destructive manner.
You can:
- Organize
- Customize and reproduce looks with creative styles to make the looks unique
- Use it as a plug-in with Adobe
(ii) Snap Art
With this, you can turn your photos into works of art.
There are pencil, watercolor, crayon, sketch, and oil painting presets that you can choose from to achieve beautiful artistic photos that look real that you can hang on the wall or frame.
(iii) Blow Up
Do you need to enlarge your photograph and still retain the high quality of those photos? If so, ‘Blow Up' will let you achieve this.
‘Blow Up' images are sharp and will enlarge low-resolution JPG images with ease even if you can no longer find the original RAW files.
Eye Candy
‘Eye Candy' includes effects such as lightning, chrome, smoke, fire, and many more that you can use to add real-looking effects to your photos.
You can get all of the above 3 editing tools when you get the Exposure Bundle.
#7. Franzis
(Mac & Windows)
Franzis has, virtually, all you need to churn out great-looking photos in very little time. Just give it an ordinary picture, and the result will amaze you.
To achieve all these, it has a wide variety of powerful editing tools that you can use. Some of these editing tools include HDR, Denoise, Black & White, Neat, Analogue, Sketch, Focus, Sharpen, cutout, color effects, and many more.
Compared to other similar software, it is one of the best lightroom competitors worthy of mention.
Whether you want to take perfect pictures at night (when the light is poor) or you want to turn any image or photo into a beautiful work of art, Franzis has got you covered.
There is also an array of presets to use for your editing projects.
The editing tools can function as a standalone or as a plugin.
Which Will Be A Better Alternative to Lightroom (Mac, Windows, or Linux)?
We leave it to you to determine which is the best Lightroom alternative for Windows, Mac, and Linux in 2024.
After going through this basic review, you should not face any problem choosing between the above alternatives to Lightroom for PC, Mac, or Linux.
Even though we use a Linux PC, we believe that any of the above-mentioned programs will make for a good alternative to Lightroom.
