The photo-editing software space is so much larger than Adobe LightRoom. There are plenty of other options, each aimed at the serious professional demanding a suite of extensive tool sets both in color grading and tethered shooting, or pointed at novices wanting to just have the easiest software and tools driven by AI.
Each of these tools provides a different way of looking at photo editing and is well worth considering for people who want to break free from Adobe LightRoom. Here, we will take a look at each of the Adobe LightRoom alternatives; features, pros, and cons.
10 Best Adobe LightRoom Alternatives in 2024
10 Best Adobe LightRoom Alternatives in 2024
Capture One
Capture One became a certain software, especially designed for professional photographers, specifically for those who are pro in fashion, product, and portrait photography. Advanced color grading tools and tethered shooting capabilities work marvelously for studio photography. The Capture One interface is nothing short of complex, with an unmatched level of customization that the software provides.
Features:
- Advanced color grading tools
- Tethered shooting capabilities
- Customizable interface and workspace
- Layer-based editing
- High-resolution image processing
- Extensive camera and lens profile support
Pros:
- Easy integration with popular camera brands
- Powerful tethering options
- Precise color control
Cons:
- Lacks HDR Stacking
- Steeper Learning Curve
- Higher pricing plans
Pricing:
- For Individuals:
- Capture One Pro – $24/month
- Capture One Pro License – $299
- Capture One Mobile – As per the rates on App Store
- All in One Bundle – $34/month
- For Teams:
- Capture One Pro Multi-User Subscription – Starting from $359
- Multi-User Tailored To You – Contact Capture One for Pricing
- Enterprise Tailored To You – Contact Capture One for Pricing
Link: https://www.captureone.com/
DxO PhotoLab
What really distinguishes DxO PhotoLab from other Adobe LightRoom alternatives is its approach to correction: much more advanced and scientific. And years of testing cameras and lenses have also been applied, including correction and optimization adjustments applied specially for the shooting equipment used. The software’s highlight, the DeepPRIME noise reduction, is a game-changer for photographers working in low light conditions, producing clear and detailed images without the usual digital noise.
Features:
- Advanced RAW processing
- Automatic lens and camera corrections
- DeepPRIME noise reduction
- Smart Lighting for dynamic range optimization
- Local adjustments with U Point technology
- Optical corrections
Pros:
- Exceptional noise reduction
- Automated optical corrections
- High-quality RAW conversions
Cons:
- Limited asset management features
- Fewer third-party plugin options
- Lacks HEIC/HEIF support
Pricing:
- Dxo PhotoLab7 ELITE Edition – $229
Link: https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/
Luminar AI
Luminar AI basically reinvents the process of editing photos using artificial intelligence in almost every aspect of the workflow. It opens advanced photo editing opportunities for novices and offers time-efficient solutions to professional photo editors. And with flagship features—a sky replacement and portrait enhancer using AI, to name a few – make it possible to create effects that usually would take tremendous Photoshop skills.
Features:
- AI-driven editing tools
- Sky replacement and augmentation
- Structure AI for detail enhancement
- Mood enhancements with Atmosphere AI
- Template-based editing for quick results
Pros:
- Innovative AI features
- Makes complex editing an easy process
- Versatile template editing capabilities perfect for beginners
Cons:
- AI reliance may limit creative control
- Performance issues on older computers
- Limited export options
Pricing:
- 1 Month – $11.95
- 12 Months – $79.00
- 24 Months – $119.00
- One Time Purchase – $199
Link: https://skylum.com/luminar/
ON1 Photo RAW
ON1 Photo RAW is a comprehensive solution that merges photo editing and photo management seamlessly. Designed for photo enthusiasts who want everything from powerful editing tools to an integrated system for organizing and cataloging photos, ON1 Editing includes, a strong layering system and advanced masking tools that actually make complex photo composites and selective edits possible.
Features:
- Non-destructive, layer-based editing
- Advanced masking tools
- Built-in photo organizing and browsing
- AI-powered enhancements and effects
- Extensive filter library
- RAW processing and panorama stitching
Pros:
- Integrated photo management
- Versatile editing features
- Regular feature updates
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Some features may feel less refined
- Occasional performance hiccups
Pricing:
- There are various pricing models, starting from $7.99/month
Link: https://www.on1.com/
Darktable
Darktable is not just photo editing software; it is much more than that, which you won’t find in many other Adobe LightRoom alternatives. This is a community project, which provides powerful support to photographers in the development of RAW photos. Basically, it is free for anyone, by its very essence as open-source software. Darktable delivers a flexible, module-based editing workflow that can be as simple or complex as you want.
Features:
- Non-destructive, RAW image processing
- Extensive module-based adjustments
- Customizable interface and workflow
- Tethered shooting support
- Advanced color management
- Comprehensive export options
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source
- High degree of customization
- Supports a wide range of formats
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- No official customer support
- Interface may seem dated
Pricing:
Link: https://www.darktable.org/
RawTherapee
Raw Therapee has become one of the favorite Adobe LightRoom alternatives for photographers because of its great ability in manipulating the detail and corrections of color, offering special help to landscape and portrait photographers. The application is designed in such a manner as to allow a degree of control in adjusting images, which could provide an absolute level of precision involved in the fine-tuning of photos. Their wide range of support to cameras ensures that the highest form of fidelity can be processed from files in RAW format from various manufacturers.
Features:
- Advanced RAW processing engine
- Fine-tuned adjustments for color and detail
- Non-destructive editing workflow
- Batch processing capabilities
- Extensive camera support with customizable interface
Pros:
- No cost to use
- High control over image editing
- Regular updates from the community
Cons:
- Interface not as intuitive as competitors
- Limited organizing tools
- Lacks some advanced features found in paid alternatives
Pricing:
Link: https://www.rawtherapee.com/
Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo has made significant inroads into the domains traditionally dominated by Adobe, offering a powerful alternative for both photo editing and graphic design. Its strength lies in its robust layering system and unlimited undos, making it an ideal tool for complex composite work, intricate retouching, and detailed adjustments. Affinity Photo appeals to those who need cross-platform functionality, with versions available for Windows, macOS, and iPad.
Features:
- Unlimited layers and layer groups
- Comprehensive RAW editing
- Advanced retouching tools and filters – HDR merge and panorama editing
- Real-time editing and previews
- Extensive file format support
Pros:
- One-time purchase with no subscription
- Highly customizable workspace
- Strong performance and stability
Cons:
- Learning curve for Photoshop users
- Lacks some photo management features
- Limited cloud integration
Pricing:
- macOS – One-Off Payment ($69.99)
- Windows – One-Off Payment ($69.99)
- iPad – One-Off Payment ($18.49)
- Affinity V2 Universal License – $164.99
Link: https://affinity.serif.com/
Exposure X7
Exposure X7 signature comes from analog film emulation presets made by hand for replication of the traditional look of film. Along with these presets is a suite of creative effects to help apply a sense of classic film aesthetics to their digital images or change it into something quite unique. In short, it’s one of the Adobe LightRoom alternatives that is of industry standards.
Features:
- Analog film emulation and creative presets
- Non-destructive RAW editing
- Quick organization and search tools
- Layer-based editing
- Advanced color grading
- Support for tethered shooting
Pros:
- Intuitive and fast workflow
- Extensive preset library
- Useful for both editing and organizing
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as some competitors
- Limited third-party plugin support
- Might be too simple for very advanced users
Pricing:
- ExposureX7 – $129
- ExposureX7 Bundle – $149
Link: https://exposure.software/
ACDSee Photo Studio
ACDSee Photo Studio is a powerhouse in the world of photo management and editing. That’s where it holds its dual strength: the comprehensive asset management tools make light work out of sorting, categorizing, or finding images in large libraries, while potent photo-editing capabilities cater to the wide gamut of photographic needs.
Features:
- Advanced asset management tools
- Non-destructive photo editing
- Face detection and facial recognition
- RAW editing capabilities
- Comprehensive color grading
- Customizable batch processing
Pros:
- Strong organizational tools
- Efficient workflow for managing large libraries
- Versatile editing features
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Interface may seem cluttered to new users
- Learning curve for advanced features
Pricing:
- Subscription Plans – $8.90/month or $89/year
- Lifetime License – $49.95 USD
- ACDSee Packs – $129 USD
Link: https://www.acdsee.com/en/index/
Coral AfterShot Pro
Corel AfterShot Pro is designed with speed and efficiency at its core, appealing to photographers who deal with large batches of photos and require a tool that can quickly process RAW files. The software’s strength lies in its powerful batch processing features, which allow for the application of adjustments to a group of images simultaneously, saving precious time.
Features:
- Fast RAW photo processing
- Powerful batch processing capabilities
- Flexible photo management and tagging
- Non-destructive editing workflow
- Advanced noise reduction with Lens corrections
Pros:
- Quick and efficient workflow
- Effective for handling large batches of photos
- Customizable interface
Cons:
- Less extensive editing tools compared to others
- Smaller user community for support
- Lacks some advanced image adjustment features
Pricing:
Link: https://www.aftershotpro.com/en/
Conclusion
We have listed these 10 best Adobe LightRoom alternatives to be used in 2024 along with their features, pros, cons, and pricing plans. This will surely help you to select the best one as per your preferences and requirements. While using these advance alternatives, you’ll be surely able to excel in the photo editing capabilities.
Which is the Best Adobe LightRoom Alternative in 2024?
Capture One is the best replacement for Adobe LightRoom if you are eager to consider a replacement. Much buzz is around it among all professional photographers and especially those working in fashion, product, and portrait photography. Its excellent image quality is due in part to the advanced color grading tools it offers and strong tethered shooting features, well-suited for high-grade studio photography.
The interface is rather steep in terms of learning curve on the market, but it offers a more personalized touch and certainly is unbeatable in customization and versatility for any photographer looking to bring their editing workflow to the next level.
FAQs – 10 Best Adobe LightRoom Alternatives in 2024
What are some free alternatives to Adobe LightRoom?
Darktable and RawTherapee are both free, open-source alternatives to Adobe LightRoom.
Which photo editing software is best for beginners?
Luminar AI is famously designed for an AI editing user interface; hence, it will be recommended for first-timers.
What is the best alternative to Adobe LightRoom for professional photographers?
Capture One Professional is best suited for professionals because it offers superior image quality, strong tethering options, and power over the control of the finest colors.
What is the most affordable alternative to Adobe LightRoom?
Affinity Photo offers a one-off purchase with no subscription, so it is much cheaper than Adobe LightRoom.
What is the best alternative to Adobe Lightroom for Mac users?
Capture One, Luminar AI, and ON1 Photo RAW are all highly rated alternatives to Adobe LightRoom for Mac users.
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