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Adobe Photoshop vs Luminar Neo

Adobe Photoshop: The industry-standard photo editor, now with Generative Fill and other AI tools. Luminar Neo: A photo editor that uses AI to fix skies, portraits and lighting in a few clicks. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Adobe Photoshop

Best for: Designers and photographers who need professional control.

Stands out for: Most complete editing toolset; AI tools inside a familiar workflow.

Luminar Neo

Best for: Photographers who want fast, polished edits.

Stands out for: Fast results with little effort; One-time purchase option.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Adobe Photoshop, Luminar Neo
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What it isThe industry-standard photo editor, now with Generative Fill and other AI tools.A photo editor that uses AI to fix skies, portraits and lighting in a few clicks.
Pricing
PaidFree trial available
Paid
Free to useNoNo
CategoryAI Photo EditingAI Photo Editing
Editor rank#2 in category#11 in category
Made byAdobeSkylum
Best forDesigners and photographers who need professional control.Photographers who want fast, polished edits.
Key features
  • Generative Fill and Expand
  • AI object and background removal
  • One-click subject selection
  • Full professional editing toolkit
  • AI sky replacement
  • Portrait and skin tools
  • Relight and enhance tools
  • Distraction and power-line removal
Pros
  • Most complete editing toolset
  • AI tools inside a familiar workflow
  • Fast results with little effort
  • One-time purchase option
Cons
  • Subscription only
  • Learning curve for beginners
  • Some tools are sold as extra add-ons
Use it to
  • Remove an unwanted person from a photo
  • Extend an image to a wider format
  • Build a detailed composite image
  • Replace a dull sky in a landscape
  • Retouch a portrait quickly
  • Remove power lines from a travel photo
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac

Adobe Photoshop vs Luminar Neo: questions

Is Adobe Photoshop better than Luminar Neo?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Adobe Photoshop slightly higher overall in AI Photo Editing, but Luminar Neo can be the better fit: Photographers who want fast, polished edits.

Which is free, Adobe Photoshop or Luminar Neo?

Neither has an ongoing free plan: Adobe Photoshop is paid and Luminar Neo is paid.

Can I use Adobe Photoshop and Luminar Neo together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example remove an unwanted person from a photo with Adobe Photoshop, and replace a dull sky in a landscape with Luminar Neo.

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