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Topaz Photo AI vs Luminar Neo

Topaz Photo AI: Desktop software that sharpens, de-noises and upscales photos with AI. 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

Topaz Photo AI

Best for: Photographers rescuing noisy or soft shots.

Stands out for: Excellent image quality; Runs locally on your computer.

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 Topaz Photo AI, Luminar Neo
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What it isDesktop software that sharpens, de-noises and upscales photos with AI.A photo editor that uses AI to fix skies, portraits and lighting in a few clicks.
Pricing
Paid
Paid
Free to useNoNo
CategoryAI Photo EditingAI Photo Editing
Editor rank#8 in category#11 in category
Made byTopaz LabsSkylum
Best forPhotographers rescuing noisy or soft shots.Photographers who want fast, polished edits.
Key features
  • AI noise reduction
  • Sharpening and blur recovery
  • High-quality upscaling
  • Plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom
  • AI sky replacement
  • Portrait and skin tools
  • Relight and enhance tools
  • Distraction and power-line removal
Pros
  • Excellent image quality
  • Runs locally on your computer
  • Fast results with little effort
  • One-time purchase option
Cons
  • Needs a fairly powerful computer
  • Some tools are sold as extra add-ons
Use it to
  • Clean up a low-light photo
  • Sharpen a slightly blurry shot
  • Enlarge an image for printing
  • Replace a dull sky in a landscape
  • Retouch a portrait quickly
  • Remove power lines from a travel photo
Windows
Mac

Topaz Photo AI vs Luminar Neo: questions

Is Topaz Photo AI better than Luminar Neo?

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

Which is free, Topaz Photo AI or Luminar Neo?

Neither has an ongoing free plan: Topaz Photo AI is paid and Luminar Neo is paid.

Can I use Topaz Photo AI and Luminar Neo together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example clean up a low-light photo with Topaz Photo AI, and replace a dull sky in a landscape with Luminar Neo.

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