What are the best Adobe Lightroom alternatives?

Adobe Lightroom is described as 'Create incredible photos anywhere with all-new Lightroom CC and 1 TB of cloud storage. Get powerful editing features on any device in a new, easy-to-use interface' and is a very popular Photo Manager in the photos & graphics category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Adobe Lightroom for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad and Android. The best alternative is darktable, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Adobe Lightroom are RawTherapee, digiKam, Affinity Photo and Capture One.

Adobe Lightroom alternatives are mainly Photo Managers but may also be Photo Editors or Raw Photo Editorss. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Adobe Lightroom.

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Adobe Lightroom

440

Paid • Proprietary
Photo Manager

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad

Create incredible photos anywhere with all-new Lightroom CC and 1 TB of cloud storage. Get powerful editing features on any...

Learn more about Adobe Lightroom

darktable
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Raw Photo Editors
Image Editor
Photo Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
53 alternatives to darktable
darktable is a virtual lighttable and darkroom for photographers: it manages your digital negatives in a database and lets you view them through a zoomable lighttable. it also enables you to develop raw images and enhance them.
Suggest and vote on features
darktable Features
1. No Coding Requireddarktable can be used without an coding or programming skills.
2. Non Destructive Editingdarktable allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
3. Support for scriptingdarktable supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
4. Command line interfacedarktable either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
Advanced retouching
Watermark images
Geotagged Photos
Multiple languages
Photographic filters
Lua scripting
darktable vs Adobe Lightroom
Almost everyone thinks darktable is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Powerful RAW processor with options that not even Lightroom has.
Top positive comment• ago

13

Guest
Complete Raw processing suite. Best free open source solution
Top positive comment• ago

14

Guest
Wow this is a slick pony! So much faster and much more graceful than Leadroom.
Positive comment• ago

0

dedev12992
Seems to still be actively developed as of this comment
Positive comment• ago

-1

lkszhdnvch
its probably the best free alternative for Lr rn. RawTherapee is also a very good one but it stopped getting updates since 2020 :'(
Positive comment• ago

-2

Guest
Far more powerful and with a bit of practice and reading, Lightroom would be a thing of the past. It is under active development. The unofficial facebook group can provide you with the best help and some very wonderful photo enthusiasts
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Well thought RAW-Suite with every Feature Lightroom has.
Positive comment• ago

-3

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7 of 12 comments
RawTherapee
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Raw Photo Editors
Image Editor
Photo Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
44 alternatives to RawTherapee
RawTherapee is a free RAW converter and digital photo processing software. All changes can be applied and batch processed at a convenient time.
Suggest and vote on features
RawTherapee Features
1. Non Destructive EditingRawTherapee allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
2. PortableRawTherapee can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Raw converter
Multiple languages
Curve Manipulation
Batch processing
Image Processing
Batch conversion
RawTherapee vs Adobe Lightroom
Almost everyone thinks RawTherapee is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
MercuryHero
Fairly advanced control over RAW processing including demosaicing algorithm, gamma curves, etc. Supports its own profiles and presets.
Positive comment• ago

3
digiKam
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Photo Manager
Photo Sharing App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
KDE
Qt
78 alternatives to digiKam
digiKam is an advanced digital photo management application which makes importing and organizing digital photos a "snap". The photos are organized in albums which can be sorted chronologically, by folder layout or by custom collections.
Suggest and vote on features
digiKam Features
1. Facial RecognitiondigiKam can register a biometric facial pattern to identify or verify the identity of a subject through an image or video.
2. File TaggingdigiKam can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Works OfflinedigiKam can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Privacy focuseddigiKam is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModedigiKam supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Ad-freedigiKam doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Tag based
Geotagged Photos
Raw editing
Image stacking
Built-in Photo editor
Tagging
Workflow
Multiplatform Export
Raw View
Raw import
digiKam vs Adobe Lightroom
Almost everyone thinks digiKam is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
Guest
Database functionality - Lots of other pieces of software mentioned are good at RAW processing but few, if any, have a good, structured back-end to organise photos.
Positive comment• ago

6

Guest
digiKam is good at organizing photos but has nothing to edit or adjust photos and RAW files. It only covers half of the features of Lightroom
Negative comment• ago

-1

Guest
digiKam is a photo management while lightroom is a raw photo editor, they have nothing in common
Negative comment• ago

-36
Affinity Photo
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Image Editor
Photo Editor
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
iPad
95 alternatives to Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is a professional, full-featured raster graphics editor. Working in Affinity Photo is always live and you can pan and zoom at 60fps, with live previews and non destructive application. It supports unlimited layers and a dedicated RAW editing workspace, as well as...
Suggest and vote on features
Affinity Photo Features
1. Non Destructive EditingAffinity Photo allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
2. Support for LayersAffinity Photo supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
3. LightweightAffinity Photo consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. No Coding RequiredAffinity Photo can be used without an coding or programming skills.
5. WYSIWYG SupportAffinity Photo integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
6. Privacy focusedAffinity Photo is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. Works OfflineAffinity Photo can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
8. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsAffinity Photo can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
9. Dark ModeAffinity Photo supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
No Subscription
Open PSD files
Optimal performance
Photo effects
Color management
Regulation layers
Photoshop Plugins Support
Apple Pencil support
Vectorscope
Panoramic stitching
Affinity Photo vs Adobe Lightroom
This alternative is disputed. Affinity Photo is still a legitimate alternative to Adobe Lightroom, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
User8391496
graphics editor, no organization capabilities
Negative comment• ago

33

Guest
Affinity Photo is an alternative to Photoshop, not Lightroom. Affinity Photo can't do batch editing of photos right now.
Negative comment• ago

24
Capture One
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Raw Photo Editors
Mac
Windows
46 alternatives to Capture One
Capture One is a leading raw converter and workflow software which enables photographers to reduce the time and effort required to deliver astounding ready-to-use images with excellent color and detail.
Suggest and vote on features
Capture One Features
1. Non Destructive EditingCapture One allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
2. Ad-freeCapture One doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Batch EditingCapture One allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
Raw converter
Raw editing
Catalogue local images
Capture One vs Adobe Lightroom
Almost everyone thinks Capture One is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
Guest
Same professional RAW editing results. Perpetual license option.
Positive comment• ago

3

Guest
If you ever used the Express version for Sony Alpha, Nikon or Fujifilm, there will be no difference with the UI. However, if you want to open RAW photos from other camera brands (such as Canon, Panasonic Lumix etc.), you must buy the Pro version, and thankfully there's a perpetual license option.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Limited (but still good) free edition for Sony and Fujifilm cameras.
Positive comment• ago

1

scruffyburger
Advanced RAW editing features. Layer support, Advanced color management. Fast processing. Perpetual licensing option. Catalog or session options for dealing with photos.
Positive comment• ago

2
Simple Gallery
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Photo Manager
Raw Photo Editors
Android
Android Tablet
F-Droid
46 alternatives to Simple Gallery
Simple Gallery is a highly customizable offline gallery. Organize & edit your photos, recover deleted files with the recycle bin, protect & hide files and view a huge variety of different photo & video formats including RAW, SVG and much more.
Suggest and vote on features
Simple Gallery Features
1. Ad-freeSimple Gallery doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. LightweightSimple Gallery consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Privacy focusedSimple Gallery is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Dark ModeSimple Gallery supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Works OfflineSimple Gallery can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Hidden Photo Album
Photo Gallery
Built-in editor
Customizable
Protected by Password
Snapseed
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Photo Editor
Raw Photo Editors
Photo Sharing App
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
53 alternatives to Snapseed
Snapseed is a photo enhancement and sharing app with a powerful suite of imaging filters and tools for anyone, anywhere to transform any image into an extraordinary photo.
Suggest and vote on features
Snapseed Features
1. LightweightSnapseed consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Healing brush
Noise Reduction
Photo effects
Retouch photos
Photobooth
Snapseed vs Adobe Lightroom
Most users think Snapseed is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
Guest
Snapseed is an image editor, not organizer.
Negative comment• ago

1

Guest
Really good tool, but make sure you don't push the adjustments too far, or it'll ruin the photo.
Positive comment• ago

2

Guest
It's only for smartphones and tablets.
Negative comment• ago

-3

Guest
Simple ui and light weight than lightroom
Positive comment• ago

-1
ACDSee Photo Studio
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Image Viewer
Photo Manager
Photo Sharing App
Mac
Windows
iPhone
iPad
150 alternatives to ACDSee Photo Studio
ACDSee is a complex, multi-purpose application that serves for viewing, organizing and editing digital photos. Furthermore, images can be shared on social websites or your own space on the developer’s website.
Suggest and vote on features
ACDSee Photo Studio Features
1. Facial RecognitionACDSee Photo Studio can register a biometric facial pattern to identify or verify the identity of a subject through an image or video.
2. Works OfflineACDSee Photo Studio can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Support for 4KACDSee Photo Studio supports watching, rendering or exporting 4K content (also know as UHD or Ultra HD).
4. Support for LayersACDSee Photo Studio supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
5. Batch Rename FilesACDSee Photo Studio supports renaming of different types of files or data in large batches.
6. Batch EditingACDSee Photo Studio allows you to select multiple items (tasks, files, images etc) and edit their properties all at once.
7. GeotaggingACDSee Photo Studio can add geographical metadata details to an image, file or data.
8. Dark ModeACDSee Photo Studio supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Color PickerACDSee Photo Studio allows you to select and copy a color property from an image, object, or shape.
Photo effects
Built-in Image editor
RAW-Conversion
Find similar images
Built-in Image viewer
Built-in archiver
Explorer-like
Tree structure
Ad-free
Onedrive integration
ACDSee Photo Studio vs Adobe Lightroom
Most users think ACDSee Photo Studio is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
Polarr
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Photo Editor
Raw Photo Editors
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Windows S
Android Tablet
iPad
142 alternatives to Polarr
From high-precision light and color tools, to advanced clarity and dehaze settings, to the ability to create and save your own filters. Polarr is the ideal photo editor for bloggers, students, and photo professionals alike.
Suggest and vote on features
Polarr Features
Hidden Photo Album
Photographic filters
Retouch photos
Watermark images
Polarr vs Adobe Lightroom
Most users think Polarr is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
Guest
Very flexible and can handle bulk applications of filters, fixes and adjustments. Cross-platform, even on the web when you can't install it on a local machine.
Positive comment• ago

1
Apple Photos
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Photo Manager
Photo Sharing App
Raw Photo Editors
Mac
Online
iPhone
iPad
78 alternatives to Apple Photos
Photos is a digital photograph manipulation application developed by Apple, intended to be less complex than its predecessor iPhoto .
Suggest and vote on features
Apple Photos Features
1. Facial RecognitionApple Photos can register a biometric facial pattern to identify or verify the identity of a subject through an image or video.
2. Non Destructive EditingApple Photos allows you to make changes to a file without overwriting the original data, which remains available in case you want to revert to it.
Geotagged Photos
Hidden Photo Album
Smart Albums
Built-in Photo editor
3rd-party filters
Raw converter
Apple Photos vs Adobe Lightroom
Almost everyone thinks Apple Photos is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom.
jamiegray
Improved editing tools, thanks to the merging of Apple Aperture and Apple Photos. Nice to sync between all devices. Certainly not as robust as Lightroom, but very convenient.
Top positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Photos, is too simple, incomparable to the Adobe suite, it's barely a photo editor (A shame you even added it to this list)
Top negative comment• ago

0

Guest
Insufficient editing toolset, clumsy facial recognition, requires iCloud subscription for some features.
Negative comment• ago

-4

Guest
Is a ridiculous app. You can't filter between landscape and portrait! Unusable.
Negative comment• ago

-9

Guest
No adjustment brushes in Photo
Negative comment• ago

0