8 Lightroom Alternatives That Will Save You Money!

Summary

In this video, the host reviews the top Lightroom alternatives, comparing eight different software options based on features, pricing, and usability. From AI-driven tools to free alternatives, the video highlights On1 Photo RAW and RawTherapee as the top picks for those seeking powerful editing features at a reasonable price. It also touches on software like Luminar Neo, Capture One Pro, and PhotoDirector 365, while offering recommendations for both budget-conscious users and those seeking more advanced features. The video emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit for individual editing needs and budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 ON1 Photo RAW is highlighted as the best overall Lightroom alternative for its one-time cost, Lightroom-like interface, and advanced AI tools.
• 😀 RawTherapee is recommended as the top free Lightroom alternative, offering standard editing sliders, localized adjustments, and film simulation tools.
• 😀 Luminar Neo offers a visually appealing interface with extensive AI features like sky enhancement, relighting, and portrait retouching, making it ideal for discounted purchases.
• 😀 PhotoDirector 365 combines Lightroom-like functionality with AI tools and a Photoshop-like design interface, but its AI features require a pay-per-use credit system.
• 😀 Darktable provides a free, Lightroom-like editing experience with import/export capabilities, but its interface is less intuitive and some features are hidden.
• 😀 Capture One Pro is a professional-grade editing platform with AI masking, crop automation, and tethered shooting, but its high price makes it less cost-effective.
• 😀 DxO PhotoLab 8 offers solid editing with lens corrections and basic AI tools, but its features are limited compared to cheaper alternatives like ON1 or Luminar Neo.
• 😀 DigiCam, although free, has a clunky and popup-heavy interface, making it difficult and slow to use despite having basic editing and geo-tagging features.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the importance of AI tools in modern photo editing software, highlighting features like generative erase, sky replacement, and style advisors.
• 😀 Cost-effectiveness is a major consideration, with one-time payment software like ON1 Photo RAW being favored over subscription-based Lightroom.
• 😀 Free software generally lacks AI features but can still be functional, making it suitable for users who prioritize no cost over advanced capabilities.
• 😀 The video script includes a sponsor mention for EXA Wallets, promoting RFID protection, quick card access, and optional tracking, showcasing a brief ad integration.

Q & A

What prompted the video creator to rank Lightroom alternatives?

The video creator was motivated by Adobe's recent price hike for Lightroom subscriptions, which has frustrated many users. This led to the idea of comparing and ranking alternatives to Lightroom.

Which software was rated in the 'A tier' for its overall value and ease of use?

Luminar Neo was rated in the 'A tier' due to its good value, especially if purchased at a discounted price, and its user-friendly interface. It includes a range of AI-driven features and is a strong alternative to Lightroom.

What are some of the unique AI tools found in Luminar Neo?

Luminar Neo offers a variety of AI tools including sky enhancement, motion blur reduction, object replacement, portrait retouching, and a relighting tool that adjusts brightness based on the depth of objects within a scene.

What is one downside of Luminar Neo's software interface?

One downside of Luminar Neo is its overwhelming number of features, which can make it difficult for new users to know where to start. The abundance of options can feel a bit intimidating at first.

How does 'On1 Photo RAW' compare to Lightroom in terms of pricing?

On1 Photo RAW offers a one-time payment of $99.99, with discounts frequently applied, making it a much more affordable option than Lightroom's subscription model. The software is a good alternative for long-term users looking to avoid recurring payments.

What unique feature does On1 Photo RAW include that other software does not?

On1 Photo RAW includes an 'AI Style Advisor' feature, which suggests the best presets based on the user’s past editing choices. It also has a variety of AI tools, including portrait retouching and AI resizing.

Why did the creator rate Darktable as a 'B tier' option?

Darktable was rated in the 'B tier' because, although it’s a decent Lightroom alternative, its interface isn’t as user-friendly and can be challenging to navigate for beginners. However, for a free software, it’s a good choice.

What issues did the creator encounter when using Digicam?

Digicam presented several usability issues, including a confusing installation process and a clunky interface with many popup windows. The editing of raw files was also slow, making it less efficient for serious use.

How does DXO PhotoLab 8 compare to other paid software alternatives?

DXO PhotoLab 8 is priced at $229 for a lifetime license and offers basic AI tools, but it falls short of the more advanced features found in Luminar Neo or On1 Photo RAW. Its lack of more robust AI features made it less appealing, earning it a 'C tier' ranking.

What is the main drawback of using PhotoDirector 365?

The main drawback of PhotoDirector 365 is its use of a credit-based system for AI tools, which can be frustrating. While the software is feature-rich and user-friendly, the need to purchase credits for AI features detracts from its value.

How does Capture One Pro stand out in terms of customization?

Capture One Pro allows users to customize their workspace according to their preferences, which is a unique feature compared to other alternatives. However, its high price of $299 makes it less accessible for those seeking a budget-friendly solution.

Which free software did the creator consider the best among the alternatives?

RawTherapee was considered the best free alternative by the creator due to its clean interface, real-time adjustments, and decent performance. It doesn’t include AI tools but is still a strong choice for those looking for a free Lightroom alternative.

What is the overall recommendation for users looking for a Lightroom alternative?

For users willing to invest in software, On1 Photo RAW offers the best value and closest Lightroom experience. However, for those who prefer free alternatives, RawTherapee is recommended due to its solid feature set and ease of use.