Adobe Lightroom vs PaintFE

Adobe Lightroom9.2Visit PaintFE5.6Visit

Higher score Adobe Lightroom #2 in Photo Editing Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 6 features Try Adobe Lightroom

vs

PaintFE #37 in Photo Editing Software 5.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit PaintFE

• Adobe Lightroom fits best

  RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing

• PaintFE fits best

  Free flexible editing and automation

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Side by side

Feature	Adobe Lightroom 9.2/10 Visit ↗	PaintFE 5.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	5.6
Ranking	#2 in Photo Editing Software	#37 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing	Free flexible editing and automation
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Adobe Lightroom 5/6 · PaintFE 5/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓ (best)	—
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Multi-platform
Our review
Pros	Comprehensive RAW processing, masking, and selective adjustments AI tools cover culling, retouching, Lens Blur, and distraction removal Syncs photos and edits across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android	Supports RAW formats, layered PFE projects, masks, and blend modes Local AI background removal with compatible ONNX models Batch CLI workflows and Rhai scripting support repeatable edits
Cons	Advanced features and expanded synchronization require a subscription The broad feature set may exceed the needs of occasional editors Lightroom Classic is oriented toward desktop-focused workflows	Browser edition is beta and has native-only feature limitations AI background removal requires desktop setup and compatible local models No cloud sync for cross-device project access
Our verdict	Adobe Lightroom combines photo organization with editing tools for photographers, creators, and anyone managing digital image libraries. It supports exposure, color, effects, cropping, presets, selective adjustments, masking, RAW import… Read the review →	PaintFE is a free, MIT-licensed photo and raster editor for Windows, macOS, Linux, and the browser. It suits photographers, designers, and technical users who want local editing without an account, subscription, telemetry, or required… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Adobe Lightroom — where it wins

  • Comprehensive RAW processing, masking, and selective adjustments
  • AI tools cover culling, retouching, Lens Blur, and distraction removal
  • Syncs photos and edits across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced features and expanded synchronization require a subscription
  • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of occasional editors
  • Lightroom Classic is oriented toward desktop-focused workflows

• PaintFE — where it wins

  • Supports RAW formats, layered PFE projects, masks, and blend modes
  • Local AI background removal with compatible ONNX models
  • Batch CLI workflows and Rhai scripting support repeatable edits

  Where it doesn't

  • Browser edition is beta and has native-only feature limitations
  • AI background removal requires desktop setup and compatible local models
  • No cloud sync for cross-device project access

• Adobe Lightroom9.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A broad Lightroom workflow for RAW editing, masking, organization, and synchronized access.

  Try Adobe LightroomFull verdict →
• PaintFE5.6/10 · Free plan

  A flexible free editor with RAW, layers, automation, and local AI tools.

  Visit PaintFEFull verdict →