Affinity vs Luminar Neo

Affinity9.2Visit Luminar Neo7.9Visit

Higher score Affinity #1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Affinity

vs

Luminar Neo #4 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 7.9/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Luminar Neo

• Affinity fits best

  Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work

• Luminar Neo fits best

  Mac photographers who value AI editing and cloud sync

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Side by side

Feature	Affinity 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Luminar Neo 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	7.9
Ranking	#1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac	#4 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Best for	Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work	Mac photographers who value AI editing and cloud sync
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	None	$129 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	7 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7
Integrations	5 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Affinity 0/6 · Luminar Neo 0/6
Layer support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
RAW processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
PSD compatibility	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Non-destructive editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Plugin support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
iPad version	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum color depth	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration	Combines RAW processing with non-destructive layers and several masking tools. AI tools cover portrait retouching, generative edits and sky replacement. Higher plans add mobile editing, cross-device editing and web galleries.
Cons	Requires a Canva account for individual access Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed Some AI tools require Canva premium plans	No free plan; the trial lasts 7 days. Desktop Only costs $129 USD as a one-time purchase. Generative AI tools are included for one year with Desktop Only.
Our verdict	Affinity brings pixel photo editing, vector design, and page layout into one desktop application. For Mac users looking to replace Photoshop, that breadth is its defining distinction: alongside RAW processing, filters, retouching, and… Read the review →	For Mac photographers seeking an alternative to Photoshop, Luminar Neo pairs RAW photo processing and non-destructive layers with AI editing tools. Its editing toolkit includes brush, gradient, radial and AI masking, batch edits through… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Affinity — where it wins

  • Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout
  • Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files
  • Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Canva account for individual access
  • Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed
  • Some AI tools require Canva premium plans

• Luminar Neo — where it wins

  • Combines RAW processing with non-destructive layers and several masking tools.
  • AI tools cover portrait retouching, generative edits and sky replacement.
  • Higher plans add mobile editing, cross-device editing and web galleries.

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the trial lasts 7 days.
  • Desktop Only costs $129 USD as a one-time purchase.
  • Generative AI tools are included for one year with Desktop Only.

• Affinity9.2/10 · Free plan

  A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.

  Visit AffinityFull verdict →
• Luminar Neo7.9/10 · 7-day trial

  A layer-based Mac editor with AI tools, RAW processing and cross-device options.

  Visit Luminar NeoFull verdict →