Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom: A broad Lightroom workflow for RAW editing, masking, organization, and synchronized access. Ranked #2 of 158 in Photo Editing Software by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan · 7-day trial; best for RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 7-day trial
- Best forRAW workflows and cross-device photo editing
- Free planYes
- PlatformMulti-platform
- Founded1982 · San Jose, California, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Adobe Lightroom
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 and processing, noise reduction, and batch editing. Lightroom is available on web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with cloud storage and synchronization for photos and edits. A free mobile app and free cloud tier provide an entry point, while premium features and expanded synchronization require a subscription.
Its strongest area is the depth of its editing workflow. AI-powered masking can identify subjects, skies, and backgrounds, while Generative Remove handles distractions and Lens Blur adds an additional creative effect. AI-assisted culling and portrait retouching extend the workflow beyond basic adjustments, including skin and teeth edits. Copying edits across multiple images supports batch work, making Lightroom a practical fit for photographers who need both detailed control and repeatable changes across a library.
The plan structure separates the core Lightroom experience from a broader photography bundle and a team-oriented option. The Lightroom plan includes Lightroom across mobile, desktop, and web, Lightroom Classic, 1TB of cloud storage, and 250 monthly generative credits. The Photography plan adds Photoshop and 1,000 monthly generative credits, while Lightroom for teams adds Adobe Express Premium and exclusive business features. Choose Lightroom for RAW processing, AI-assisted editing, and cross-device access; choose an alternative if you need only occasional basic edits or prefer a strictly local desktop workflow.
Your product? Our editors can test Adobe Lightroom in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Adobe Lightroom pricing
All 6 Adobe Lightroom plans and prices →
Adobe Lightroom fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Platform | Multi-platform |
| RAW photo support | Yes |
| Layer editing | Not verified |
| Masking tools | Yes |
| Batch editing | Yes |
| Cloud sync | Yes |
| AI retouching | Yes |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 7-day trial (source) |
| Website | adobe.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Adobe Lightroom
- Adobe PhotoshopA deep, multi-platform editor for compositing, retouching, RAW work, and AI-assisted edits.9.4
- Capture OneA deep choice for professional RAW and tethered workflows, without a free plan.9.0
- darktableA free, cross-platform RAW workflow with cataloging, masking, batch editing, and AI tools.8.8
See all Adobe Lightroom alternatives →
Adobe Lightroom vs the competition
- Adobe Lightroom vs Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom vs Capture One
- Adobe Lightroom vs darktable
- Adobe Lightroom vs GIMP
- Adobe Lightroom vs ON1 Photo RAW
- Adobe Lightroom vs DxO PhotoLab
Compare Adobe Lightroom with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Adobe Lightroom is ranked in 10 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides Photo Editing Software.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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