MergeHDR
MergeHDR: A focused, low-cost HDR workflow for photographers using iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Ranked #14 of 20 in HDR Software by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: From $9.99/yr; best for low-cost iOS and Mac HDR.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingFrom $9.99/yr
- Best forLow-cost iOS and Mac HDR
- Free planNo
- HDR merge modeBracketed
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Automatic detection and alignment for 3-, 5-, and 7-frame brackets
- Four deghosting levels, layers, and switchable tone-mapping presets
- Offline processing with HEIC and DNG export options
Where it doesn't
- Limited to iOS and macOS devices
- Supports up to seven input frames
- The free tier limits exports to 10 total and 5 per day
Our verdict on MergeHDR
MergeHDR is a photo application for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that detects exposure-bracketed photos in an Apple Photos library and merges them into HDR images. It is designed for photographers who want a local workflow for reviewing, aligning, processing, and exporting bracketed images without accounts, uploads, or cloud processing. The app supports common camera RAW formats, JPEG, and HEIC brackets, with automatic detection of 3-, 5-, and 7-frame sequences. It also provides automatic alignment for handheld brackets, four deghosting sensitivity levels, per-exposure layers with opacity controls, and an exposure merge report with camera and exposure metadata.
The pricing structure keeps the entry point low. The Free tier is free to try and supports on-device HDR merging and previewing, full-resolution output without a watermark, and no account or uploads; the App Store allowance is 10 exports, with up to 5 per day. The Yearly plan costs $9.99 per year and adds unlimited HDR saves, Universal Purchase across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and Family Sharing. The Lifetime plan costs $19.99 one time and includes the same paid features, including unlimited HDR saves, Universal Purchase, and Family Sharing. For occasional use, the free allowance provides a defined way to evaluate the workflow; frequent users can choose between annual access and a one-time purchase.
Its strongest fit is the Apple ecosystem: MergeHDR runs on iOS and macOS, works with an Apple Photos library, processes images on-device offline, and connects to the RAWtoHEIC pipeline for HEIC export. Full-quality HDR export, HEIC export, and DNG output support give photographers practical delivery options, while tone-mapping presets can be changed without re-merging. The trade-off is a narrow platform and workflow focus, with a maximum of seven input images. Choose MergeHDR for straightforward bracketed HDR on Apple devices; photographers needing broader platform coverage or larger input sets should look elsewhere.
MergeHDR pricing
All 3 MergeHDR plans and prices →
MergeHDR fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| HDR merge mode | Bracketed |
| Tone mapping controls | Multiple |
| Batch processing | Not verified |
| RAW file support | Yes |
| HDR output formats | HEIC, DNG |
| Supported platforms | iOS, macOS |
| Maximum input images | 7 images |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: RAWtoHEIC |
| Pricing | From $9.99/yr (source) |
| Website | mergehdr.app |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
MergeHDR integrations
MergeHDR lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- RAWtoHEIC
Alternatives to MergeHDR
- Luminance HDRA free, full-featured HDR toolkit for photographers on Windows, macOS, and Linux.9.0
- ColorForgeA free cross-platform HDR editor with strong RAW and bracket-fusion controls.8.6
- Photomatix ProA feature-rich desktop HDR editor for photographers who need advanced control.8.1
See all MergeHDR alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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