Luminar Neo
PaidAI photo editor with sky replacement, portrait enhancement, and relighting
Quick Verdict
Subscription: $9.95/mo · One-time: $149 perpetual license · Often discounted 40-50%
No
Wedding and portrait photographers processing high volumes quickly, enthusiast photographe
Scores 4.2/5. AI photo editor with sky replacement, portrait enhancement, .
Bottom line: Luminar Neo scores 4.2/5 — Wedding and portrait photographers processing high volumes quickly, enthusiast photographers who want dramatic AI-enhanced results without manual editing depth, and Lightroom users looking to augment their workflow.
About Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo, by Skylum, is an AI-focused photo editor aimed at photographers who want dramatic improvements with minimal technical work. Its signature features are Sky AI (one-click sky replacement with realistic reflections), Portrait AI (skin smoothing, eye enhancement, slimming), Relight AI (post-capture re-lighting), and Atmosphere AI (adding haze, fog, or mist). Unlike Lightroom, Luminar Neo is built around one-click AI transformations rather than manual raw development. It works as a standalone desktop app (Mac, Windows) or as a plugin for Lightroom, Photoshop, and Photos. Best suited to enthusiasts and wedding/portrait photographers who value speed over ultimate control.
Pricing
Subscription: $9.95/mo · One-time: $149 perpetual license · Often discounted 40-50%
Features
- Sky AI — one-click sky replacement with realistic reflections
- Portrait AI — skin retouching, eye enhancement, body slimming
- Relight AI — post-capture lighting adjustment
- Atmosphere AI — add haze, fog, snow, mist
- RAW editor with layers and masking
- Lightroom/Photoshop plugin mode + standalone app
Pros
- One-click AI transformations save hours on portrait work
- Perpetual license option ($149) — rare in photo editing
- Sky replacement genuinely looks convincing
- Works as Lightroom plugin — fits existing workflows
Cons
- Less flexible than Lightroom for granular raw adjustments
- Performance varies — some machines see slowdowns on large catalogs
- Catalog management weaker than Lightroom's
- AI features can look over-processed if overused
Best For
Wedding and portrait photographers processing high volumes quickly, enthusiast photographers who want dramatic AI-enhanced results without manual editing depth, and Lightroom users looking to augment their workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Luminar Neo vs Lightroom — which is better?
Lightroom is more flexible for granular raw development and catalog management. Luminar Neo is faster for dramatic AI transformations (sky swaps, portrait retouching). Many photographers use both: Lightroom for culling and base edits, Luminar Neo as a plugin for specific enhancements.
Is there a free version of Luminar Neo?
No free tier — only a 7-day free trial. Paid subscription is $9.95/month or $149 one-time perpetual license. Skylum frequently runs 40-50% off promotions, making the perpetual license the better value for serious users.
Does Luminar Neo work as a plugin?
Yes. Luminar Neo can be used as a plugin for Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Photos (macOS), and as a standalone application. The plugin mode lets you trigger Luminar's AI effects on a specific image without leaving your existing workflow.
How realistic is Luminar's Sky AI?
Very realistic when used on suitable images. Luminar analyzes the horizon, light direction, and water surfaces to create convincing reflections and lighting matches. It struggles more with complex foreground elements (tall buildings, tree canopies) against the replaced sky.
Is Luminar Neo good for beginners?
Yes — arguably better than Lightroom for total beginners. The one-click AI transformations deliver impressive results with zero editing knowledge. Serious photographers will eventually want Lightroom's depth, but Luminar is a gentler on-ramp.