Luminar Neo vs Aftershoot
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and Aftershoot starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Sky replacement
- Relight AI
- Portrait retouching
- Generative erase
- Photoshop plugin
- AI culling
- Personal AI edit profiles
- AI retouching
- Duplicate detection
- Lightroom integration
| Feature | Luminar Neo | Aftershoot |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes | AI culling, editing and retouching software for photographers |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $119 one-time | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No, trial available |
| Made by | Skylum | Aftershoot |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and Aftershoot starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Desktop
$119 one-time
- Lifetime desktop license
- Includes plug-in for Photoshop/Lightroom
Cross-device
$159 one-time
- Desktop, mobile and web apps
- Cross-device editing sync
Max
$179 one-time
- Everything in Cross-device
- 1 year of Luminar Prime AI tools
- Library of presets, LUTs and skies
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Luminar Neo
- Big edits with few sliders
- Strong sky and portrait tools
- Works as a plugin
- Can be slow on older machines
- Frequent upsells for add-ons
- Catalog tools are basic
Aftershoot
- Fast local culling
- No per-photo fees
- Learns your editing style
- Subscription required
- Needs a powerful computer
- Aimed at pros only
Which one should you choose?
Choose Luminar Neo if you want:
- Big edits with few sliders
- Strong sky and portrait tools
- Works as a plugin
Watch out: can be slow on older machines.
Choose Aftershoot if you want:
- Fast local culling
- No per-photo fees
- Learns your editing style
Watch out: subscription required.
Luminar Neo vs Aftershoot FAQ
What is the difference between Luminar Neo and Aftershoot?
Luminar Neo: AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes. Aftershoot: AI culling, editing and retouching software for photographers. Both are image tools.
Is Luminar Neo or Aftershoot cheaper?
Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and Aftershoot starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Luminar Neo and Aftershoot have free plans?
Luminar Neo: No, trial available. Aftershoot: No, trial available.
Who makes Luminar Neo?
Luminar Neo is made by Skylum.
Who makes Aftershoot?
Aftershoot is made by Aftershoot, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Luminar Neo or Aftershoot?
Choose Luminar Neo if you value big edits with few sliders and strong sky and portrait tools. Choose Aftershoot if you value fast local culling and no per-photo fees.