kitio.aiLuminar Neo vs PhotoDirector
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 PhotoDirector starts at $79.99/yr. 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
- Generative fill
- Sky replacement
- Object removal
- Portrait retouch
- Photo animation
| Feature | Luminar Neo | PhotoDirector |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes | CyberLink photo editor with AI generation, removal and sky tools |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $119 one-time | $79.99/yr |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes |
| Made by | Skylum | CyberLink |
| Based in | – | Taiwan |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Sky replacement.
Pricing compared
Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and PhotoDirector starts at $79.99/yr. 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
4 plans
Essential
Free
- Free download
- Limited features
PhotoDirector 365
$79.99/yr
- All core AI photo tools
- 100 AI credits per month
- Monthly feature updates
- 50 GB cloud storage
PhotoDirector 2027
$119.99 one-time
- Perpetual license
- 300 AI credits (valid 1 year)
- RAW support
Director Suite
$149.99/yr
- Adds PowerDirector and AudioDirector
- 250 AI credits per month
- 100 GB cloud storage
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
PhotoDirector
- Many AI tools for the price
- Desktop and mobile versions
- Beginner-friendly guides
- Upsells for AI credits
- Less precise than Photoshop
- Ads on free mobile app
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 PhotoDirector if you want:
- Many AI tools for the price
- Desktop and mobile versions
- Beginner-friendly guides
Watch out: upsells for ai credits.
Luminar Neo vs PhotoDirector FAQ
What is the difference between Luminar Neo and PhotoDirector?
Luminar Neo: AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes. PhotoDirector: CyberLink photo editor with AI generation, removal and sky tools. Both are image tools.
Is Luminar Neo or PhotoDirector cheaper?
Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and PhotoDirector starts at $79.99/yr. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Luminar Neo and PhotoDirector have free plans?
Luminar Neo: No, trial available. PhotoDirector: Yes.
Who makes Luminar Neo?
Luminar Neo is made by Skylum.
Who makes PhotoDirector?
PhotoDirector is made by CyberLink, based in Taiwan.
Which should I choose, Luminar Neo or PhotoDirector?
Choose Luminar Neo if you value big edits with few sliders and strong sky and portrait tools. Choose PhotoDirector if you value many ai tools for the price and desktop and mobile versions.