kitio.aiLuminar Neo vs Spectre
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 Spectre 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
- Crowd removal via long exposure
- AI scene detection
- Auto-stabilization
- Light trails at night
- Live Photo replay of the exposure
| Feature | Luminar Neo | Spectre |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes | AI long-exposure camera app for iPhone |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Paid |
| Starting price | $119 one-time | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No |
| Made by | Skylum | Lux Optics |
| 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 Spectre 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
Spectre
- No tripod needed
- Exposure replay saved as a Live Photo
- From the team behind Halide
- iPhone only
- Pricing details not captured
- Specialized for long exposures
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 Spectre if you want:
- No tripod needed
- Exposure replay saved as a Live Photo
- From the team behind Halide
Watch out: iphone only.
Luminar Neo vs Spectre FAQ
What is the difference between Luminar Neo and Spectre?
Luminar Neo: AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes. Spectre: AI long-exposure camera app for iPhone. Both are image tools.
Is Luminar Neo or Spectre cheaper?
Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time and Spectre starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Luminar Neo and Spectre have free plans?
Luminar Neo: No, trial available. Spectre: No.
Who makes Luminar Neo?
Luminar Neo is made by Skylum.
Who makes Spectre?
Spectre is made by Lux Optics, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Luminar Neo or Spectre?
Choose Luminar Neo if you value big edits with few sliders and strong sky and portrait tools. Choose Spectre if you value no tripod needed and exposure replay saved as a live photo.