Topaz Gigapixel vs Luminar Neo
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Topaz Gigapixel starts at $29/mo and Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time. 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
- Multiple upscaling models
- Face recovery
- Generative Redefine
- Batch processing
- Photoshop plugin
- Sky replacement
- Relight AI
- Portrait retouching
- Generative erase
- Photoshop plugin
| Feature | Topaz Gigapixel | Luminar Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Desktop AI upscaler for enlarging photos with natural detail | AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | $29/mo | $119 one-time |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | Topaz Labs | Skylum |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Photoshop plugin.
Pricing compared
Topaz Gigapixel starts at $29/mo and Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Topaz Gigapixel
$29/mo
- Image upscaling models
- Unlimited local rendering
- 2 image cloud concurrency
Topaz Studio
$69/mo
- All apps: Video, Photo, Gigapixel
- Topaz for Mobile and Web
- 32MP cloud export limit
Topaz Studio Pro
$75/mo
- Billed monthly for 12 months
- All apps with Pro licenses
- Pro-exclusive models
- Full commercial use
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
Topaz Gigapixel
- Very natural upscales
- Runs locally
- Strong face recovery
- Subscription only now
- Needs a strong GPU
- No free desktop trial
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
Which one should you choose?
Choose Topaz Gigapixel if you want:
- Very natural upscales
- Runs locally
- Strong face recovery
Watch out: subscription only now.
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.
Topaz Gigapixel vs Luminar Neo FAQ
What is the difference between Topaz Gigapixel and Luminar Neo?
Topaz Gigapixel: Desktop AI upscaler for enlarging photos with natural detail. Luminar Neo: AI photo editor for quick sky, portrait and lighting fixes. Both are image tools.
Is Topaz Gigapixel or Luminar Neo cheaper?
Topaz Gigapixel starts at $29/mo and Luminar Neo starts at $119 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Topaz Gigapixel and Luminar Neo have free plans?
Topaz Gigapixel: No. Luminar Neo: No, trial available.
Who makes Topaz Gigapixel?
Topaz Gigapixel is made by Topaz Labs, based in United States.
Who makes Luminar Neo?
Luminar Neo is made by Skylum.
Which should I choose, Topaz Gigapixel or Luminar Neo?
Choose Topaz Gigapixel if you value very natural upscales and runs locally. Choose Luminar Neo if you value big edits with few sliders and strong sky and portrait tools.