Aurora HDR vs Luminar Neo: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Choosing between Skylum's Aurora HDR and Luminar Neo? We get it—it’s a tough choice if you’re not sure what each one offers. Our handy guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the perfect photo editor for you

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Key Factors to Consider

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Interface

Both Aurora HDR and Luminar Neo have clean, intuitive designs that are easy to use. However, since Aurora HDR software is older, its interface can feel a bit outdated and might be overwhelming for beginners due to its many features. Luminar Neo, with its modern interface, offers a more streamlined experience.

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Variety of Functionality

Aurora HDR is renowned for its superior HDR capabilities and was long considered a top choice alongside Luminar Neo. However, with Luminar Neo's new HDR Merge extension, you can now merge exposure brackets and edit photos seamlessly within one program. Additionally, Luminar Neo offers a broader range of tools and advanced AI features, making it ideal for creating stunning, detailed images of both landscapes and portraits.

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Updates and Upgrades

Aurora HDR, as an older product now replaced by Luminar Neo, no longer receives updates or upgrades, meaning it won't benefit from the latest features and performance improvements. In contrast, Luminar Neo is frequently updated with new features and enhancements, particularly in its AI capabilities, ensuring users always have access to cutting-edge tools.

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Luminar Neo vs Aurora HDR: Main Features Compared

FeaturesAurora HDRLuminar Neo

Single image tone mapping

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Single bracket HDR merge

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Batch Processing

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Auto batch processing detection

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Improved HDR brackets detection in Batch Processing

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New Cameras Support

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Batch file naming and export quality settings

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Export presets saving

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Up to ~1.5x-1.8x faster on different OS

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Wide functionality

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Aurora HDR

Luminar Neo

Single image tone mapping

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Single bracket HDR merge

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Batch Processing

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Auto batch processing detection

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Improved HDR brackets detection in Batch Processing

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New Cameras Support

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Batch file naming and export quality settings

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Export presets saving

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Up to ~1.5x-1.8x faster on different OS

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Wide functionality

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An application & plugin for macOS & Windows

based on 4000+ reviews on TrustPilot about Skylum Software

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Award-winning photo software
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More than 1,000,000 users worldwide
Vast collection of creative assets for incredible results
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Keep your workflow, expand your possibilities

Want to get all the benefits of Luminar Neo but have an established Lightroom workflow? Great news! You can use all the power of Luminar Neo within a plugin for Lightroom without changing up your usual post-production process.

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An application & plugin
For macOS & Windows

  • High-performance AI editor
  • 24/7 technical support

  • 30-day money back guarantee

  • Join community of Luminar Insiders

Frequently Asked Questions

Which software is better for beginners, Aurora HDR or Luminar Neo?

Both are good, but Luminar Neo is newer, receives more updates, and offers wider functionality, making it a better choice for beginners. Additionally, it includes many AI tools that make the editing process a breeze. You can learn more about Luminar Neo's capabilities by following the link.

Can I use both Aurora HDR and Luminar Neo together for photo editing?

Is there a difference in the price between Aurora HDR and Luminar Neo?

Can I use plugins with Aurora HDR and Luminar Neo?

Does Luminar Neo support batch processing like Aurora HDR?

What are the system requirements for running Luminar Neo?

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