Luminar review

Luminar is built around AI tools that do in one slider what other editors need masks for. SkyAI swaps a dull sky, Atmosphere adds fog and clouds that follow the scene's depth, Light Depth adds directional light, and FaceAI, SkinAI and BokehAI handle portraits. A new AI Assistant applies edits you describe in plain words, and GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand handle generative fixes. Skylum now sells one Luminar across desktop, web, iPhone and iPad, with cross-device sync, and offers lifetime licenses with a 30-day money back guarantee. The iPhone and iPad app costs $39.99 for 12 months or $69.99 for a lifetime license on the US App Store; we could not confirm the desktop bundle in US dollars from our location. Two cautions: the generative tools come with 365 days of Luminar Prime and then need renewing, and the strongest AI looks are easy to overdo. For quick, dramatic scenery and portrait fixes, it is fast and fun.

Who it is for

Hobbyists who want quick AI fixes for skies, faces and light rather than manual masking.

Price

Luminar mobile app $39.99 for 12 months or $69.99 lifetime as an in-app purchase on the US App Store (about $3.33 per month); desktop and web lifetime bundles on skylum.com are priced in local currency from our location.

12 Months $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• SkyAI sky replacement and Atmosphere fog and clouds
• FaceAI, SkinAI and BokehAI portrait tools
• AI Assistant that applies edits you describe in words
• GenErase, GenSwap and GenExpand generative tools
• Cross-device editing between mobile, desktop and web

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Many one-slider AI tools for skies, skin and light
• Strength: Lifetime licenses are offered alongside subscriptions
• Strength: Mobile app supports RAW files
• Weakness: Generative AI tools are renewable after 365 days through Luminar Prime
• Weakness: Desktop price could not be confirmed in USD from our location
• Weakness: Heavy reliance on AI effects can look overdone

Key facts

• Platforms: Desktop, web, iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro
• Mobile yearly price (US App Store): $39.99
• Mobile lifetime price (US App Store): $69.99
• Money back guarantee: 30 days on skylum.com
• Former name: Luminar Neo

Where it ranks

Luminar is No. 6 in our Best Photo Editing Apps verdict.