#1 in Photo & Video

Adobe Lightroom review

Name: Adobe Lightroom
Author: Adobe

Pro photo editing and AI masking that syncs everywhere

Adobe
Free + paid plans
iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Web

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9.0

Our score Excellent Updated October 2026

Does it deserve #1?

The verdict

Lightroom is the most complete photo editor you can carry between phone, tablet and desktop. AI masks select skies, subjects and people in a tap, Generative Remove cleans up distractions, and your edits sync across devices through Adobe's cloud. The catch is the subscription: the best AI tools, cloud storage and the desktop app sit behind it. Get it if you shoot RAW or edit on several devices.

AI subject and sky masking
Generative Remove for distractions
RAW editing on mobile
Cloud sync across devices

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Score breakdown

FeaturesHow much it does, and how well those features hold up in daily use.

9.7

DesignClarity, polish, accessibility and how quickly you get things done.

9.3

PerformanceSpeed, reliability, sync and how kind it is to your battery.

9.1

ValueWhat you get for what you pay, including how useful the free tier is.

8.4

PrivacyWhat it collects, who it shares with, encryption and the business model.

7.4

Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?

What we like

Masking tools are precise and fast to apply
Same edits and presets on phone, tablet and desktop
Free mobile version covers core adjustments

What could be better

Best AI tools and cloud storage require a paid plan
Cloud-first library can feel heavy for quick edits

Get it if you're

Photographers who shoot RAW and edit across phone, tablet and computer

Skip it if

you want a one-time purchase with no account or cloud sync

Questions about Adobe Lightroom

Is Adobe Lightroom free?

The mobile app is free to download and includes core adjustments, presets and cropping. Premium tools such as Generative Remove, plus cloud storage and the desktop app, need an Adobe subscription.

What is the difference between Lightroom and Lightroom Classic?

Lightroom is the cloud-based app that syncs your photos across mobile, desktop and web. Lightroom Classic is a desktop-only app built around local folders and a catalog, favored by pros with large archives.

What are the best alternatives to Adobe Lightroom?

The closest alternatives are Darkroom, Snapseed and VSCO. See all of them ranked on our Adobe Lightroom alternatives page.

Where does Adobe Lightroom rank?

Adobe Lightroom ranks #1 of 8 in our Photo & Video ranking, with an overall score of 9.0 out of 10.