Skylum
AI-powered photo editing with one-click sky replacement and portrait enhancement
Overall Score
out of 10
Average
Overview
Skylum Luminar Neo is a non-destructive AI photo editor that uses machine learning to automate complex editing tasks. Its headline feature — AI Sky Replacement — can swap dull skies with dramatic alternatives in seconds. Luminar Neo also includes AI portrait tools, background removal, GenExpand (generative fill), and landscape enhancers. While it excels at creative one-click transformations, it falls short compared to industry standards like Lightroom and Photoshop for professional workflow integration and overall stability.
Key Features
AI Sky Replacement
Replace any sky with a single click — choose from 200+ sky presets or import your own.
AI Portrait Tools
Smooth skin, enhance eyes, reshape face, and remove blemishes using AI portrait retouching.
GenExpand
Use generative AI to fill and expand your image beyond its original borders intelligently.
Landscape Enhancer
Boost foliage, water, and atmosphere with dedicated AI landscape enhancement tools.
Layers Support
Work with multiple layers for advanced compositing and non-destructive editing workflows.
Plugin Support
Use Luminar Neo as a plugin for Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Photos on Mac.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent AI Sky Replacement feature
- Non-destructive editing with layers
- GenExpand generative fill technology
- One-click AI portrait retouching
- Available on both Mac and Windows
Cons
- Frequent crashes and sluggish performance
- Subscription plus one-time purchase model is confusing
- Poor Lightroom plugin stability
- Customer support is slow to respond
- Not ideal for professional-grade workflows
Pricing Plans
Monthly
- All AI tools
- Regular updates
- Cloud sync
- Basic support
Annual
- All AI tools
- Free extension packs
- Priority support
- Plugin access
Lifetime
- Lifetime license
- Free minor updates
- All current features
- Priority support
User Reviews from Trustpilot
Average
2,107 reviews
Sky Replacement is genuinely magical
The one-click sky replacement feature alone is worth it for landscape photographers. What used to take me 30 minutes in Photoshop now takes 10 seconds. Other AI features are hit or miss but that feature is exceptional.
Keeps crashing on my Mac
Paid for the annual plan and regret it. The software crashes at least twice per editing session on my M2 MacBook Pro. Sent three support tickets over 3 weeks with no useful response. Feels like an abandoned product.
Good ideas, poor execution
The concept is great — AI-powered editing for photographers who aren't Photoshop experts. But the performance is disappointing. Simple edits feel sluggish and the Lightroom plugin crashes constantly. Lots of potential, not fully realized.
Final Verdict
Skylum Luminar Neo has genuinely impressive AI features — particularly Sky Replacement — but is held back by reliability issues and a confusing pricing model. It is a fun creative tool for enthusiast photographers but struggles to compete with Lightroom for professional use. Worth trying if you prioritize AI-driven creative effects over workflow efficiency.
Rating Breakdown
Best For
Enthusiast photographers who want creative AI effects without complex workflows
Ready to try Skylum?
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