# Adobe Lightroom Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Adobe Lightroom the right Photo Editing solution for you? Explore 327 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/233631/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom/reviews --- Adobe Lightroom 4.8 (327) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/233631/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Adobe Lightroom Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.1 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Time-saving customizable presets 96% positive reviews out of 25 Most reviewers describe presets as easy to create, import, and apply, significantly speeding up photo editing workflows. Johanna B Dental Hygienist, 11 - 50 employees. "I like that you can upload presets and then easily apply them." High ongoing subscription cost 69% negative reviews out of 35 Some users report pricing is high, bundled with unwanted apps, and less accessible for non-professionals or small businesses. Hakob A Solutions Engineer, 5,001 - 10,000 employees. "Unfortunately, the Adobe pricing was a bit high for me, and I couldn't afford a two licenses for Photoshop and Lightroom, so I replaced my Lightroom with Camera Raw application from Adobe, which has the necessary functionality and is free with Photoshop license." Boosts social media engagement 100% positive reviews out of 25 Most users report social media photos benefit from unique filters, fast editing, and improved audience interaction. Seamless adobe suite integration 96% positive reviews out of 23 Most reviewers indicate integrations with Adobe products streamline editing, organization, and exporting for efficient workflows. ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 327 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Crystal C. Owner Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great for photographers" May 29, 2025 4.0 Overall, I'm a huge fan of the software and would recommend it for any photographer, but the costs and the learning curve can take some persuasion to want to jump in Pros It is a very in depth software for editing photos. It can make adjustments from the most miniscule changes to the most extreme and everything in between. If you can learn the software, it will be a gamechanger for your photography Cons It has a semi-steep learning curve, the subscription costs can be hard to justify for those just starting out, and my least favorite thing, is the black lettering on a dark gray background for 99% of the menu options making it extremely difficult at times to pick out what you are looking for Alternatives considered [GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168960/GIMP/) Reason for choosing Adobe Lightroom More training available for the software. It's also more intuitive Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Managing Partner Photography Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best software for photographers" January 27, 2025 5.0 I am using lightroom for almost 15 years now and still stick to it. There is no other software that is capable of Lightrooms cataloging features combined with development tools. Unfortunately, it sometimes is painfully slow and unresponsive and Adobe does not really seem to do anything about it nor implement feedback - even if there are thousands of votes for it. Pros \- Best cataloging software on the market - Easy to use - Many options for development and editing Cons \- Sometimes painfully slow, especially with large catalogues - Only subscription model available, if newest version is needed Alternatives considered [Affinity Photo](https://www.capterra.com/p/228748/Affinity-Photo/) Reason for choosing Adobe Lightroom There is no better software that combines both cataloging and developing images. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Photographer Photography Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Lightroom Classic user for years" March 14, 2026 5.0 It works and works well. Delivers what it promises and what I need to get photos culled, edited, and exported to spec. Pros Simple yet powerful, intuitive interface. Handles photo library well. Excellent and powerful suite of tools. Cons There is not a great deal to complain about for me and my photography workflow as it pertains to using Lightroom Classic. I will say that some of the tools that are available in both Photoshop and Lightroom are vastly superior in Photoshop. Review Source LL Léandre L. Photographer Photography Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great software, horrible business plan" February 12, 2025 3.0 Everything is great, but the subscription model is abhorrent. The minute I find something similar without a subscription, I'll switch Pros Access between tablet, pc and cellphone. Cons The subscription model is horrible. I would love to buy once and would put 5 stars if that was the case Review Source DR Devan R. Sales and Marketing Representative Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Lightroom is a must" April 8, 2026 5.0 Overall I have had a very positive experience with adobe Lightroom. It takes my photography to the next level. Pros The ability to transform photos with light and colour settings. Ease of use across mobile devices and web browsers. Cons Sometimes I find that in Apple photos, the edits performed make the image look better than Lightroom. Review Source LB Leighann B. Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Simple and a HUGE time saver" May 2, 2025 5.0 Very satisfied. I am able to edit my photos quickly and easily to make them more presentable on social media. Pros Preset filters are the best! I don't have a lot of time for photo editing. It's something I've had to learn to do in order to maintain a decent social media presence for my school, but I'm not great at it. Preset filters in Lightroom make all my photos look better. Cons I just wish I knew how to better use all the features! I know I'm not using it to its fullest potential, but it works for my purposes. Alternatives considered [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Reason for choosing Adobe Lightroom Adobe Lightroom was much simpler and easier to learn that Photoshop Review Source RA Rachel A. Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Photo Editing made easy" December 10, 2024 4.0 Overall, I enjoy using Lightroom. Outside of managing my preschool, I handle all social media and Lightroom is great for editing the photos I take of activities within our program. Pros I like how many features users can explore while working in Lightroom. I also like that users can connect to the community and use filters created by others. Cons I find that this program can be easily "overloaded" and will crash- especially if the device you are using it on is not completely up to date. If you are ensuring that your device and Lightroom are both running on the latest software, it works fine 99% of the time. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) I like the features and functions of Lightroom better than Photoshop. This platform feels a little easier to use as well for strictly image editing. Review Source ML Melissa L. Founder and Creater Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great image editing app!" October 1, 2025 4.0 I live using the app, it’s very convenient. The simple tools needed to quickly edit images are all there. Pros I really love the convenience of this app. The features it offers make good value for your money. Image editing tools have helped elevate my content a lot. Cons Most of the advanced tools require a specific monthly subscription in order to be unlocked. In order to get into presets, there are a series of steps to click into before getting to it. It would be much better if it were a few clicks less for more convenience. Switched from [Image Tools](https://www.capterra.com/p/10015191/Quicktools/) It was too expensive and only offered the most basic tools Review Source JS Jason S. Photography assistant Apparel & Fashion Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best overall photo editing software " April 7, 2025 5.0 I love Lightroom, and use it as my main editing software. Pros Best platform to not just edit your images, but also organize and categorize your work. New features are constantly being added to further the experience. Cons Work requiring more detailed editing work or layers will have to be used along side of Photoshop. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) I started using Photoshop, but switched to Lightroom as my main editor for its file organization, and ease of use. Review Source PE Pete E. Head of IT Services Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Vvery powerful image catalogue and editing tool" March 26, 2025 5.0 Lightroom has been effective in improving my photography workflow. I like how it has evolved into the product it now is, and has many features to help transform dull images into vivid snapshots. Pros It is an incredibly powerful tool for managing and edit photos. Cons It could be more efficient with PC CPU and RAM. Sometimes it can be slow to work with. It is also quite pricey with a subscription model. Switched from [Capture One](https://www.capterra.com/p/200094/Capture-One-Enterprise/) Lightroom has better features and is easier to use with the sliders etc. Review Source GF Gabriela F. Nutritionist Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "It is great but not easy to use." February 27, 2025 5.0 Pros I can edit multiple photos at the same time. Cons It is much harder to learn to use than Adobe Photoshop Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) To be able to edit multiple images at the same time. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Media Stockroom Manager Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Lightroom is the affordable, go-to application for Photographers. " April 7, 2022 5.0 It is a great all in one editor, especially for editing large batches of photographs. It is the industry standard on that front. Pros It is very powerful editting software, at a really competitive rate. It also integrates nicely within the Adobe ecosystem, especially working well with Photoshop. Cons Takes some getting used to, especially how the files are imported vs loaded into Lightroom for editing. Switched from [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229092/Adobe-Photoshop/) Photoshop is better for individual image editing, but Lightroom allows for batch processing. Review Source GD GAJENDRASINH D. Fashion consultant Retail Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Adobe Lightroom -The unlimited tool for photo editing " February 6, 2025 5.0 My overall experience was very positive about photo editing and also manage my photo Pros I like most about ending my photos to look liked naturel feel,the basic tool convert a rich looking photos Cons Adobe Lightroom feel like overwhelming at first for those new to photo editing. Review Source MR Maya R. Central Photographer Entertainment Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Perfect for Quick Photo Editing" March 19, 2025 4.0 Pros The ease and simplicity of having all the tools right there which is easy to access when you're in a rush. Cons The export time and the denoise time for multiple photos although, that's something you can't control especially depending on the file size. Review Source JB Jessica B. Marketing Manager Furniture Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great app and easy to use" December 16, 2024 5.0 Easy to use, great for having presets to enhance the quality of your pictures and the ease at which you can change settings to get your desired look. Pros How easy it is to use on my phone. I can crop and get the quality pictures I need and want with a few easy clicks. Then you just save to your phone and you are good to go! Cons The storage on the computer always seems to fill up fast. We need to be reminded to take them out of the program and save them in a separate file. Review Source JW Jenna W. Owner Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for photo editing " December 30, 2024 5.0 Have used for years for photo editing and is easy to use with other adobe programs Pros Can easily edit photos like a professional Cons Have to relearn some of the functions when they make updates Review Source RA Richard A. Photographer Internet Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Lightroom for IPad is the best version" August 7, 2024 5.0 Always great never had issue using it, the iPad version is amazing Pros For the iPad version I like how the ease of use is even faster than pc Cons Unclear export instructions had to YouTube and Google Review Source BW Brecht W. editor Photography Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Lightroom review" June 2, 2024 5.0 overall it is a great program even for beginners. There are plenty options to make it look like it is Sopost too. Pros It is simple to learn and get started with. it is very intuïtieve. Cons Handeling with the adobe website was a pain and not very intuïtieve. canceling my subscripsion when i wasn't using it for a moment was also a pain Review Source Larry R. Content Developer Photography Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Adobe Lightroom - The Field Photographer's Must-have Software" February 15, 2022 5.0 Without Adobe Lightroom, my business would experience longer delivery times to publish content. Lightroom enables extremely fast import of new image files and export of finished art. Lightroom enables lightning-fast search and retrieval of images I need to review and select for published content. And lastly, Lightroom handles all aspects of image file management - of over 140,000 images located on multiple hard drives. Lightroom is a competitive advantage in my business. Pros I have been a Lightroom user since the beginning of Lightroom, and it has become a critical part of my business processes. I really value Adobe's technical support and frequent updates to the product as new cameras and new capabilities are introduced to the market. One feature of Lightroom that literally saves me hours every day is the keyword tagging and search feature. As a writer and book publisher, it is critically important to me that I be able to find specific photos in my archive of over 140,000 images. Using Lightroom, I can enter a few keywords and Lightroom finds images tagged with those values within seconds. This capability alone is the difference between published a finished book layout in time, or missing a deadline. Cons There is not much that I don't like about Lightroom, but I must admit that there is one aspect of the product design that sometimes confuses novice users. That aspect is the data architecture it assigns when importing images, which assures that the original photo file is untouched. Essentially, Lightroom never changes an original image because it records the "path" to the location where each image existed at the time of import. Then, as edits are made to an image, a text file is created to record edits made, such as "increase contrast by +2" or "adjust horizon by -21 degrees." The most common complaint I hear from novice users is "my image disappeared from Lightroom." Invariably, when I help these individuals I learn that the user had changed the folder name, or the location of the file on the computer, which changes the "path" Lightroom uses to find the underlying image - remember, Lightroom does to protect the original file from accidental changes. Review Source NM Nathália M. travel consultant Leisure, Travel & Tourism Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "the best image editor" August 1, 2022 5.0 It is a complex application, mainly due to its many functions, which also makes it a very complete application for editing. In addition to exporting everything with great quality. I highly recommend it, if you have difficulties at first, persist until you understand each feature, it's worth it Pros I wouldn't say that the application is easy to use, especially for those who are not familiar with image editing, myself, when I installed it, two years ago, I found it quite difficult and I looked for many videos on youtube that could help me. But once you get the hang of it, get more familiar with the tools, you won't want to edit anywhere else. I find the application very complete, with several functions, with the option of filters saved by the user, which make it very easy as well. One thing that might seem small, but I really like it and haven't seen it in similar apps, is the option to "zero" the edit I was doing quite easily. Cons it's been a while since, in the "mask" option you could select only the sky, or a "subject". I only managed to do this once! Every other time the app restarts and I lose everything I've edited. So, this function, which is not that new, doesn't work on my device, nor on my husband's device. Review Source Ankur B. Photographer Media Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Holy Grail of Photoediting" January 27, 2023 5.0 Adobe Lightroom has been my first priority software since day 1. Hands down one of the best software. Pros If you're a content creator from a beginner level to having your own Media Agency, Adobe Lightroom is hands down one of the most perfect and most powerful tools. Especially with the integration of AI for masking, and other basic changes, it has been even more fun, quick, and easy to edit. Especially if you're someone who makes while traveling, and most of the time you're editing, you're in an Airplane, or car, or something where Laptop won't be feasible, you can edit directly on your iPad and then see them on your mobile for easy export & upload, on your Laptop for further work or with your team in some other country via cloud-based service. Cons The subscription model even thou affordable, isn't for everyone. They should allow free runs on Mobile for RAW editing while keeping the subscription model for iPad & Desktop versions. The lack of Fujifilm Film Simulation is a big red flag for Fujifilm users while their tether when compared to Capture One is quickly outdated. Review Source Brian G. Videographer/photographer/editor Online Media Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Edit all your social media photos with Lightroom!" December 24, 2021 5.0 I use lightroom and photoshop sometimes interchangeably but I prefer using Lightroom for quick edits since it is perhaps the easiest and fastest program adobe offers Pros Adobe Lightroom is deeply versatile but perhaps most importantly it takes so many steps out of the process to get photos onto social media that it becomes a necessary tool to master for every single creator who has any social media platform. The beauty is it’s easy to master and will have you feeling like a professional in no time even if you are one already ;) Cons Like all adobe products it comes with a moderate monthly price tag but like all Adobe products every bug is fixed and every update is applied as soon as you’re ready for it! Review Source Matthias H. CEO Photography Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The only software I use as a professional photographer" November 17, 2022 5.0 Adobe Lightroom is my all-in-one solution for my work as a professional photographer. It offers many options (Import-Editing-Export), and it's way easier to use than Adobe Photoshop. Batch processing is a key feature when it comes down to editing a lot of photos at the same time. Pros Adobe Lightroom is easy-to-use, importing hundreds of RAW photos is fast, and the editing process is much more intuitive than Adobe Photoshop (especially batch processing). Sliders are used to edit the photos, which makes it a breeze to experiment and develop a fast workflow. Exporting the photos into smaller Jpegs for web usage works great too. Cons I have the impression that Adobe Lightroom is the reason that slows down my iMac. It takes quite a long time to start the software. Once you add a lot of photos to a catalog, it even gets worse. Therefore make sure you have enough RAM/storage space on your computer. Review Source MA Mark A. Owner Photography Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Quick and easy editing without the fuss" April 30, 2024 5.0 As I have said before does what it is supposed to do in a fast and efficient way, I have tried other software but this really is the number one tool on the market for me. Its just great for dealing with my wedding photos and lets me work on them without having to upload more than once. Pros Adobe Lightroom was very easy to load up with no problems whatsoever. It allows fast editing where you need it getting your photo's ready for the customer. Easy to upload your photos easy to edit, and if you get stuck the help section has the answer. Cons The main niggles for me were that you have to load to your c drive it would have helped me to have been able to upload to any drive. I think that some of the tools can still be a bit slow but nothing much. with regards to cons as such none it does what its supposed to do. Reason for choosing Adobe Lightroom Easy to use and to edit with giving you images that people want you can take a good picture but there is no point if you do not have the capacity to edit it right, lightroom has done the job for me. Review Source SS Szabolcs S. Software developer Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "It's a must" July 31, 2022 5.0 I can successfully organize my pictures, i can retouch and perfect them with ease, I can go from desktop to mobile and pick up the work and continue - I like this the most. Pros If you are a photographer, be that on a professional basis or a hobbyist, you can't expect to create awesome shots with the camera only. A good post-processing software is needed. Lightroom is the "industry standard", every other editor is compared against it, in the features, in organizing tools, sharing features, with Adobe family software integrations Cons It's a little annoying, that it needs a little too much resources, cpu and ram. I had to switch hardware because of this. The 20gb cloud space offered in the basic subscription is too little. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Photo Editing](https://www.capterra.com/photo-editing-software/)