In this in-depth Skylum Review 2025, we compare all three major products: Luminar Neo (desktop), Luminar Neo Mobile, and Aperty. While Luminar Neo is the flagship AI-powered photo editor used by photographers and creators worldwide, the Mobile and Aperty versions each offer a different approach to editing — lighter, specialized, and more accessible.
If you’re wondering which version offers the most powerful real AI features, how they compare in usability, and which one is best for your workflow — this guide breaks everything down with clarity, examples, standout features, and expert recommendations.
⭐ GeniusAiTech Rating: 4.8 / 5
Best for professional-quality AI photo editing and full generative tools
Luminar Neo Desktop Review – Why It Stands Out
Luminar Neo Desktop is the flagship AI editor from Skylum — and easily the most powerful of the three products. Think of it as a user-friendly Photoshop with AI automations that simplify complex tasks like masking, sky replacement, relighting, cleanup, portrait retouching, and object removal.
Unlike the Mobile and Aperty versions, Neo includes true generative AI such as:
- GenErase — remove objects and fill backgrounds intelligently
- GenSwap — replace elements with AI-generated alternatives
- GenExpand — expand image borders with AI-generated scenery
- Sky AI — full automatic sky replacement with relighting
- Portrait AI Suite — Skin AI, Body AI, Face AI
- Mask AI — automatic subject, sky, ground, human selection
- Relight AI — correct harsh lighting with 3D scene analysis
This is the only Skylum product that offers complete AI editing capabilities and advanced layer-based workflows. It’s ideal for photographers, creators, real estate professionals, ecommerce sellers, and anyone who needs professional-grade results fast.
Key Features of Luminar Neo
- Generative AI Tools: GenErase, GenSwap, GenExpand
- Sky AI: Advanced sky replacement with reflections and relighting
- Mask AI: Automatic masking for people, sky, objects, ground, foliage
- Relight AI: AI-based illumination correction in 3D depth
- Enhance AI: Global enhancement slider powered by machine learning
- Portrait AI: Skin AI, Body AI, Face AI, Bokeh AI
- Layers / Compositing: Full creative editing with overlays and blend modes
- Noiseless AI: Denoising based on deep learning
- SuperSharp AI: Motion correction and sharpening
Luminar Neo vs Lightroom – Which Photo Editing Software Is Better in 2025?
One of the most common questions photographers ask is how Luminar Neo vs Lightroom compares in real-world photo editing workflows. Lightroom Classic has long been the industry standard for RAW file development, cataloging, and batch editing. However, Luminar Neo offers a far more modern AI-driven editing toolset that appeals to beginners and professionals looking for faster results.
In terms of traditional editing power, Adobe Lightroom still excels at file management, tethering, and professional color workflows. But when it comes to generative AI tools, sky replacement, background manipulation, and intelligent masking, Luminar Neo offers capabilities Lightroom simply doesn’t match.
- Lightroom Classic = best for catalog management, RAW workflows, and long-term organization
- Luminar Neo = best for AI-powered creative editing, portrait retouching, sky replacement, and fast results
Many photographers today use both tools. Lightroom handles the catalog and RAW processing, while Luminar Neo adds accent AI, sky AI, and generative AI features that speed up creative edits. If you want Photoshop-style creativity without complexity, Luminar Neo is one of the best photo editors available.
Standout Feature: GenErase (True AI Object Removal)
GenErase takes object removal to a new level. Instead of smudging, softening, or duplicating nearby pixels, it uses a generative AI model to rebuild missing areas with realistic textures, shadows, and lighting — often indistinguishable from real photos.
- Why it matters: It produces cleaner results than Photoshop's basic healing tools.
- Try this: Remove powerlines, tourists, signs, or distracting elements.
- Best for: Landscape, travel, real estate, portraits, ecommerce.
New in Luminar Neo 2025 – AI Tools That Go Beyond Traditional Editors
While many photo editing software tools rely on simple filters, Luminar Neo includes an advanced collection of AI tools that dramatically change how photographers work. Tools in Luminar such as Portrait Bokeh AI, Magic Light AI, Accent AI, Water Enhancer AI, Background Removal AI, and Upscale AI provide editing capabilities that normally require complex manual Photoshop work.
- Portrait Bokeh AI – creates DSLR-style depth of field
- Magic Light AI – enhances street lights, holiday lights, and reflective surfaces
- Upscale AI – increases resolution while preserving detail
- Background Removal AI – fully removes subjects with a single click
- Accent AI – adjusts exposure, color, tone, and details all at once
These AI features make Luminar Neo not only an alternative to Lightroom but also a lighter, more approachable competitor to Photoshop. For many photographers, this new version of Luminar Neo is the most complete AI photo editing software available today.
Luminar Neo – Pros & Cons
- Powerful and easy-to-learn AI tools
- Full generative AI (Erase, Swap, Expand)
- Ideal balance between Photoshop power & simplicity
- Excellent portrait & sky replacement features
- One-time purchase option available
- Requires a strong GPU for optimal performance
- Generative AI extensions cost extra
- Can feel slow on older laptops
Presets, RAW Files & Editing Workflow in Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo supports full RAW file development with lens correction, color profiles, HDR merge, and detailed tone control. You can build your own workflow or use the built-in presets, which are organized by genre such as landscape, portrait, drone, and travel.
The software also offers a flexible Luminar Catalog that stores edits non-destructively. While it’s not as advanced as Lightroom Classic’s database, the catalog is simple, fast, and ideal for photographers who want to start editing quickly without managing thousands of folders.
Many creators love Luminar because you can use Luminar or use Luminar Neo alongside your existing Adobe workflow.
Whether you are installing Luminar Neo for the first time or upgrading from Luminar AI or Luminar 4, the editing workflow remains consistent: import → enhance → AI adjustments → presets → export.
Luminar Neo Pricing 2025
- Lifetime License: $149–$249 depending on promotions
- Pro Subscription: $9.99–$14.99/mo
- Extensions Pack: Additional cost (GenAI tools included)
Luminar Neo Mobile Review
⭐ GeniusAiTech Rating: 4.1 / 5
Best for quick on-the-go AI-enhanced edits
Luminar Neo Mobile offers a simplified, mobile-friendly editing experience with some AI-powered features. However — it’s important to clarify that it does not include the full generative AI suite found in the desktop version.
You do get powerful AI enhancements such as:
- Enhance AI – Smart global adjustments
- Relight AI (Lite)
- Skin AI for portraits
- Effects + filters using ML
- Bokeh Portrait mode
But as of 2025, tools like GenErase, GenSwap, and GenExpand are not available on mobile, and Sky AI may be absent depending on device/country. The mobile app leans more toward “smart filters and quick edits” rather than full creative AI manipulation.
Standout Feature: Enhance AI (One-Slider Smart Editing)
Enhance AI intelligently boosts color, contrast, clarity, and detail based on machine learning models trained on thousands of professionally edited photos.
- Why it matters: Perfect for fast social media-ready edits.
- Try this: Apply Enhance AI before using other effects.
- Best for: Travelers, influencers, casual photographers.
Luminar Neo Mobile – Pros & Cons
- Very easy to use
- AI-powered enhancement tools included
- Great for mobile editing workflows
- Fast, lightweight, and intuitive
- No generative AI tools
- Limited compared to the desktop version
- AI features vary by device
Luminar Neo Mobile Pricing 2025
- Free version available
- Premium filters & AI tools: $3.99–$9.99/mo
Aperty Review – AI Portrait Editor by Skylum
⭐ GeniusAiTech Rating: 4.4 / 5
Best for fast and intelligent portrait retouching
Aperty is Skylum’s dedicated portrait-editing app, built for photographers who shoot people and want a fast, AI-assisted retouching workflow. It is not a full editor like Luminar Neo, but it excels at:
- Skin cleanup & smoothing
- Makeup adjustments
- Face reshaping
- Eye, teeth, and hair enhancements
- Batch retouching for large shoots
Aperty uses advanced facial mesh detection (4,000+ mapping points) for extremely precise retouching and segmentation — far more accurate than mobile portrait editors.
There is AI in Aperty, but note: It is limited to portrait analysis and retouching, not generative AI or scene manipulation.
Standout Feature: Facial Mesh AI (4,000+ Recognition Points)
Aperty’s facial mesh technology is incredibly precise — detecting over 4,000 data points to accurately understand every curve, feature, and contour.
- Why it matters: Natural adjustments with zero “plastic look”.
- Try this: Use the Eye Enhancer + Skin Smoothing combo.
- Best for: Portrait photographers & beauty professionals.
Aperty – Pros & Cons
- Exceptional portrait retouching accuracy
- Batch processing saves hours
- User-friendly for beginners
- Natural-looking AI results
- No generative AI features
- Limited to portrait workflows
- Not suitable for landscape or creative edits
Aperty Pricing 2025
- Lifetime License: $79–$129
- Subscription: $6.99–$9.99/mo
Luminar Neo FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
Does Luminar Neo use real AI?
Yes. Luminar Neo uses AI across almost every module, including masking, sky replacement, background removal, portrait enhancement, and generative AI tools. The new version of Luminar Neo in 2025 expands these features significantly.
What does Luminar Neo include?
Luminar Neo includes Mask AI, Sky AI, Portrait AI tools, Bokeh AI, Relight AI, Noiseless AI, HDR merge, and premium generative extensions such as GenSwap, GenErase, and GenExpand. These are highlighted on the Skylum website and inside the Skylum account dashboard.
Is Luminar Neo better than Luminar 4 or Luminar AI?
Yes. Luminar Neo replaces both older versions. It is faster, more stable, and includes new generative AI features that Luminar AI and Luminar 4 never had.
Does Luminar Neo work with Lightroom?
Absolutely. You can run Luminar Neo as a Lightroom and Photoshop plugin. Many photographers send RAW files from Lightroom Classic straight into Luminar to apply AI tools and then return the edited TIFF back to Adobe.
Is Luminar Neo worth buying?
If you want modern AI features like object removal, relighting, sky replacement, and generative scene expansion, Luminar Neo is one of the best purchases you can make in 2025. It’s more user-friendly than Photoshop and more AI-focused than Lightroom.
What are the alternatives to Luminar Neo?
Popular alternatives include ON1 Photo RAW, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Capture One. However, none of these offer the same blend of generative AI tools and simple workflow that Luminar Neo provides.
Final Verdict – Which Skylum Product Should You Choose?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Luminar Neo Desktop – Best for full AI editing, professional work, generative tools, advanced masking, and creative workflows.
- Luminar Neo Mobile – Great for fast edits, social media, and casual photography.
- Aperty – The best choice for portrait photographers needing fast, natural retouching powered by AI.
If you need true generative AI (erase, expand, swap), or Photoshop-like capability with a much easier interface, Luminar Neo Desktop is the clear winner.
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About GeniusAiTech
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