Comparison

JPEG XL Toolbox vs HDR Transformer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

JPEG XL Toolbox

This app converts various image formats, including ProRAW DNG, HEIF, and JPEG, to JPEG XL (JXL). It offers lossless and lossy compression options, preserves metadata and 16-bit depth, and supports batch conversions. The app also maintains HDR display effects.

Highlights
  • ProRAW DNG to JXL conversion
  • Lossless and lossy compression
  • Metadata and 16-bit depth preservation
  • HDR display effect support
  • Batch conversion
  • HEIF and JPEG to JXL conversion
Features
Read full description

This application offers various JPEG XL (JXL) functionalities. Supports: * ProRAW DNG -> DNG - Lossless compression, about 1/2 of the original size - Lossy compression, about 1/6 of the original size * ProRAW DNG -> JXL - Lossy conversion, about 1/7 of the original size * DNG -> JXL - Lossy conversion, about 1/7 of the original size * HEIF -> JXL - Lossy conversion * JPEG -> JXL - Lossless conversion Features: * Keeps the internal metadata * Preserves 16-bit depth * Preserves HDR display effects in iOS Photos App * Batch conversion capabilities === CHNAGELOG === ### version 0.3.2 * Bumps libjxl to v0.10.2 * Adjusts settings view ### version 0.3.1 * Improves processing speed significantly * Adds lossless mode for ProRAW compression * Uses 7 as the default effort ### version 0.3.0 * Adds ProRAW direct compression ### version 0.2.1 * Settings page adjustment * Some UI improvements ### version 0.2.0 * Adds Pro version purchase * Adds several ProRAW parameters in settings for Pro version * Adds decoding speed in settings * Low memory mode now allows devices with 4GB RAM to convert 48M ProRAW ### version 0.1.2 * Uses lossless encoding for JPEG automatically * Adds Modular mode support * Adds Progressive mode support * Adds Colorspace support * Keeps HDR effect when converting from ProRAW ### version 0.1.1 * Adds support for ProRAW to lossy JPEG XL conversion * Adds Batch conversion * Keeps DNG Metadata in JXL * Adds quality and effort in settings

About

HDR Transformer

Features
Read full description

HDR Converter is a derivative product of the Prismatik app, designed to create a professional, easy-to-use, clean, and aesthetically pleasing HDR simulation and conversion tool. HDR Converter provides professional-grade HDR processing tools—from the brilliant transformation of SDR to HDR, to seamless conversion between multiple HDR formats—all completed offline on your device with 100% privacy protection. It is also optimized for Xiaohongshu (RedNote), making your posts stand out. Core Features --- HDR Simulation — Breathe New Life into Every Image Whether it's digital photography, classic artwork, or AI-generated content, HDR Simulation infuses images with realistic brightness and tonal depth. Built on Apple's official HDR Gain Map pipeline with targeted optimizations, it ensures every exported HDR photo has accurate luminance mapping and full metadata support. Smart Algorithm, One-Tap Simulation: Default parameters are automatically calculated based on in-depth image analysis, preserving natural light relationships while enhancing depth, luster, and spatial presence. Professional Manual Controls: Three core parameters—Highlight Boost, Highlight Range, and Peak Headroom—are provided, adhering to professional photography standards to reshape light with precision, not brute-force brightening. Platform-Specific Optimization: Tailored for Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and Instagram, ensuring your HDR work retains its stunning visual impact after upload. Efficient Batch Processing: Supports multi-task queue management, allowing you to add photos at any time and export individually or in batches. --- HDR Conversion — Break Down Format Barriers Say goodbye to HDR format incompatibility. HDR Converter fully supports bidirectional conversion across all major HDR standards. Supported formats include: Apple HDR (HEIF / JPEG): Perfectly compatible with the Apple ecosystem. Apple HDR (Compatible/HEIF): Optimized specifically for platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), solving the issue of HDR loss after upload. ISO Gain Map (HEIF): A universal mapping standard compliant with international specifications. ISO HDR (PQ / HLG): Covers both broadcast-grade and consumer HDR standards—for example, .hif (HLG) files from Nikon Z cameras can be converted to Apple HDR (Compatible/HEIF) and shared directly to Xiaohongshu. All conversion processes preserve original metadata and support both Display P3 and sRGB color gamuts, meeting every need from professional review to social sharing. --- Privacy & Security We adhere to a strict "data localization" policy. All image processing is completed offline on your device—no uploads of any kind, no tracking components. Your work stays yours.

Screenshots

JPEG XL Toolbox3 screens
HDR Transformer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: JPEG XL Toolbox at Free against HDR Transformer's $9.99. JPEG XL Toolbox also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). HDR Transformer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

JPEG XL Toolbox is free to download; HDR Transformer costs $9.99 up front. JPEG XL Toolbox sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HDR Transformer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JPEG XL Toolbox ships an update monthly, HDR Transformer every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
JPEG XL Toolbox versus HDR Transformer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJPEG XL ToolboxHDR Transformer
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating4.8 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSUIKA LTD栋 张

In-app purchases

1 purchases

JPEG XL Toolbox

One-time1
  • JPEG XL Toolbox Pro$4.99
None

HDR Transformer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is JPEG XL Toolbox free?
JPEG XL Toolbox is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HDR Transformer free?
HDR Transformer costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do JPEG XL Toolbox or HDR Transformer have ads?
Neither JPEG XL Toolbox nor HDR Transformer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JPEG XL Toolbox or HDR Transformer?
JPEG XL Toolbox ships an update monthly, and HDR Transformer every 9 days. Most recently, JPEG XL Toolbox was updated on November 3, 2026 and HDR Transformer on October 25, 2026.

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