# Luminar vs Photon Library

The clearest difference is price: Luminar at Free against Photon Library's $6.99. Luminar also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Photon Library's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14). On review sentiment, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Luminar is free to download; Photon Library costs $6.99 up front. Luminar sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Photon Library asks for nothing beyond the download.

Luminar ships an update every 9 days, Photon Library every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Luminar | Photon Library |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $6.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luminar-photo-editor-and-enhancer/id6476109261/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **41.5% of reviews** | 41.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#124** | #189 |
| Size | 667 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Skylum](https://appshunter.io/developer/1457042223) | [LateNiteSoft S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/283292600) |

## What reviewers say

### Luminar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luminar-photo-editor-and-enhancer/id6476109261)

**Currently charting:** #124 Top Grossing · Photo & Video (US App Store)

This app offers powerful AI-driven photo editing tools for mobile devices. It features intuitive controls, smart enhancements for skies, lighting, and skin, and a range of editing options for composition and style. Supports RAW files and integrates with Apple devices.

**Highlights:** AI Sky Replacement, AI Photo Enhancement, AI Skin Retouching, AI Body Shaping, RAW File Editing, Intuitive Gesture Controls, Photo Filters

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month | $14.99 | per month |
| 6 Months | $25.99 | per 6 months |
| 12Months with monthly payment | $39.99 | per year |
| 12 Months | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| Prime subscription | $69.99 | per year |
| 12 Months + Prime | $79.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Web + Desktop | $99.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access: Mobile + Desktop | $179.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful editing tools
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🎨 Great AI-powered features
- 💡 Convenient mobile editing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Subscription-only model
- 🐛 Buggy and slow performance
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔙 No option to save mid-edit

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes
- Issues with saving and exporting
- Inaccurate AI-powered tools

**Requested features**

- Batch editing and presets
- Raw file support
- Masking and local adjustments
- Export options (PNG, TIFF)


### Photon Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-library/id6670216955)

**Currently charting:** #189 Top Paid · Photo & Video (US App Store)

Organize and enjoy your photos and videos with a sleek, intuitive media management app. It offers a streamlined approach to browsing, viewing, and organizing your collections with a clean interface and smart features.

**Highlights:** Clean, modern interface, Smart album organization, Calendar view, Favorites section, Smooth, responsive performance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Luminar free?

Luminar is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Photon Library free?

Photon Library costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Luminar or Photon Library have ads?

Neither Luminar nor Photon Library shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Luminar or Photon Library?

Luminar ships an update every 9 days, and Photon Library every 3 weeks. Most recently, Luminar was updated on October 24, 2026 and Photon Library on October 20, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Luminar or Photon Library?

Luminar currently peaks at #124 in the App Store charts, and Photon Library at #189. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*