Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading photography solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you need Advanced photo editing and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Adobe Lightroom if you prioritize RAW photo editing and want plans starting at $9.99/month. Adobe Photoshop has a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.3).
Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom: At a Glance
| Criteria | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Pricing | $22.99/month | $9.99/month |
| Pricing Model | subscription | subscription |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Ipad | Windows, Macos, Ios, Android |
| Category | Photography | Photography |
| Founded | 1982 | 1982 |
Feature Comparison: Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced photo editing | ||
| Layer-based editing | ||
| Selection tools | ||
| Color correction | ||
| Digital painting | ||
| 3D design | ||
| Typography tools | ||
| Batch processing | ||
| Adobe Creative Cloud | ||
| Lightroom | ||
| Illustrator | ||
| After Effects | ||
| Stock photos | ||
| Behance | ||
| Creative Cloud Libraries | ||
| RAW photo editing | ||
| Non-destructive editing | ||
| Lens corrections | ||
| Adobe Stock | ||
| Adobe Portfolio | ||
| Photoshop | ||
| Cloud sync encryption | ||
| Version control | ||
| Backup and restore | ||
| Windows support | ||
| Macos support | ||
| Ios support |
Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom: Pricing Breakdown
Adobe Photoshop Pricing
Model: subscription
- Photoshop
- Lightroom
- 20GB cloud storage
- Portfolio website
- Photoshop desktop
- Photoshop on iPad
- 100GB cloud storage
- Premium fonts
- 20+ Creative Cloud apps
- 100GB cloud storage
- Portfolio website
- Premium fonts
Adobe Lightroom Pricing
Model: subscription
- Lightroom + Photoshop
- 20GB cloud storage
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Portfolio website
Pros and Cons
Adobe Photoshop
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.5/5)
- Available on 3 platforms (Windows, Macos, Ipad)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong Advanced photo editing functionality
- Strong Layer-based editing functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Adobe Lightroom
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Available on 4 platforms (Windows, Macos, Ios, Android)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong RAW photo editing functionality
- Strong Non-destructive editing functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you:
- Need Advanced photo editing
- Have a budget of $22.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Layer-based editing
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you:
- Need RAW photo editing
- Have a budget of $9.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Non-destructive editing
Frequently Asked Questions: Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe Lightroom
Is Adobe Photoshop better than Adobe Lightroom?
It depends on your needs. Adobe Photoshop has a 4.5/5 user rating while Adobe Lightroom has 4.3/5. Adobe Photoshop excels in Advanced photo editing and Layer-based editing, while Adobe Lightroom stands out with RAW photo editing and Non-destructive editing. Consider your budget ($22.99/month vs $9.99/month), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom?
Adobe Photoshop starts at $22.99/month. Adobe Lightroom starts at $9.99/month. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom together?
While both are photography tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core photography needs.
What are the main differences between Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs subscription), platform support (Windows, Macos, Ipad vs Windows, Macos, Ios, Android), and feature focus. Adobe Photoshop emphasizes Advanced photo editing, Layer-based editing, Selection tools while Adobe Lightroom focuses on RAW photo editing, Non-destructive editing, Batch processing. User ratings differ slightly: 4.5 vs 4.3 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom.