Lead phot by Photo by Esra Afşar
Photo editing software can function differently, depending on which operating system you use. That’s why it’s important to use software that’s fully optimized for your OS so you can get the most out of it. As a long-time Mac user, I’ve tested plenty of photo editors, and in this article I’m sharing what I believe is the best photo editing software for Mac users.
The best photo editing software all offer desktop apps for Mac and Windows. But that doesn’t mean they’re all equal. Services that build for Mac often build for iOS and iPadOS, making it seamless to jump from one device to another, and without disrupting the user experience.
When I recommend the best options, I focus on software that leans into the Apple ecosystem. Here you’ll find choices that work for beginners, seasoned enthusiasts and professionals running photography businesses.
At a Glance
- Luminar Neo: AI-driven editing that’s powerful yet beginner-friendly.
- Lightroom: Industry standard with superb cloud syncing and file management.
- ON1 Photo RAW Max: Versatile editor with AI add-ons and strong community features.
- Photomator: Clean Apple-native design, best for smartphone photographers.
- RawTherapee: Open-source free, and excellent for RAW file editing.
How I Tested Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
I used my 2020 MacBook Air (M1) to test each photo editor. It’s the base model with 8GB of RAM, an 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), and 256GB of SSD storage. Even after five years, it still handles today’s photo editing apps without issue.
Most of the software I already use in my regular workflow. For those I tested specifically for this article, I spent a couple of weeks editing with them daily before deciding if they were worth recommending.
TL;DR: Why Luminar Neo is The Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
If you’re looking for the best photo editing software for Mac, my top pick is Luminar Neo. It feels like it was designed with Apple users in mind as its sleek, modern interface fits perfectly with macOS. It’s fast too, responsive, and enjoyable to use.
Since my original Luminar Neo review, the platform has only improved. Performance updates make editing smoother, and AI tools like background and object removal deliver more consistent results than ever.
Here’s why I love it:
- Beginner-friendly: Presets and AI tools handle the heavy lifting.
- Advanced controls: Full manual adjustments for creative freedom.
- Affordable pricing: Buy a lifetime license and skip subscriptions.
For me, that mix of power, ease of use and cost makes Luminar Neo the clear winner.
👉 Try Luminar Neo today and use promo code THEMFRAMES10 for an exclusive discount.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the full list of the best photo editing software for Mac and look at the core features available.
Luminar Neo: The Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
Luminar Neo bridges the gap between simple photo editing and a full-featured professional tool. For enthusiasts, presets, LUTs, and overlays are great starting points.
For more control, Luminar Neo includes everything you’d expect: color adjustments, lighting controls, detail enhancement, and sharpness.
Its standout features are the AI tools. Sky replacement, with 35 built-in options, ranges from subtle enhancements to bold transformations. You can even add sunrays for extra flair.
In total, there are 25+ AI-powered features. Some feel over the top, but tools like automated powerline removal and object removal save so much time.
Luminar Neo: My Real World Experience
I like how color-coded menus make navigation easy, while responsive sliders allow fine adjustments without over-editing. A recent update made the app noticeably faster. There’s no lag or crashes, even on my older M1 laptop.
One standout moment: in just 38 seconds (yes, I timed it), Luminar Neo removed 95% of the powerlines from an image with a single click. Take a look…
Before
After
On iOS, Luminar Neo includes haptic touches that make editing feel fun while still offering similar desktop functionality.
How Much Does Luminar Neo Cost?
Luminar Neo’s perpetual license makes it one of the most affordable premium editors for Mac. Bundles expand functionality for power users.
- Perpetual Desktop License: $119 (macOS & Windows)
- Cross-device Perpetual License: $159 (Desktop + Mobile)
- Perpetual Max License: $179 (Desktop, Mobile, Creative Library access with more presets, LUTs, and features)
👉 Don’t forget: use THEMFRAMES10 for an extra discount at checkout when you sign up.
Lightroom: Best Cloud-Based Photo Editing Software for Mac
Lightroom is a mainstay in the industry thanks to its reliability and excellent cross-device sync functionality. I use it regularly for personal and professional work, especially for its superb file management.
This review focuses on the cloud version, not Lightroom Classic. Lightroom lets me upload RAW files to Adobe Creative Cloud (1TB included) and edit seamlessly across Mac, iPhone and iPad.
Lightroom emphasizes classic editing tools rather than heavy AI. Still, it includes a solid AI-powered removal tool that works well most of the time. Presets are plentiful, spanning genres from food to landscape, and you can save your own with ease.
Lightroom: My Real World Experience
The gray interface is uninspiring, but the layout is top-class. Accessing tools, staring images, and managing libraries is effortless.
Again, the standout for me is file management, as recent edits appear in a dedicated tab, making exports quick.
Curve adjustments and color toning feel precise and responsive. Presets, however, didn’t impress me; many were too subtle or overdone. I tend to rely on my own home-made presets.
The mobile apps shine. I tested them on iPhone and iPad, and picking up edits right where I left off was seamless.
How Much Does Lightroom Cost?
Lightroom has no perpetual license option, you’ll need a subscription. It’s one of the main reasons photographers look for a Lightroom Alternative.
- Monthly 1TB Subscription: $17.99
- Monthly 1TB Subscription (12-month commitment): $11.99
- Yearly 1TB Subscription (upfront): $119.98
You can’t expand storage beyond 1TB, which limits Lightroom as a cloud storage solution for photographers.
Related: Best Cloud Storage for Photographers
ON1 Photo RAW Max: Versatile Photo Editing Software for Mac
ON1 has built a suite of targeted editing tools, and Photo RAW Max is the core of that ecosystem. It lets you make precise adjustments, select and edit specific subjects and experiment with color grading.
You can extend Photo RAW Max with AI-powered add-ons for portrait retouching, noise reduction, image upscaling (great for printing) plus more. One standout is the AI keyword tool, which analyzes images and applies tags automatically, saving you hours of manual work.
Like Lightroom, ON1 includes 1TB of cloud storage for seamless sync across Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It also fosters a strong community, giving photographers a space to share edits and get feedback.
ON1 Photo RAW Max: My Real World Experience
ON1 strikes a nice balance between modern design and functional layout. The interface looks clean while keeping tools easy to find.
The noise reduction tool impressed me most. Many photo editing software produce artificial results, but ON1 kept images natural; subtle enough to preserve character, strong enough to remove distractions. Take a look…
I tested ON1 during a heavy multitasking session with dozens of browser tabs open, yet it ran smoothly with no lag or crashes. Out of the box, it feels a little stripped back, but downloading add-ons is quick and intuitive.
For me, ON1 is the sweet spot for enthusiasts and professionals because it offers experimental AI tools alongside accurate, traditional adjustments.
How Much Does ON1 Photo RAW Max Cost?
ON1 gives users both purchase and subscription options, each with solid value and cheaper pricing than Lightroom.
- Perpetual License: $89.99 (2 devices)
- Annual Subscription: $79.99 (3 devices, plug-in support, 200GB storage, updates)
- Annual Everything Plus: $129.99 (5 devices, 1TB storage, training access, updates)
If you don’t mind eventually running older software, the perpetual license is excellent. But for the latest features and storage, the Everything Plus plan is worth it.
ON1 also offers a 30-day free trial of all apps and add-ons.
Photomator: Best Smartphone Photography Editor for Mac
Apple acquired Photomator (formerly Pixelmator) in early 2025, and it fits beautifully into the Apple ecosystem. With its fluid, glass-like design, it feels lightweight yet powerful.
Photomator supports RAW editing and covers all standard adjustments. I especially like the dedicated film grain slider, which adds a timeless look. Its presets are some of the best I’ve tried as they’re balanced, tasteful, and varied without going overboard.
AI tools include object removal, resolution boost, and noise reduction, along with selective clarity for shadows, midtones, and highlights.
Photomator: My Real World Experience
Photomator integrates directly with the Apple Photos app, so all your iPhone shots sync automatically. No importing required, though you can still bring in camera files manually.
The design and presets are excellent, but file management holds it back. Favoriting, folder organization and reaccessing edits feel clunky. Professionals will likely find the workflow frustrating.
That said, for smartphone photographers who mainly shoot on iPhone but want to edit on a larger screen, Photomator is a strong choice.
How Much Does Photomator Cost?
Photomator’s pricing is competitive compared to other editors.
- Monthly: $7.99
- Yearly: $29.99
- Lifetime (one-time): $119.99
A 7-day free trial lets you test everything before committing.
RawTherapee: Best Free Photo Editing Software for Mac
RawTherapee is open-source, free, and surprisingly powerful. Despite being around since 2005, it’s continuously updated and widely respected.
It excels at RAW file editing, delivering crisp results without flattening my Fujifilm files the way some photo editing apps do. Key features include a histogram for exposure balancing, pastel tone adjustments (great for portraits), hot/cold pixel correction, and dark frame subtraction for astrophotography.
RawTherapee: My Real World Experience
The biggest hurdle for me is the user interface. The dark, muted design and unfamiliar icons make navigation tricky at first, giving it a steeper learning curve than most editors here.
Once you adjust, RawTherapee runs quickly, loads RAW files instantly and offers excellent image management features like starring and organizing files.
For cost-conscious users willing to learn, RawTherapee is easily one of the best free photo editing software for Mac.
How to Choose the Best Photo Editing Software for Mac
Before you decide which editor is right for you, think about your editing style, workflow, and budget. Here are some key questions to guide your choice:
- Ease of Use: Do you want something beginner-friendly with a clean interface, or are you comfortable with advanced tools and a steeper learning curve?
- File Management: Will you be organizing large RAW libraries, or are you mainly editing single images without needing a catalog system?
- AI Editing Tools: Do you want the latest AI-powered features—like background removal, sky replacement, or one-click subject masking—or do you prefer to stay fully hands-on with manual controls?
- Performance: Will your current Mac handle large, complex edits smoothly, or do you need a lighter tool that prioritizes speed?
- Cost: Do you prefer a one-time purchase, or are you okay with a subscription model that keeps your software updated?
- Scalability: Are you looking for something to start with as a beginner, or do you need pro-level features that can grow with your skills?
By answering these, you’ll quickly identify the best photo editing software for Mac that fits your creative needs and workflow.
Signing Off
The truth is, many of the best photo editing software for Mac options share overlapping features. The key is choosing the one that fits your workflow, comfort level, and budget. My aim with this guide is to simplify the process, and I’m confident these recommendations will make your choice easier.
That said, if I had to recommend just one option for most Mac users, it’s Luminar Neo. It balances ease of use, powerful AI features, and affordable pricing better than anything else. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, it adapts to your needs and grows with you.
👉 Try Luminar Neo today and use promo code THEMFRAMES10 for an exclusive discount.
Whichever editor you choose, the most important part is enjoying the process and bringing your creative vision to life.
If you prefer to do your edits on your smartphone, be sure to check out my selection of the best photo editing apps.
FAQs
What is the best program to edit photos on a Mac?
For most users, I recommend Luminar Neo. It’s fast, responsive, and combines strong AI tools with manual controls.
Does Mac come with a free photo editor?
Yes, Apple’s Photos app includes basic editing features. But for more serious editing, RawTherapee is a much stronger free option.
What is the best AI photo editing software for Mac?
For powerful and creative AI tools, both Luminar Neo and ON1 Photo RAW Max are excellent. Each comes packed with one-click features that transform photos quickly.
