Adobe Lightroom vs Affinity Photo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • Photo editing and organization software starting at $9.99/month with Photography plan or $11.99 standalone
- • Non-destructive editing with powerful color grading, presets, and AI-powered masking tools
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
| At a Glance |  Affinity Photo | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 90/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Adobe Lightroom | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Image EditingColor Tools | Image EditingGraphic Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Adobe Lightroom positions itself as "photo editing and organization" while Affinity Photofocuses on "professional photo editing". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Affinity Photo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Adobe Lightroom handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Adobe Lightroom
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Adobe Lightroom is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Adobe Lightroom
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Adobe Lightroom—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Adobe Lightroom higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Affinity Photo more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Adobe Lightroom Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Affinity Photo If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Adobe Lightroom (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Adobe Lightroom scores higher in our analysis, but Affinity Photo might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Lightroom or Affinity Photo better?
Based on our analysis, Adobe Lightroom scores higher with 90/100. Adobe Lightroom ispaid while Affinity Photo is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Adobe Lightroom to Affinity Photo easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Adobe Lightroom is paid with potential trial.Affinity Photo is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.