Adobe Lightroom vs Khroma: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Lightroom and Khroma 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.
Bottom line: Adobe Lightroom is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick Khroma if you need color tools.
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 need image editing features specifically
- • 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
Khroma
AI-powered color palettes trained to your taste
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need color tools features specifically
- • Khroma is an AI color palette generator that learns your color preferences
- • It creates personalized color combinations based on your selected favorites
| At a Glance |  Adobe Lightroom |  Khroma |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Image Editing | Color Tools |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Choose Adobe Lightroom or Khroma?
Choose Adobe Lightroom if
Photo editing and organization
- AI-powered editing
- Cloud sync
- Professional presets
- Your work is image editing-shaped, not color tools-shaped
Choose Khroma if
AI-powered color palettes trained to your taste
- AI color palette tool
- Learns preferences
- Good combinations
- You want a fully free tool (Adobe Lightroom requires payment)
- Your work is color tools-shaped, not image editing-shaped
| Feature | Adobe Lightroom | Khroma |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 3,534 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Image EditingColor Tools | Color ToolsAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Strengths
- +AI-powered editing
- +Cloud sync
- +Professional presets
Weaknesses
- -Subscription required
- -Learning curve
Key features
Khroma
AI-powered color palettes trained to your taste
Strengths
- +AI color palette tool
- +Learns preferences
- +Good combinations
- +Free
- +Designer friendly
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Training needed
- -Web only
- -Export basic
- -Niche tool
Key features
Pricing: Adobe Lightroom vs Khroma
| Plan | Adobe Lightroom | Khroma |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 11.99 Lightroom Plan (1TB) | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 19.99 Photography Plan (1TB) | N/A |
| Tier 3 | 69.99 Creative Cloud All Apps | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Adobe Lightroom pricing and Khroma pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Khroma is free. Adobe Lightroom is paid.
Go with: Khroma
Want the highest-rated option?
Adobe Lightroom is rated 4.7/5. Khroma has no ratings yet.
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
Value user reviews?
Adobe Lightroom: 3,534 reviews (4.7/5). Khroma: no ratings yet.
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Adobe Lightroom is paid. Khroma is free. Go with Khroma if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Adobe Lightroom is a image editing tool. Khroma is in color tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Adobe Lightroom is rated 4.7/5; Khroma has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Lightroom
- Our pick for this comparison
Khroma
- Completely free
- Better fit for color tools
The Bottom Line
Adobe Lightroom is our pick. That said, Khroma is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Lightroom or Khroma better?
Adobe Lightroom is rated in our evaluation. Adobe Lightroom is paid and Khroma is free.
What are Adobe Lightroom and Khroma used for?
Adobe Lightroom: Photo editing and organization. Khroma: AI-powered color palettes trained to your taste.
What does Adobe Lightroom cost vs Khroma?
Adobe Lightroom is a paid tool. Khroma is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.