VSCO vs Adobe Lightroom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between VSCO and Adobe Lightroom 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 VSCO if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
VSCO
Elevate your photos and videos with powerful editing tools and a creative community.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Advanced photo and video editing on mobile.
- • Extensive library of film-inspired presets.
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Best for you if:
- • 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
| At a Glance |  VSCO |  Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose VSCO or Adobe Lightroom?
Choose VSCO if
Elevate your photos and videos with powerful editing tools and a creative community.
- High-quality, professional-grade filters and presets.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Powerful manual adjustment tools for fine-tuning.
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose Adobe Lightroom if
Photo editing and organization
- AI-powered editing
- Cloud sync
- Professional presets
| Feature | VSCO | Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 3,534 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingVideo Editing | Image EditingColor Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
VSCO
Elevate your photos and videos with powerful editing tools and a creative community.
Strengths
- +High-quality, professional-grade filters and presets.
- +Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- +Powerful manual adjustment tools for fine-tuning.
- +Strong emphasis on aesthetic and artistic expression.
- +Active and inspiring creative community.
Weaknesses
- -Many advanced features are locked behind a paid subscription (VSCO Membership).
- -The community aspect can sometimes feel less engaging than other social platforms.
- -Can be overwhelming for complete beginners due to the sheer number of options.
Key features
Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing and organization
Strengths
- +AI-powered editing
- +Cloud sync
- +Professional presets
Weaknesses
- -Subscription required
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: VSCO vs Adobe Lightroom
| Plan | VSCO | Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | 11.99 Lightroom Plan (1TB) |
| Tier 2 | N/A | 19.99 Photography Plan (1TB) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | 69.99 Creative Cloud All Apps |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on VSCO pricing and Adobe Lightroom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
VSCO has a free tier. Adobe Lightroom is paid only.
Go with: VSCO
Want the highest-rated option?
Adobe Lightroom is rated 4.7/5. VSCO has no ratings yet.
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
Value user reviews?
VSCO: no ratings yet. Adobe Lightroom: 3,534 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Adobe Lightroom
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
VSCO is freemium. Adobe Lightroom is paid. VSCO lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Adobe Lightroom is rated 4.7/5; VSCO has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Lightroom
- Our pick for this comparison
VSCO
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Adobe Lightroom is our pick. VSCO has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VSCO or Adobe Lightroom better?
Adobe Lightroom is rated in our evaluation. VSCO is freemium and Adobe Lightroom is paid.
What are VSCO and Adobe Lightroom used for?
VSCO: Elevate your photos and videos with powerful editing tools and a creative community.. Adobe Lightroom: Photo editing and organization.
What does VSCO cost vs Adobe Lightroom?
VSCO is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Adobe Lightroom is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.