Today, editing pictures is an integral talent for photographers, either amateurs or professionals. Unsurprisingly, Snapseed and Lightroom rank among the most downloaded and used photo editing apps.
In this article, we are going to have a debate between Snapseed vs Lightroom, which one is better.
We will discuss the features, pros, and cons of each app that will help you decide which is right for you.
Snapseed Overview
SnapseedSnapseed is a free photo editor that used to be made by Nik Software, which was bought by Google a few years ago.
This is accessible and works beautifully on both Android and iOS platforms. It offers a simple interface and a decent range of editing tools for both novice and advanced users.
Pros:
Cost-Free: Snapseed grants users all its features for free, which is one advantage to having the software that some people may want, due to not wanting to buy photo-editing software.
#1. User-friendly User Interface: The app comes with a simple and natural user interface that allows you to use the app without any prior knowledge.
Snapseed comes with a suite of editing tools, such as filters, brushes, and healing tools that make it easy to edit with creativity and precision.
#2. Non-Destructive Editing: The original image is left untouched, allowing changes to be reversed or altered at any point.
Cons:
#1. Restricted Output Formats: Snapseed is only capable of exporting images in a few formats, which could be a downside for pro photographers.
#2. No Desktop Version — It is limited to mobile devices, which is inconvenient for those who prefer to edit on a larger screen.
#3. No Advanced Functions: Snapseed has many tools but doesn’t have some advanced functions like professional editing software.
Lightroom Overview
Lightroom — Adobe Lightroom is a mobile and desktop photo editing app. Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, it provides a wide range of advanced editing tools and features.
Pros:
#1. Pro-Grade Editing Tools — A wide range of editing features available in Lightroom makes it suitable for professional photographers.
#2. Available for Mobile and Web: The app has a mobile and desktop version that provides seamless edits on all devices.
Unlike Snapseed, one of the benefits of Lightroom is that it is non-destructive. This means that the original image is preserved and Lightroom keeps a history of all the adjustments you have made.
#3. Cloud Storage – Lightroom has cloud storage, giving you the convenience of accessing and editing photos from any location.
Cons:
#1. Pricey Monthly Subscription: Lightroom operates on a subscription basis, which may be expensive for certain users.
#2. SnapHood: However, SnapHood has a more complex interface, and thus, it has a higher learning curve compared to Snapseed.
#3. Heavy Application: Lightroom demands a lot from your computer; you need a powerful computer for smooth performance.
Comparison
Interface:
Snapseed:
Snapseed has also a simple user interface. Its layout is simple, easy to understand, and offers an excellent option for beginner users who are looking to edit their photos quickly, rather than getting hung up on a lengthy learning process.
Lightroom:
In contrast, Lightroom has a more complicated interface. It has loads of tools, features, and options, which can sometimes be too much for beginner users.
But if you know a thing or two about editing pictures, it offers a suite of tools that allow for pinpoint control over the edits.
Features:
Snapseed:
Snapseed is a powerful photo editing app that offers both basic and advanced editing tools, such as filters, brushes, and healing tools.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any of the more advanced features of video editing apps geared toward professionals.
Lightroom:
Lightroom is a full-featured advanced editing tool, with selective adjustments, presets and advanced color grading.
It even syncs with other Adobe CC applications to provide photographers with a seamless workflow.
Snapseed vs Lightroom: Feature Comparison
| Aspect | Adobe Lightroom | Snapseed |
| Purpose and Target Audience | Professional-grade photo editing software | User-friendly mobile photo editing app |
| User Interface | Little tricky with advanced tools | User-friendly with gesture-based controls |
| Editing Tools | Advanced tools for precise editing Color Grading Sharpness+Masking HSL Tool Dehaze Tool Selective editing | Basic to intermediate tools for quick edits Text Tool Selective Editing Portrait Head Pose Expand Tool |
| Workflow | Non-destructive supports RAW editing | Non-destructive, mobile-focused editing |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Integration | Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem | Google Photos integration |
| Price | Subscription-based, free mobile version | Free to download and use |
| Organizational Features | Advanced Image Organization | Limited organizational tools |
| Export Options | Range of export formats and sizes | Basic export options |
| Retouching and Healing Tools | Advanced healing and retouching tools | Basic retouching and healing tools |
| Filters and Presets | Extensive preset. Numerous presets available | Less presets but more control over presets |
| Selective Editing | Less control than Lightroom but freely available | Less control than Lightroom but freely availble |
| Advanced Editing | Precise color grading, HSL panel, advanced retouching | Portrait and Lens Blur tools |
| Compatibility with RAW Files | Fully supports RAW editing | Limited RAW handling on some devices |
| Ease of Use | Steeper learning curve | user-friendly and easy-to-use |
| External Plugin Compatibility | Supports external plugins | Limited access to external plugins |
| Performance | More resource-intensive (desktop version) | Mobile-friendly performance |
Ease of Use:
- Snapseed: As a widely-known image editing tool, Snapseed is very easy to use. This is a great app for those who just want to quickly edit their photos, as it offers a simple user interface and intuitive tools that are super easy to use.
- Lightroom: Offers more sophisticated features, but has a higher learning curve While the app provides significantly more control and precision for professional photographers, its complex interface can be daunting to those just getting started.
Price:
Snapseed: Snapseed is fully free, you can use it without charge.
Lightroom: It requires a monthly subscription, which can be costly for some users. However, it offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
Conclusion: Snapseed vs Lightroom
Snapseed and Lightroom are two popular photo editing applications, and they both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Snapseed is perfect for amateurs and non-professional users looking for a free, intuitive app with a decent collection of editing features.
Lightroom, on the other hand, is designed for professional users who require more powerful editing features and do not mind paying for a subscription-based app.
Overall, Snapseed is the way to go if you want a free and easy photo editing app. However, if you require professional-level editing tools and are willing to pay for a subscription, Lightroom is the better choice.
