P
PAI photo, video and design editor with generation models for creators and teams
Free, from $15/mo
Luminar Neo vs Removal.ai
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
L
Choose Luminar Neo if…
- you work on macOS, Windows, iOS
- you're in its core audience: hobbyist photographers, professional photographers
R
Choose Removal.ai if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you need an API to build on
- you work on Web
- you're in its core audience: e-commerce sellers, graphic designers
Side by side
Feature Luminar Neo Removal.ai
Pricing modelPaidFreemium
Starting price—$5.99/mo
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
Cost per processed image—$0.06
Trains AI on your content—No
Data retentionFacial images stored only temporarily as needed to return resultsUploaded and result images deleted within an hour of upload
Security and complianceGDPRGDPR
Background removal—
AI upscaling—
Generative fill/erase—
Relighting—
Batch processing
RAW file support—
Photoshop/Lightroom plugin—
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOSWeb, API
CategoryPhoto EditingBackground Removal
Rank in its category#5 of 5—
CompanyShinyfields Limited—
Based inCyprus—
Founded2008—
Part of——
What the free plans include
Luminar Neo
No free plan.
Removal.ai
- Free for low-resolution images (0.25 megapixels)
- One free high-resolution download credit on signup
- Uploads up to 12 MB, .jpg or .png
Key features
L Luminar Neo
- One-slider AI enhancement with EnhanceAI
- AI sky replacement
- Portrait retouching with SkinAI and FaceAI
- Generative erase, swap and expand
- Upscaling, noise reduction and sharpening
- HDR merge, focus stacking and panorama stitching
- Raw support including CR3, NEF and RAF
- Plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
R Removal.ai
- Automatic subject detection and background removal
- Edge handling for hair and fur
- Transparent, white or custom-color backgrounds
- Batch processing for bulk image uploads
- Manual eraser tool for refining cutouts
- Free photo editor for text and effects
- Marketplace presets and templates
- Developer API with stated 99% uptime
Plans and prices
From each vendor's site. Prices change — confirm before buying.
Luminar Neo
Desktop Only£89.00 (sale, was £377.00)
All Platforms£139.00 (sale, was £405.00)
Max£159.00 (sale, was £464.00)
Luminar Engine (business)Custom
Removal.ai
FreeFree
Lifetime creditsFrom $1.89 for 3 credits
Monthly subscriptionFrom $5.99/mo for 100 credits
Unlimited API / High-VolumeCustom
Strengths and limitations
Luminar Neo
- One-time purchase with no required subscription for the desktop app
- Desktop license covers 2 devices on macOS and Windows
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works as a plugin for Lightroom Classic and Photoshop
- AI tools are included for only 1 year on perpetual plans
- Web version not yet available (listed as coming Fall 2026)
- Pricing page shows prices in GBP, with no USD prices listed
Removal.ai
- Free low-resolution downloads and unlimited previews
- Subscriptions start at $5.99 for 100 credits
- Lifetime credit packs stay valid for 3 years
- API available, plus custom high-volume plans
- Free downloads are limited to 0.25 MP and personal use
- HD downloads require credits
- Unlimited API pricing is by quote only
- No mobile app listed
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Facts from each vendor's public pages, prices checked Oct 26, 2026. Editorial policy