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Best HDR Software in 2026

HDR software is for combining and shaping images with a high dynamic range. Compared on HDR merge mode, tone mapping controls, RAW file support, and HDR output formats, these entries also vary in batch processing and the maximum number of input images. Check supported platforms, free plans, and paid-from pricing to see how the available workflows and access options match your needs. HDRMerge, Luminance HDR, and PhotomatixCL are among the named options; ColorForge and easyHDR are also included. Compare the listed capabilities with the images you work with and the output you want to produce.

  1. 1

    Avidemux

    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWeb+1
    9.3 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Luminance HDR

    Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    Luminance HDR provides HDR creation, editing, and batch-processing tools in a free desktop application. Prebuilt installation options are documented for Windows, Linux, and macOS.

    8.8 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    ColorForge

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

    ColorForge covers HDR merging, tone mapping, RAW support, and several output formats on a wide range of platforms. Its free plan makes it possible to start without a listed subscription cost.

    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    Fotor

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3
    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    easyHDR

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose easyHDR if you need HDR merging and tone mapping with RAW support, batch processing, or single-photo enhancement.

    7.4 Visit site
  6. 6

    HDRMerge

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    HDRMerge focuses on combining raw exposures while preserving shadow detail in a floating-point DNG.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    PhotomatixCL

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    PhotomatixCL is geared toward automated HDR workflows, with a bundled driver for folder-based batches.

    7.0 From $39 Visit site
  8. 8

    HDR Merge Master

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    HDR Merge Master offers batch HDR merging with multiple output formats and alignment choices. Account for its lack of ghost removal and its dependence on RawTherapee for camera RAW processing.

    6.9 Open source Visit site
  9. 9

    MergeHDR

    Free plan iPhoneMac

    MergeHDR provides bracket detection and adjustable merging controls, with local offline processing and a free export allowance.

    6.9 From $9.99/yr Visit site
  10. 10

    SNS-HDR

    Free plan MacWindows

    SNS-HDR offers sequence merging, single-image processing, and a range of editing tools across Windows and macOS.

    6.6 Free plan · paid from €30 Visit site
  11. 11

    rawhdr

    Free plan APILinux

    rawhdr offers a focused way to create HDR images or focus stacks from RAW inputs, with both command-line and Python access.

    6.4 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    EnfuseGUI

    Free trial MacWindows

    Choose EnfuseGUI if you need a desktop tool for exposure blending and want control over the Enfuse engine's options.

    6.1 30-day trial Visit site
  13. 13

    HDR-Merge

    Free trial Web

    HDR-Merge combines bracketed-image merging, optional AI enhancement, and cloud panorama stitching in a browser workflow. Compare its exposure limit and monthly plan costs with your processing needs.

    5.9 From $27/mo Visit site
  14. 14

    Photomatix Pro

    Free trial APIiPhoneLinux+3

    Photomatix Pro combines HDR merging, batch tools, and photo-editor plugins, with a non-expiring trial that watermarks its output.

    5.9 Visit site
  15. 15

    Dynamic Photo HDR

    Paid Windows

    Dynamic Photo HDR provides exposure merging, tone mapping, alignment, denoising, and effects in a Windows application.

    5.5 From $59 Visit site
  16. 16

    Tembrica HDR Photo

    Free plan Web
    5.5 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    AKVIS HDRFactory

    Paid LinuxMacWindows

    Choose HDRFactory if you need HDR merging, tone mapping, RAW support, or batch processing across Windows, macOS, or Linux. The $69, paid once Home options cover 2 computers for non-commercial use.

    5.3 From $69 · 10-day trial Visit site
  18. 18

    ON1 HDR

    Paid MacWindows

    ON1 HDR focuses on exposure merging, tone mapping, and batch processing across Windows and macOS. Consider the 30-day trial and listed plan terms when evaluating its fit.

    4.6 30-day trial Visit site
  19. 19

    hdrmerge

    Paid LinuxMacWindows
    4.5 Open source Visit site
  20. 20

    HDR projects 10

    Paid Windows
    4.2 From €69 Visit site
  21. 21

    Photomatix Essentials

    Paid MacWindows
    4.1 From $39 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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