Side by side
HDRMerge vs SNS-HDR
Both stand on hdr software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
HDRMerge focuses on combining raw exposures while preserving shadow detail in a floating-point DNG. Check that your input files match its requirements and that you have another program for tone mapping.
Visit HDRMerge Free plan MacWindows
SNS-HDR offers sequence merging, single-image processing, and a range of editing tools across Windows and macOS. The free Lite edition includes a commercial license; paid Home and Professional editions are billed monthly.
Visit SNS-HDRThe facts
| HDRMerge | SNS-HDR | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | SNS-HDR Home: €30, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | jcelaya.github.io | sns-hdr.com |
| On hdr software | #6 of 21 | #10 of 21 |
HDRMerge: what it does well
- Outputs floating-point DNG 1.4 images.
- Graphical merge-mask editing helps remove ghosts.
- Command-line interface supports batch processing.
- Aligns small translations and crops shared image area.
What to know first
- Input files need matching image properties.
- Tone mapping requires another compatible program.
SNS-HDR: what it does well
- Reads RAW, DNG, OpenEXR, and Radiance HDR.
- Can align exposures and reduce ghosting.
- Includes masks, presets, and project restoration.
- Supports 360° panorama processing.
- Lite is freeware with a commercial license.
What to know first
- Cloud-based Lightroom is not supported.
- Home plug-in handles one series at a time.
- Batch processing is a Pro feature.
- macOS requires version 14 or newer on Apple Silicon.
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