HDR images are some of the hardest to get right. They often come out too highly processed and look terrible. In this Aurora HDR review, we run through what made this software special, what happened to it, and what you should use instead in 2026.
Verdict: 4/5. Aurora was the best HDR editor of its generation, but you can no longer buy it. Skylum folded it into Luminar Neo’s HDR Merge extension, which does everything Aurora did and more. Best for: existing owners who can keep using it. Everyone else, look at HDR Merge.
Luminar NEO and the HDR Merge Extension have replaced Aurora HDR. It brings Aurora’s Quantum HDR engine into a modern, actively developed editor. Learn more here.
Aurora HDR Is Discontinued: What Happened
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first, because most reviews of this software still pretend it’s 2020. Skylum discontinued Aurora HDR in mid-2022. The last major release was Aurora HDR 2019, and new users can no longer purchase it. Skylum took everything Aurora did well, rebuilt it as the HDR Merge extension for Luminar Neo, and retired the standalone product.
What this means in practice:
- If you already own Aurora HDR: it keeps working, and you can keep using it. Just know that it receives no updates, so compatibility with future operating systems and new camera RAW formats is not guaranteed.
- If you were about to buy it: you can’t, at least not legitimately. Be wary of license keys from unofficial sellers. The official successor is Luminar Neo with the HDR Merge extension, which merges brackets, handles single-image HDR, and plugs into a full modern editor.
- If you just want great HDR software: skip to the alternatives section below, where we cover the successor and the surviving competition.
The rest of this review covers Aurora HDR as it shipped, both for the many photographers still running it and for anyone deciding whether the HDR Merge successor inherits a worthy legacy. Spoiler: it does.
What is HDR Photography?
HDR photography is a relatively new technique for photographers. It refers to capturing multiple takes of the same image at different exposure values and then using HDR software to merge these images to create a stunning photo. The result is an image that displays a higher dynamic range than would usually be possible in a single image taken in just one exposure. You can capture the highlights and shadows in remarkable detail and focus by using HDR photography.
Using this type of photography, you can create breathtakingly realistic recreations of what the eye can see. When you shoot just a single image, the range of lights and darks you can capture is limited. Cameras can only recreate a small dynamic range, but that changes when you add an HDR program into the mix.
HDR software, such as Aurora HDR or its successor HDR Merge, will take multiple images shot with varying exposure values, and carefully combine them using advanced algorithms. The result is a focused, high-contrast, accurate photo with a larger-than-life look and intensely bright colours. You can also make creative, painterly HDR images if that’s more your style, too.
One of our top photography tips is that this photography works particularly well for shooting still images such as cityscapes and landscapes. It’s not suited to capturing moving objects or people, as the result tends to be a blurred, unsatisfactory image.
For HDR photography, all you need is a camera, a tripod, and some HDR software. A tripod helps to keep your camera steady, making it easier to match up your shots for a seamless final image. It’s also a bonus if your camera has an Auto Exposure Bracketing Function, as this will save you time. If not, don’t worry, it just means that you’ll need to edit your exposure settings manually between each shot.
There are a few different HDR program options around. We’re reviewing Aurora HDR in this article, but we will also mention the best alternatives you can actually buy today. Now, onto the Aurora HDR review!
What Was Aurora HDR?
Aurora HDR was Skylum’s highly specialised software for creating top-quality HDR images. Skylum are the masterminds behind Luminar NEO photo-editing software and six other image processing apps. Skylum teamed up with the world-famous HDR photographer, Trey Ratcliff, to fuse their program-building knowledge with his HDR expertise. It was a winning combination.
First released in 2016, the original Aurora HDR 2017 version quickly became popular amongst photographers, both amateurs and pros. However, there were a fair few flaws in this first edition. Skylum listened carefully to their users and acted on their feedback, releasing Aurora HDR 2018 and then the final version, Aurora HDR 2019.
An all-new Quantum HDR engine powered that last release, and smart AI features and groundbreaking tone mapping technology took it to the next level. You could create some really spectacular images with no halos, overlaps, or chromatic aberrations. Additional photo editor functions allowed you to crop photos, correct colours, reduce noise, boost contrast, and more, all within Aurora.
You could use Aurora HDR as a standalone program, but it worked even better integrated with Lightroom, Apple Photos, or Photoshop. You could also run other Photoshop plugins within Aurora. This flexibility meant every photographer could find the right way to use Aurora within their established workflow.
We have just updated our best tablet for photo editing article here if you’re looking to do some mobile editing.
At retirement, Aurora HDR sold for $99.00, or $149 bundled with Luminar, with a 60-day money-back guarantee and an unlimited free trial. None of those offers exist anymore, which is exactly why the successor matters. The equivalent path today is Luminar Neo with the HDR Merge extension, which carries Skylum’s current trial and guarantee terms.
Pros:
- Amazing HDR photos
- Smart AI features
- Easy to use for beginners and pros
- Intuitive interface
- Great additional photo editing features
Cons:
- The advanced selection tools are quite limited
- There’s no healing brush when you use Aurora as a standalone program
- Waiting for an image to load can take a long time
- Discontinued: no updates, and new users can’t buy it
Aurora HDR: Features and Benefits
Intuitive Interface
Skylum carefully designed this product for a great, intuitive user experience. In fact, it’s so simple and easy to create an HDR photo with the tools provided that it’s a real joy to use. There’s no annoying advertising that is often found in other free or budget options either, which is a relief. You’ll also find that the sliders are very sensitive, allowing you to make a big difference to your photos with just a small adjustment.
Seamless Integration With Other Programs and Plugins
While you can use Aurora as a standalone program, it’s also compatible with other programs and Photoshop plugins, too. This versatility makes your workflow go even more smoothly, as you can integrate your favourite plugins and use them right there in Aurora.
Alternatively, you can also run Aurora as a plugin within your preferred photo editing program. It is compatible with Lightroom, Apple Aperture, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements (although Elements and Apple Aperture are only supported on Mac). This versatility allows you to combine Aurora’s HDR technology with other high-end photo editing features, presets, and more.
Powerful AI Tools
The innovative AI functions were a headline feature of the final edition of Aurora. Skylum harnessed this AI technology in the HDR Clarity, HDR Smart Structure, and Smart Tone features, amongst others. Let’s explore what each of these tools will do for your image.
HDR Smart Structure creates a strong image with clear, enhanced details. The way it does this is by increasing local contrast, drawing out hard-to-see details, and overall sharpening of the image details. It’s amazing to see the difference this can make to your photos, especially shots of buildings and architecture. You can easily see why so many real estate businesses use HDR software for all their photos!
The Smart Tone feature adds some style to your shots by boosting the shadows and even adding a little glow to the highlights. Your images will be eye-catching and distinctive when you use this feature.
HDR Clarity is a subtle but simple tool that adds more contrast to your shots, without messing up the lighting or creating more noise in the photo.
Not only could you use Aurora to create the best HDR images around, but it has some excellent photo editing functions built-in, too. Take your photos to the next level by cropping, resizing, reducing noise, correcting colours, and boosting contrast. You’ll even find split toning, vignette, HSL, and curves adjustment functions, which can really make a difference to your image.
If you’re having trouble with noise in your images then check out our Topaz Photo AI review (which absorbed the old DeNoise app) as you can remove it all in one click!
It’s a real bonus to have all these features included, especially if you’re a beginner photographer who doesn’t have an Adobe subscription. You could even do all your editing within Aurora at a pinch. While it doesn’t have the same range of advanced features that Photoshop or even Luminar boasts, you can still do a lot just with Aurora.
Tonal Mapping Technology
Aurora HDR also has excellent tonal mapping technology built-in. Just upload one single RAW file, and Aurora will create detailed tonal maps of your photo. This powerful technology will transform an average image into a stunning HDR photo!
Ever disappointed with the level of detail in an image? Check out our Topaz Gigapixel AI review to see how you can add detail, megapixels and make your photos bigger!
Automated Batch Processing Feature
Aurora has a superb batch processing feature that will sort through your photos into relevant sets as well as divide single images from bracketed shots. Not only will this save you loads of time, but you can go on to select your desired processing and export settings for the whole batch. Just choose from Aurora’s available Looks, or use your own custom presets, and you’re good to go.
If you want more control, you can also select advanced settings for your batch processing, such as chromatic aberrations removal, ghost reduction, auto-alignment, and more.
With just a few clicks, you’ll have a whole batch of amazing HDR photos, without needing to make individual adjustments or corrections to each image.
Experiment with the Included Presets/Looks
You get access to 8 different Collections of Looks within Aurora HDR, including Architecture, Dramatic, Artistic, Essential, and Landscape Looks. Use these looks (also commonly known as presets) to change the aesthetics of your image.
Famous names like Trey Ratcliff and Serge Ramelli have even included their own signature collections, allowing you to create images in their styles.
Adjustable Gradient Filter
Another awesome feature you get in Aurora HDR is the adjustable gradient function. Ever tried to edit a beautiful sunset shot, but you just can’t get the right settings for the sky and the land at once? That’s where this miraculous filter comes in! Using Adjustable Gradient, you can edit the top of the photo and the bottom of the photo separately.
With settings such as Vibrance and Warmth, Exposure and Contrast, and Highlights and Shadows, you can achieve your desired look and bring out all the details in your photo. There are also fantastic sliders which allow you to create a smooth transition between the two sections of the photo for a natural look.
Trials and Guarantees: Then and Now
Aurora HDR used to come with an unlimited free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Those offers retired with the product. The good news is that Skylum carried the same customer-friendly approach over to its current software: Luminar Neo with HDR Merge offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee under Skylum’s current terms, so you can still test the Aurora lineage before spending anything.
Other Software posts you may enjoy:
Alternatives to Aurora HDR in 2026
Since you can no longer buy Aurora, this section matters more than ever. Here’s where its former customers should actually look:
Luminar Neo + HDR Merge (the official successor)
This is where Aurora went. Skylum rebuilt Aurora’s Quantum HDR engine as the HDR Merge extension for Luminar Neo, so you get the bracket merging and tone mapping Aurora was loved for, inside a modern editor that actually receives updates. It merges up to 10 brackets, handles single-image HDR, and everything you merge can flow straight into Luminar’s AI editing tools. If you came to this page wanting to buy Aurora, this is the box to click. You can read our full Luminar Neo review for the complete picture of the host editor.
Photomatix Pro
Another highly specialized and popular software, Photomatix Pro was designed to create superior HDR images in a simple and easy process for users. You can make detailed, 32-bit photos and tone-mapped images with Photomatix Pro. Photomatix has some great presets and clever automation tools which make it super accessible and easy to use, even for complete beginners.
It’s cheaper than Aurora was, and it needs less processing power. If you have an older computer, Photomatix might be the wise choice for you. There’s nothing like a painfully slow lag to drive you crazy when you’re trying to edit your photos. Unlike Aurora, it is still actively sold and updated, which counts for a lot these days.
However, Aurora’s layout was more intuitive and easy to navigate through. While Photomatix [1] has a relatively simple interface, pop-up toolboxes are a frequent and distracting feature.
Luminance HDR
Luminance HDR is another popular HDR program, with the added bonus that it is available as a free download on Mac and Windows. Using Luminance HDR, you can create high-quality HDR images quickly. It’s super accessible for everyone from beginners to pros. You’ll love the handy drag and drop feature, and it even supports RAW photo formats.
If you’re just starting out with HDR photography but you’re on a tight budget, Luminance HDR is the ideal software for you. You can experiment, play around, and create excellent HDR images, all without spending any money. The main downside is that it doesn’t have as wide a range of advanced photo editing and HDR tools as the paid options, nor do you have the same flexibility or intricate control over the end product.
Luminance HDR [2] is an excellent starter. Just bear in mind that you may feel the need to upgrade to HDR Merge as your expertise (and desire for a high-quality finish) increases over time.
For the full field, see our guide to the best HDR software in 2026.
Should You Buy Aurora HDR in 2026?
You can’t, and honestly, that’s okay. Aurora HDR was the best HDR software of its era [3], and everything that made it great lives on in Luminar Neo’s HDR Merge extension. Here’s the simple decision tree:
- You want the Aurora experience, current and supported: Luminar Neo + HDR Merge. This is the official successor and our recommendation.
- You want a dedicated bracket merger and nothing more: Photomatix Pro, still sold, still updated.
- You want free: Luminance HDR, and accept the rough edges.
- You already own Aurora: keep shooting. It still works, and nothing about your license changed. Just don’t count on updates.
If you found this article helpful, give it a share on social: Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! As always, we love to read your comments and hear your opinions. Do you still run Aurora, or have you made the jump to HDR Merge? Feel free to send us any questions and I’ll do my best to reply quickly. Don’t forget to check out our other software and camera gear reviews on the blog too!
Resources
[1] https://www.hdrsoft.com/
[2] https://sourceforge.net/projects/qtpfsgui/
[3] https://skylum.com/aurorahdr
Have you tried SNS-HDR Pro?
I’m interested in your software. But am confused about taking the photo. It states that you need auto exposure bracketing. Mine does that of course. But my cameras have an HDR setting too, which do I use? Either?
If I purchase this software does it work on a PC and a Mac? Or do I have to purchase separately. I have a PC now but will be switching to Mac with the year.
Thanks.
Bill
Hey Bill. You use the auto bracketing on your camera to capture the 3 (or 5 images) then instead of using the computer in the camera to compile the HDR, you use this software. You’re able to control it a lot more that way.
Yes you can absolutely switch between the two once you’ve made purchase.
Unfortunately, Aurora HDR is not available more (8/2022). And you cannot purchase just HDR Merge, only as a part of Luminar Neo, more expensive than Aurora, especially when you don’t need other functions of Luminar.
is there a monthly charge after