Lightroom vs. Snapseed: which one is best in 2025?

In the world of photography, when it comes to editing photos, two apps, i.e., Lightroom and Snapseed, are at the top. Although both are the same, a few differences may affect your choice. Both are the most popular in photography and editing; you call them Lightroom vs Snapseed or Adobe vs Google. In this article, we will compare both apps to help you make the right decision.

Nik Software released Snapseed in 2011, and later a year, Google bought it. Now, it is available for both Android and iOS. The best photo editing application on mobiles but unavailable on desktops and Windows. It is highly recommended for beginners. One of the best things about Snapseed is that it is cost-free.

In 2007, adobe introduced an extension of Photoshop named “Lightroom.”  Due to its high demand and popularity, Adobe changed this extension into an individual interface dedicated to photographers only, where images can be edited. Lightroom has different versions, including Lightroom Classic, CC, Lightroom Mobile, and Adobe Lightroom.

Now, it is available on Android, Mac, and desktop/windows.

Both apps are trusted and respected, but knowing their differences is necessary when deciding which software is best. You will see their plus points and minus points below.

Aspect	Lightroom	Snapseed
Platform	Mobile and Windows	Only mobile
Purpose	Professional editing software	User-friendly app
Cost	Subscription-based	Accessible
UI	It is a little tricky with advanced tools	User-friendly
Editing tools	Advanced	Non-destructive
Discount	7 days free trials	Accessible
File format	PNG, PPM, PFM, EXR, JPEG, TIFF	JPG
Filters and presets	Extensive	Less
Support	Phone or submit a ticket	Google support
External plugin	Supported	Limited access
Organizational features	Advanced	Limited
Export option	Range from file size	Basic
Developer	Adobe	Google
Advanced editing	Precise color grading, HSL grading panel, retouching	Portrait and lens blur tool

Let’s explore this in detail:

Lightroom and Snapseed have different interfaces. Snapseed complex and user-friendly interface. Just open Snapseed, you have to;

In contrast, the Lightroom interface is tricky and complex. Lightroom has different sections specified for various functions, and more tools are aligned at the bottom of the screen. If you want detailed changes in your images.

Text tool is a fantastic feature of Snapseed. You can add text to your image and style it. Simply choose the add text tool and text.

If you want to create a quick portrait look without extra editing, you can use Snapseed. With just one click, you can create portraits. Brightness,  contrast, and smooth skin tools are pre-adjusted; this magic tool works on AI technology.

If you have a tiny image and you want to expand the size, just use the expand size tool. It will add a border to your image and make the size perfect according to your needs.  This tool is also available in Snapseed.

Since the photo-sharing process is simple and ideal for social media in Snapseed. When your edit is completed, just click export, which will export the image to your desired platform. In Lightroom, the photo-sharing process is a little bit complex. When your edit is completed, you can choose the import button. Now you have access to size and destination. Pick the size for your image. Once you have done so, select the destination for your image. It will import to your desired platform.

Sharpening is available in Snapseed, but at the pro level, it is in Lightroom. Using the masking along sharpness tool, we can selectively adjust an image’s sharpness.

This candid tool is available in Lightroom. If you are obsessed with the sky and landscape, use the Dehaze tool to capture images. Easier to use these images and make them more eye-catching and stunning.

This unique tool is also missing in Snapseed. It is used to individually adjust saturation, Hue, and lumination using the slider. For example, if you have a green background in an image and want to make it brighter, you will use the HSL tool to add more sharpness and clarity to the background’s green color.

Presets are photo editing tools that change the look of a photo with just one click. There are numerous presets, and you can apply them according to your choice. Users can save them for later use to save time and for quick editing. These presets have numerous features, such as context, saturation, sharpening, and brightness. 

 Both Lightroom and Snapseed have presets but differ in variety and customization. Lightroom has many built-in presets, but Snapseed presets are limited.

As already discussed, Snapseed is easier to use than Lightroom. The Lightroom interface is tricky and complex, while Snapseed is user-friendly and most recommended for beginners. Lightroom is for professionals.

Like other aspects, we will talk about their price or cost plan. Lightroom is a paid software and works on a subscription plan for photography. Its monthly plan starts from $9.99.  This plan is not only for mobile but also for desktop users. Subscriptions provide full access to all the tools in Lightroom.

On the other hand, Snapseed is free of cost. There is no limitation for fees, making it an attractive choice to choose Snapseed over Lightroom. It is best for casual users who need more budget. Snapseed does not offer unlimited editing capabilities like Lightroom.