Best HDR Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Photomatix Pro is ranked #1 of 20 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of ColorForge and MergeHDR. The best-ranked option with a free plan is PhotomatixCL. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Photomatix Pro at $19/mo.
HDR software helps shape high dynamic range image results, with different options for merging, processing, and controlling tone. Compare HDR merge mode and tone mapping controls, then look at RAW file support, output formats, and maximum input images. Batch processing and supported platforms can matter for your workflow; free plans and paid-from pricing add cost context. The ranking begins with ColorForge, Photomatix Pro, and MergeHDR, followed by easyHDR and PhotomatixCL. Compare these listed capabilities with the images you work with and the output formats you need.
20 HDR software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Photomatix Pro iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.9$19/mo HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: advancedBatch processing: Yes
- 2 ColorForge iPhone + Android RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.8 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multiple
- 3 MergeHDR iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.6 HDR merge mode: bracketedTone mapping controls: multiple
- 4 PhotomatixCL No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3$19/mo HDR merge mode: bracketedTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 5 SNS-HDR No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3€30/mo HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 6 HDRMerge No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2Free HDR merge mode: bothBatch processing: Yes
- 7 Luminance HDR No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2Free HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 8 easyHDR No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 9 HDR Merge Master No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 HDR merge mode: bracketedBatch processing: Yes
- 10 Tembrica Video Background Remover No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.7 HDR merge mode: bracketed
- 11 ON1 Portrait AI No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.6 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: advancedBatch processing: Yes
- 12 AKVIS Enhancer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5$69/mo HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 13 Dynamic Photo HDR No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.4 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 14 AKVIS HDRFactory No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: multipleBatch processing: Yes
- 15 Instant Meshes No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 HDR merge mode: both
- 16 ON1 HDR No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 HDR merge mode: bothTone mapping controls: advancedBatch processing: Yes
- 17 rawhdr No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 HDR merge mode: bracketedTone mapping controls: advanced
- 18 EnfuseGUI No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.0 HDR merge mode: bracketedBatch processing: Yes
- 19 FOCUS projects 4 professional No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.0 HDR merge mode: bracketed
- 20 HDR-Merge No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.0 HDR merge mode: bracketedBatch processing: Yes
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which HDR software is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Photomatix Pro is ranked #1 of 20 with a score of 6.9. ColorForge is second and MergeHDR third.
How many of these have a free plan?
4 of the 20 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Photomatix Pro has the lowest first paid tier we found: $19/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.