Skylum review
Updated September 29, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team · Facts checked September 28, 2026
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Our verdict
Skylum suits photo editors seeking editing tools that run across macOS, Windows and Android with direct purchase rather than ongoing billing one time and free trial. Trial access lasting 7 plus refund cover lasting 30 gives extra time to judge fit before committing funds.
Key facts
- Best for
- Photo editors wanting outright purchase with desktop plus mobile use
- Price from
- €99 (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Free version
- No (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Free trial length
- 7 days (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Platforms
- MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, ChromeOS (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Tool type
- Photo (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Money-back period
- 30 days (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Shinyfields Limited (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Founded
- 2008 (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Support channels
- Chat, Email, Help-centre (Source, checked September 28, 2026)
- Pricing model
- One time, Free trial
- Official website
- skylum.com
Apps and profiles
- Elsewhere
- TrustpilotLinkedInXfacebook.com
Pros and cons
Pros
- Runs across macOS, Windows and Android, covering desktop plus mobile use
- Trial access lasting 7 with refund cover lasting 30
- Help via chat, email and help centre for setup and billing queries
Cons
- Free version absent, so evaluation rests on trial lasting 7 only
- Entry price of €99 sits high against many peers in €13.15
Ready to try Skylum?
Scored 8.9 / 10 by ForgeCue.
Who it suits
- Pick Skylum over ACDSee for photo editing across desktop and mobile via macOS, Windows and Android
- Pick Skylum over TeamViewer Int for dedicated photo tools defined by photo
Who should look elsewhere
- Skip Skylum for CLIP STUDIO PAINT when entry pricing near $0.99 matters more than outright photo purchase
- Skip Skylum for TeamViewer Int when a Free version for ongoing unpaid use matters more than photo editing depth
How it compares on our data
On trial length, Skylum sits at 24 among 41 ranked brands, placing trial cover below typical category levels. On entry price, Skylum sits at 49 among 50 ranked brands, showing higher upfront cost than many peers in this comparison set.
What you get free
Skylum offers no Free version, so unpaid use centres on trial access. Trial access lasts 7, giving a short window to explore photo editing before purchase. Paid orders carry refund cover lasting 30, which adds confidence after checkout and allows cancellation within the stated term if expectations are unmet.
How Skylum compares
8.9 vs 9.0
8.9 vs 9.1- 8.9 vs 8.8
- 8.9 vs 9.3
- 8.9 vs 8.8
- 8.9 vs 8.0
8.9 vs 9.4
8.9 vs 9.5- 8.9 vs 8.8
- 8.9 vs 8.8
- 8.9 vs 8.9
8.9 vs 9.3
8.9 vs 9.2
8.9 vs 8.9- 8.9 vs 9.2
- 8.9 vs 8.9
- 8.9 vs 9.3
- 8.9 vs 9.3
- 8.9 vs 9.0
- 8.9 vs 8.8
8.9 vs 8.6
Frequently asked questions
What does Skylum cost to start using?+
Entry pricing starts at €99 under a purchase model described by one time and free trial. There is no Free version, so budgeting should assume paid use after trial ends. Trial access helps confirm editing needs before funds are committed.
How long is the Skylum trial?+
Trial access lasts 7 under the access model shown by one time and free trial. The window allows testing of photo editing tools before purchase. After trial ends, continued use calls for paid purchase of the software.
Does Skylum offer a free version?+
Skylum offers no Free version, so ongoing unpaid use is unavailable. Evaluation depends on trial access lasting 7. Buyers seeking lasting unpaid use may prefer an alternative that includes a Free version option.
Which devices and systems run Skylum?+
Skylum runs across macOS, Windows and Android, covering desktop use on macOS and Windows plus use on mobile systems. The tool focus is photo editing, shown by photo. Buyers can thus edit across home setups and portable devices.
How can customers get help with Skylum?+
Support is available through chat, email and help centre, covering chat and email plus self help resources. The mix suits written queries on setup, billing and editing workflows. Phone contact is outside the stated support channels.
What refund cover applies to Skylum purchases?+
Paid orders carry refund cover lasting 30, which allows buyers to request redress after checkout if fit is poor. Trial access lasting 7 should come before purchase where possible. Terms of the refund window apply at claim time.
Sources
- skylum.com checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Tool type
“Edit photos effortlessly with AI-powered software”
- skylum.com/about checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Founded
“Our roots trace back to 2008”
- skylum.com/luminar-trial checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Free trial length, Free version, Pricing model, Support channels
“Try Luminar free for 7 days”
- skylum.com/luminar/pricing checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Money-back period, Platforms, Price from
“30 days money back guarantee”
- skylum.com/terms-of-use checked September 28, 2026
Backs: Legal entity
“Skylum is a trading name used by Shinyfields Limited”
Compiled from 5 source pages, checked September 28, 2026. We did not open an account.