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Last updated on December 8th, 2023

Update, there’s a new version of this software called Topaz Studio 2, and you can now read my Topaz Studio 2 review.

The below information is written for Topaz Studio Classic

Topaz Studio is a standalone, free photo editor with paid add-ons created by Topaz Labs. This Topaz Studio review will cover the free tools of the software compared to Photoshop and Lightroom’s Develop Module. This isn’t a fair comparison but a good benchmark.

I used Topaz Labs plugins prior to the release of Topaz Studio in 2017. The image-editing software company is moving all of its plugins to Topaz Studio to streamline and speed up the post-processing workflow. But it still works like a plugin from the PS filter menu.

Topaz Studio also comes with free basic adjustments and paid pro adjustments.

This Topaz Studio review is best viewed on a laptop or desktop due to the image before/after slider not functioning properly on mobile devices. Generally, the top/left image will be the before, and the bottom/right image will be the after.

Examples of Topaz Studio Using the Free Adjustments

The below, unedited image on the left was photographed with an iPhone 6s. The right image was edited with Topaz Studio to give it a sepia tone effect using the free dual-tone adjustment. You may notice some of the people (bottom-right quadrant) on the path that I removed with the healing brush tool.

cordillera blancaCordillera Blanca edited with Topaz Studio


The below image was a RAW file. I gave it some pop, mainly with the saturation and clarity adjustments.

before topaz studio exampleafter topaz studio example


Below is another example of the free healing brush tool. I removed the man in the image, but the brush wasn’t able to align the horizon correctly after a few attempts.

beach before Topaz Studio healing brushhealing brush example Topaz Studio

Pros of Topaz Studio

  • Basic features are free.
  • Gaussian blur is included.
  • Lens correction is included.
  • Easier to learn than Photoshop.
  • Does not require Photoshop.
  • It comes with the power of layer adjustments.
  • Text can be added to images.
  • You pay a set fee for add-ons and no subscription required.
  • Add-ons come with countless amazing presets for faster workflow.
  • Supports RAW files.

Cons of Topaz Studio

  • Healing brush tool is limited.
  • Masking brush tool is limited.
  • Vibrance slider is not included.
  • Noise removal and sharpening are paid pro adjustments.
  • Topaz Studio is resource-hungry and can run slow at times like Photoshop.
  • You need the plugins or pro adjustments to fully utilize the software.

Topaz Studio vs Lightroom and Photoshop

The free and basic of version Topaz Studio has a few tools that are similar to Lightroom and Photoshop: healing brush, cropping, basic edits, etc. Though Lightroom and Photoshop are two different types of software for mutually inclusive purposes, they both trump Topaz Studio when it comes to image editing.

Who Should Get Topaz Studio?

  • Individuals that want a free photo editor to make basic adjustments and some creative adjustments.
  • Professional photographers and enthusiasts who want to speed up their creative workflow and are willing to pay for the add-ons.

Final Thoughts

Many people dislike Photoshop and Lightroom due to the required Adobe Creative Cloud membership for licensing. Topaz Studio might be a good option because the basic features are free and you only pay a set fee for what features you want. I never had to pay for upgrades.

But at the end of the day, Photoshop is still king, and Topaz Studio is like an accessory. I personally utilize PS, LR, and Topaz Studio together in my workflow.

Topaz Detail Review

Vincent Croos
About the Author: Vincent Croos

Hola Parceros,

I’m the founder of Aperlust. I enjoy web development and SEO and am into snowboarding and linguistics. In my spare time, you can find me destroying my opponents in chess across the globe.

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