Adobe has recently imposed a 50% price hike on its Photography Plan subscription, leaving photographers searching for alternatives. This increase affects users across the globe, with the $9.99 monthly plan jumping to $14.99. Additionally, Adobe has discontinued new subscriptions to its 20 GB Photography Plan, directing users to the $19.99/month 1 TB plan instead. These changes have sparked widespread dissatisfaction within the photography community.
Since the Adobe Photography Plan’s introduction in 2013, there had been no annual price adjustments. However, Adobe’s profits have soared, growing from $1.011 billion in 2013 to $19 billion in 2023. With this significant growth, many photographers feel the price hike reflects prioritizing profits over customer loyalty.
What Does the Adobe Price Increase Mean for Photographers?
UK users will see their monthly fees rise from £9.98 to £14.99, a jump mirrored in the US. Despite these increases, the feature updates Adobe provides have left some users underwhelmed. Tools like the lens blur and AI denoising have faced criticism for their inconsistent results compared to competing software. Moreover, Adobe’s generative AI tools often produce inaccurate or bizarre edits.
Frustrations have also mounted over the lack of direct communication about these changes. Subscribers learned about the Adobe price increase through indirect channels rather than official updates.
Steps to Manage the Adobe Price Increase
If you wish to cancel your subscription, note that Adobe imposes a 50% cancellation fee on the remaining balance if terminated more than 14 days after purchase. Timing the cancellation near your renewal date can avoid this penalty. Alternatively, contacting Adobe to negotiate a discount may yield a better deal. Users report securing discounted rates by indicating their intent to leave.
Alternatives to the Adobe Photography Plan
For those exploring other options, several powerful alternatives exist:
ON1 Photo Raw: Known for its robust catalog features and superior raw processing, ON1 Photo Raw offers a perpetual license option, reducing long-term costs. Its tools for noise reduction and sharpening rival Adobe’s offerings, and its layered editing capabilities streamline workflows.
DxO PhotoLab 8: This software excels in tone and color management, making it ideal for photographers focused on print quality. With advanced denoising algorithms and an extensive library of film emulations, DxO PhotoLab is a strong contender for Adobe users seeking alternatives.
Affinity Photo: Affordable and feature-rich, Affinity Photo includes raw development tools that deliver excellent results. Its one-time purchase model appeals to users avoiding recurring fees.
Free Solutions: Open-source tools like GIMP, RawTherapee, and Darktable offer comprehensive editing capabilities without the cost, though they may require a steeper learning curve.
Final Thoughts
The Adobe Photography Plan remains a popular choice for many, but the Adobe price increase has highlighted the need for photographers to evaluate alternatives. December’s holiday sales present an opportunity to transition to new software or negotiate better rates with Adobe. Regardless of your choice, the growing market of photo-editing tools ensures options that cater to every budget and need.