3 Best HDR Software in 2025: Reviews, Comparison, and Expert Picks
- Updated on 2025-11-03
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Table Of Content
What Makes HDR Software “the Best”?
Are your photos or videos looking flat and lifeless in SDR? High Dynamic Range (HDR) software can bring them back to life by expanding brightness, contrast, and color depth—making every detail pop.
In 2025, AI-driven HDR tools are faster, more accurate, and easier to use than ever. Whether you’re a professional videographer, a photographer, or a beginner experimenting with HDR visuals, choosing the right HDR software or program makes all the difference.
In this guide, we provide expert HDR software reviews, compare performance and usability, and highlight both premium and free HDR software. Whether you're seeking the best HDR software for professional projects or a free option to experiment with, this article will help you make the right choice.
What Is HDR Software and How Does It Work?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) software or HDR programs are tools that enhance images and videos by expanding their dynamic range—the difference between the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows. Unlike standard editing, HDR tools combine or convert content to create visuals that look more vivid and realistic.
Key Features of HDR Programs
- Exposure Bracketing & Merging: HDR software merges multiple images taken at different exposures into one balanced shot.
- Tone Mapping: Converts HDR data into a displayable format, ensuring details are visible on standard screens.
- AI Enhancement: Modern HDR software now includes AI-based noise reduction, smart color correction, and scene recognition for more accurate results.
- Customization Options: Many HDR programs allow manual adjustments for contrast, saturation, and highlight/shadow balance.
Who Uses HDR Tools?
- Photographers → To merge bracketed shots into natural-looking HDR photos.
- Videographers → To convert SDR footage into HDR10 or Dolby Vision for cinematic results.
- Casual Creators → To experiment with artistic, surreal HDR effects using free HDR software.
By using HDR programs like UniFab HDR Upconverter AI, Lightroom, Photomatix, Aurora HDR, and more, users can create results ranging from realistic natural looks to dramatic artistic tones.
Expert Testing & Methodology
Before ranking each HDR software, our team conducted controlled benchmark testing to ensure accuracy, transparency, and credibility. We follow a clear and repeatable review process designed to reflect both expert evaluation and real-world performance.
Our Review Process
- Market & User Research: We analyzed market trends and user popularity to identify the most relevant HDR tools in 2025.
- Independent Testing: Each HDR program was independently tested by our content team for quality, speed, AI enhancement features, and usability.
- Evaluation Metrics: Tone-mapping accuracy; Conversion speed (fps/s); Color depth and highlight retention; Ease of use and interface design; Compatibility with HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
- User Feedback Integration: We incorporated verified user opinions from photography and video editing communities to ensure practical relevance.
- Value Comparison: We compared free and premium HDR tools to assess price-to-performance ratio and accessibility.
Testing Environment
All benchmark tests were conducted using the same standardized setup to maintain fairness and repeatability:
- Hardware: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU + AMD Ryzen 7 5700G CPU
- Source Video: 9min57s SDR clip, 1080p (23.976 fps)
- Test Procedure: Each software converted the same SDR footage under identical conditions to evaluate speed and HDR quality consistency.
This unified testing framework ensures that all performance comparisons are evidence-based and unbiased.
Expert Reviews: The 3 Best HDR Software
After above process, we identified the top three HDR software tools that balance image quality, processing speed, usability, and price, making them excellent choices for both beginners and professionals. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction and evaluation of these 3 HDR tools. Please continue reading.
1. UniFab HDR Upconverter AI (Best Overall HDR Software)
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI leads the market as the best HDR software for 2025, pioneering AI-powered SDR-to-HDR conversion. Supporting HDR10 and Dolby Vision, it enhances brightness, contrast, and color depth with cinematic precision. With support for DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 color spaces, and four models including 4K UHD, QHD, Full HD, and Fast Model, UniFab ensures true-to-life HDR across all your devices.
Platform: Windows & macOS
Price: Lifetime license $119.99
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI
- AI-Powered SDR to HDR Conversion
- Supports Multiple Color Spaces
- 30-day Free Trial, Full features, No Watermark
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI
HDR Software Performance Review
In our independent tests, UniFab's SDR-to-HDR conversion provided a natural and balanced look that closely resembles native HDR. Contrast is gently boosted, shadows and midtones are well-preserved, and colors remain accurate without heavy oversaturation. The result is smooth, cinematic HDR output suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts.
HDR Software Processing Speed
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI delivers industry-leading fast processing speeds, outperforming most other HDR software.
We tested UniFab on a 9min 57s Full HD video (23.976 fps). The software converted the clip in 9min 45s, reaching a real-time speed of 24.49 fps/s. This performance makes UniFab one of the fastest HDR tools available today, ideal for creators working with tight deadlines.
Pros & Cons of UniFab
Pros
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Industry-leading conversion speed.
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Natural and balanced HDR output, close to native HDR.
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Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, Rec.2020, and DCI-P3 color spaces.
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Affordable price with a 30-day free trial (no watermark).
Cons
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Currently desktop-only (no mobile app version).
Why We Trust This HDR Reviews
- Direct testing on multiple SDR videos of different lengths and resolutions.
- Cross-comparison with other HDR software for quality, speed, and tone mapping accuracy.
- User feedback from photography and video editing communities confirming its reliability and natural HDR results.
Expert Verdict on this HDR software
UniFab HDR Upconverter AI is the best HDR software overall for 2025 — combining accuracy, affordability, and effortless AI conversion.
2. Topaz Hyperion SDR to HDR
Topaz Video AI is also a go-to HDR software for most professionals and novices to fulfill their SDR to HDR conversion needs. Its newly released Hyperion SDR to HDR feature leverages the inverse tone mapping process (or up-mapping) for seamless conversion.
Platform: Windows & macOS
Price: $299 (Lifetime License)
HDR Software Performance Review
Our tests found that Topaz Hyperion produces vivid and contrast-rich images, with improved shadow visibility and striking highlights. However, the aggressive tone mapping can cause overexposure in bright areas and occasional oversaturation, especially in warmer tones. While it may not always resemble native HDR, it delivers bold, artistic visuals that many creative users appreciate.
HDR Software Processing Speed
Using the same 9min 57s Full HD video test, Topaz Hyperion required 14min 11s, achieving 16.72 fps/s. While slower than UniFab, it is still efficient enough for most video editing workflows.
Pros & Cons of Topaz
Pros
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Produces vivid, high-contrast, and artistic HDR visuals.
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Strong highlight and shadow recovery.
Cons
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Tends to oversaturate colors and overexpose highlights.
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Less suited for users seeking natural, realistic HDR results.
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Higher one-time price.
Why We Trust This HDR Reviews
- Independent benchmarking on the same test video for fair comparison.
- Evaluation of artistic vs. realistic output, confirming its suitability for stylized HDR work.
- Community reviews highlight its strengths in creative enhancement, while also noting the risk of overcorrection.
Expert Verdict on this HDR software
Topaz Hyperion is the best HDR program for those seeking vivid, stylized HDR effects, even if accuracy is sometimes compromised.
3. HitPaw SDR to HDR
HitPaw VikPea (formerly known as HitPaw Video Enhancer) is also a reliable HDR software that allows you to easily convert SDR to HDR. It offers an adjustable Dynamic Range setting from 1 to 5, giving you control over the brightness and contrast levels to achieve your desired HDR effect.
Platform: Windows & macOS
Price: $349.99 (Lifetime License)
HDR Software Performance Review
HitPaw's results vary depending on the DR setting. At higher levels, the image becomes brighter with stronger saturation, but it often looks closer to SDR than authentic HDR. This can lead to an overly artificial appearance that may not satisfy professionals seeking true HDR depth.
HDR Software Processing Speed
HitPaw is significantly slower than competitors. The same 9min 57s Full HD test video took over 2h 37min at DR2, and approximately 3h at DR5, achieving just 1.33–1.52 fps/s.
Pros & Cons of HitPaw
Pros
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Simple interface, easy to learn for non-professionals.
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Flexible control over brightness/contrast through DR settings.
Cons
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Extremely slow processing speed.
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Higher price point despite fewer advanced features.
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Output often looks closer to SDR than authentic HDR.
Why We Trust This Review
- Hands-on testing across multiple DR levels to evaluate both quality and speed.
- Comparison with native HDR footage to check authenticity of results.
- User reports frequently mention slow rendering speeds but appreciate its simplicity and beginner-friendly controls.
Expert Verdict on this HDR software
HitPaw is a practical choice for casual creators who prioritize ease of use, but its slow processing speed and less authentic HDR look make it less competitive compared to UniFab and Topaz.
HDR Software Reviews & Benchmark Comparison
Choosing the right HDR program often comes down to comparing performance, image quality, and ease of use. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three leading HDR software tools in 2025.
HDR Software Comparison Table
| Key Factors | UniFab HDR Upconverter AI | Topaz Hyperion SDR to HDR | HitPaw SDR to HDR |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Beginner-friendly | ❌ Steeper learning curve | ✅ Simple interface |
Price (Lifetime) Price may vary; please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date pricing. | US$119.99 UniFab All-In-One: US$299.99 (including HDR Upconverter AI) | US$299 (Topaz Video AI) | US$349.99 (HitPaw Video Enhancer) |
| HDR Info in MediaInfo | ✅ Present | ❌ Not Present | ❌ Not Present |
HDR Software Performance Comparison
We tested all the 3 HDR software to test their performance and speed. Here’s how the results turned out when we upconverted a 9min 57s SDR video to HDR.
Test Machine:
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with Radeon Graphics
Source Video Data:
- Duration: 9 min 57 s
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080
- Frame Rate: 23.976 fps
| Performance and Speed | UniFab HDR Upconverter AI | Topaz Hyperion SDR to HDR | HitPaw SDR to HDR |
| Output Quality | Natural colors, balanced highlights, and rich shadows | Bright and vivid, it loses details in highlights and shadows | Oversaturated and high contrast with highlight loss |
| Preserves HDR Depth | Yes. Preserves true HDR depth | Weakens HDR effect | Resembles SDR more than HDR |
| Conversion Speed | 24.49 fps/s | 16.72 fps/s | 1.52 fps/s |
| Conversion Time | 9min 45s | 14min 11s | 2h 37min 10s |
Quick Verdict Summary
These combined HDR software reviews show that:
- UniFab HDR Upconverter AI — Best overall for natural AI-powered HDR conversion and speed.
- Topaz Hyperion — Suits those seeking artistic, bold HDR effects.
- HitPaw — Better for casual or beginner users who value simplicity over performance.
To explore how these tools compare in other features, check out: UniFab vs Topaz and Hitpaw vs Topaz.
What to Consider Before Choosing HDR Software
Before choosing the best HDR software, consider these key factors that impact performance and output quality:
1. HDR Quality and Accuracy — true HDR output with precise color reproduction and balanced highlights and shadows.
2. AI Enhancement & Machine Learning — scene detection, noise reduction, and intelligent upscaling to improve results.
3. Customization & Control — manual adjustments, presets, and color grading options.
4. Performance and Speed — hardware acceleration and rendering time for efficient processing.
5. User Interface & Ease of Use — intuitive navigation for beginners and advanced controls for pros.
6. Format Support & Compatibility — broad format and HDR standard support across platforms.
7. Extra Features — built-in editor, audio tools, export presets.
8. Price & User Reviews — fits your budget and has positive feedback from real users.
Among HDR software options, UniFab HDR Upconverter AI excels by delivering accurate HDR output with AI-powered enhancements, fast processing, and easy-to-use controls. It supports multiple formats, offers useful extra features, and fits various budgets with strong user feedback.
Why UniFab is Recommended by Experts
Independent tests show that UniFab HDR Upconverter AI achieves 24.49 fps/s conversion speed with balanced tone mapping and accurate color depth. Its support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision makes it the most versatile tool for AI-powered HDR video conversion. Experts recommend UniFab for creators who want both speed and quality in one solution.
How to Convert SDR to HDR with the Best HDR Software — UniFab
One of the advantages of modern HDR software tools is that they make advanced conversion processes simple for everyday users. Below is a step-by-step guide showing how to use UniFab HDR Upconverter AI to transform SDR footage into HDR10 or Dolby Vision.
30-day Free Trial for full features, without watermark!
Launch UniFab, go to All Features, and select HDR Upconverter under Video AI. Click the + icon or drag and drop your SDR video to import it.
Choose HDR 10 or Dolby Vision based on your needs, and adjust the color space, format, quality, audio settings, and other parameters as required.
Once you are satisfied, tap Start. UniFab HDR Upconverter will utilize its AI models and automatically upscale your SDR video clips to HDR10 or Dolby Vision.
This straightforward process demonstrates why UniFab ranks among the best HDR programs in 2025—its combination of ease of use, speed, and accuracy makes HDR conversion accessible to both beginners and professionals.
For more detailed information about UniFab HDR Software, you can watch this informative YouTube video.
Conclusion
Don't let your cherished videos remain flat and dull. With the best HDR software, you can transform your footage into vibrant, cinematic-quality HDR videos. UniFab HDR Upconverter AI stands out for its quality, speed, user-friendliness, and affordability. Whether you are a beginner or professional, this HDR video enhancer offers tailored results. Topaz Hyperion and HitPaw provide alternatives depending on your needs and budget.
FAQs about Best HDR Software
What is the best free HDR software?
The best free HDR software in 2025 includes Luminance HDR, an open-source program praised for its tone-mapping algorithms, RAW support, ghost removal, and noise reduction. Other popular choices are Fotor HDR for quick, artistic results and EasyHDR Free Edition for beginner-friendly photo merging. Linux users may prefer RawTherapee or pfstools for more advanced HDR editing. For those seeking professional-level AI conversion without upfront cost, UniFab HDR Upconverter AI also offers a generous 30-day free trial with full features and no watermark, making it a strong option alongside traditional free HDR programs.
What is the most accurate HDR converter for videos?
Among AI HDR tools, UniFab HDR Upconverter AI provides the most accurate conversion results, thanks to its AI scene recognition and color preservation algorithms tested by the UniFab Content Lab.
What is the best HDR software for Mac?
For reliable HDR software for Mac, UniFab HDR Upconverter AI is a top choice. It supports macOS, offers fast and accurate SDR to HDR10 conversion, and provides easy-to-use AI enhancements for great HDR results. If you want to know how to upload HDR video on YouTube or how to find and watch Amazon Prime Video Dolby Vision HDR on PC and mobile, you will also need this tool.
What are the best HDR software programs available?
The best HDR software programs in 2025 include UniFab HDR Upconverter AI for fast and natural AI-powered SDR-to-HDR conversion, Topaz Hyperion for vivid artistic effects, and HitPaw for beginner-friendly controls. For photography, long-standing options like Photomatix Pro and Aurora HDR remain popular, while Luminance HDR stands out as the best free open-source choice. Together, these HDR tools cover a wide range of needs, from professional workflows to casual editing.
What do HDR software reviews include?
Reviews assess image quality, processing speed, ease of use, and features like AI enhancement. Trusted reviews combine lab tests, user feedback, and expert opinions.
What’s the difference between photo and video HDR tools?
Photo HDR tools (e.g., Photomatix, Luminance HDR) merge multi-exposure shots, while video HDR tools (UniFab, Topaz) convert continuous SDR footage in real time using AI.
Can AI tools really enhance SDR to HDR like native HDR?
Yes — modern AI HDR tools use inverse tone mapping and deep learning to expand dynamic range. UniFab’s AI engine produces results that closely resemble native HDR footage, especially when using HDR10 and DCI-P3 profiles.