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Comparison of Lightroom CC and VSCO Photo Editing Applications

opinion-review · 2026-04-02

In January 2019, a comparison article evaluated two photo editing apps, Lightroom CC and VSCO. VSCO, founded in 2011 by Joel Flory and Greg Lutze, gained popularity for its mobile editing capabilities and preset filters that influenced online image styles. It offers a free version with basic tools and a membership at $19.99 per year for additional features like over 130 presets and advanced editing. Lightroom CC, originally released by Adobe in 2007, has seen increased attention due to presets and offers plans starting at $9.99 per month, including cloud storage for editing across devices. The analysis highlights VSCO's minimal user interface and community-driven creativity, while Lightroom CC provides more detailed customization and flexibility. Two editing cases were tested: one at Marina Mandarin Singapore, where Lightroom CC allowed finer adjustments, and another at Asakusa Nights, where presets helped achieve specific looks. The conclusion emphasizes that choice depends on desired style, with VSCO suited for its signature aesthetic and Lightroom CC for broader creative control.

Key facts

  • VSCO was founded in 2011 by Joel Flory and Greg Lutze
  • Lightroom CC was originally released by Adobe in 2007
  • VSCO offers a free version and a $19.99 per year membership
  • Lightroom CC plans start at $9.99 per month with cloud storage
  • The comparison involved editing photos at Marina Mandarin Singapore and Asakusa Nights
  • VSCO is noted for its minimal user interface and community features
  • Lightroom CC provides extensive customization options for detailed editing
  • The article was published on January 4, 2019

Entities

Institutions

  • Adobe
  • VSCO

Locations

  • Singapore
  • Asakusa

Sources