---
title: "NovaHDR vs Photomatix Pro: Service or HDR Software"
url: https://www.novahdr.com/compare/novahdr-vs-photomatix/
last_updated: 2026-10-12
---

# NovaHDR vs Photomatix Pro: a finished set or HDR software you run

Photomatix Pro is HDR software from HDRsoft. It merges bracketed photos into an HDR image, offers real estate interior presets, and sells for $99 one-time as of October 2026. You run the merge and tone mapping yourself. With NovaHDR there is nothing to operate: you send the exported photos for a property and get the set back with balanced exposure and consistent color. Choose Photomatix when you want to own the merge for a single price. Choose NovaHDR when you want the finishing done and your time back.

[Edit a Property](https://app.novahdr.com/sign-up)

## At a glance

| | NovaHDR | Photomatix Pro |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A finishing service for the property set | Desktop HDR software you run |
| What you send or load | Exported JPEG, PNG or WebP | JPEG, TIFF, DNG and RAW brackets |
| Real estate help | A natural, consistent finish | Interior presets such as "Natural" and "Interior 2" |
| Price | $29 one-time for one property | $99 one-time for Photomatix Pro 7 |

## How NovaHDR and Photomatix Pro differ

- **Software you run or a set you receive**: Photomatix merges bracketed photos and leaves the tone mapping, presets and final adjustments to you. NovaHDR takes the exported images and returns the property set finished, with your final review before delivery.
- **Merging brackets**: Photomatix loads JPEG, TIFF and DNG files and RAW files from most major camera brands, and HDRsoft recommends at least 5 brackets for high-contrast interiors. NovaHDR does not merge brackets, so Photomatix can sit before it in your workflow.
- **One price or per property**: Photomatix Pro 7 costs $99 once and "The license never expires", as of October 2026. NovaHDR is paid per property or by monthly plan, so the cost follows the work you do.
- **Matching rooms**: Photomatix gives you presets per image and batch merging. NovaHDR finishes the property as a whole, with color that holds from room to room.

## NovaHDR vs Photomatix Pro, side by side

| Topic | NovaHDR | Photomatix Pro |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A finished property photo set with balanced exposure and consistent color from room to room | HDR images you create from brackets |
| The look | Natural: bright enough to read the space, restrained enough to keep its character | Set by presets and your adjustments |
| What you send | Up to 50 JPEG, PNG or WebP photos per property; RAW, TIFF and bracket sets are not accepted | JPEG, TIFF, DNG and RAW from major camera brands |
| What is edited | Exposure and color only: no virtual staging, sky replacement, object removal or added features | HDR merge and tone mapping, real estate presets |
| Turnaround | 24 to 72 hours after you send the property | As long as your editing takes |
| Final review | You keep the final review before the set goes to your client | You do all of it |
| Where it runs | Web app; sign up with Google or email | Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Price | $29 one-time for one property, or plans from $79 a month | $99 one-time (Pro 7); $129 with the Lightroom batch plugin |

As of 2026-10-12.

## Pricing

NovaHDR plans come from its pricing. Competitor prices are as of October 2026, from hdrsoft.com. Check the vendor for current pricing.

- One Property: $29 one-time for one property
- Solo: $79 per month, 5 property credits
- Pro: $199 per month, 15 property credits
- Studio: $399 per month, 40 property credits

- Photomatix Pro Photomatix Pro 7: $99 one-time (License never expires; includes upgrade to Pro 8)
- Photomatix Pro Pro Plus Bundle: $129 one-time (Adds the HDR Batch Plugin for Lightroom)
- Photomatix Pro Photomatix Essentials: $39 one-time (Entry edition)

Prices as of 2026-10.

## About each option

- **NovaHDR**: NovaHDR is property photo editing for real estate photographers. You name the property, upload up to 50 JPEG, PNG or WebP photos, choose One Property or a plan, and send the property for editing. The finished set comes back in 24 to 72 hours with balanced exposure and consistent color from room to room, a natural look rather than a redesigned room, and you keep the final review before it goes to your client. RAW, TIFF and bracket sets are not accepted: merge and export brackets first.
- **Photomatix Pro**: Photomatix Pro is HDR software by HDRsoft for Windows and macOS, with a Linux edition. It merges bracketed photos into HDR images, loads JPEG, TIFF, DNG and RAW files, and offers real estate interior presets. Photomatix Pro 7 is $99 one-time, the Pro Plus Bundle with a Lightroom batch plugin is $129, and the trial does not expire but adds a watermark.

## Which one fits your work

**Choose NovaHDR when:**
- You want the finishing done rather than another tool to run
- You want rooms to match across the property
- Your images are already merged or single exposures
- You want time back after each shoot

**Choose Photomatix Pro when:**
- You want to own an HDR merge tool for one price
- You shoot 5 or more brackets per view
- You like adjusting tone mapping yourself
- You edit on Windows, macOS or Linux offline

## How to use Photomatix and NovaHDR together

1. Merge one property in Photomatix as usual.
2. Export the merged images as JPEGs.
3. Send them to NovaHDR as one property before your own final pass.
4. Compare NovaHDR's set with your own finished version.
5. Keep Photomatix for the merge if the hand-off saves you time.

## Questions about NovaHDR and Photomatix Pro

### Can NovaHDR replace Photomatix?

Not for merging. NovaHDR does not merge brackets. It finishes the exported images, so many bracket shooters keep their merge tool.

### Is Photomatix cheaper?

Photomatix Pro 7 is $99 one-time, as of October 2026, and you do the editing. NovaHDR is $29 one-time for one property for a finished set.

### Does Photomatix have real estate presets?

Yes. HDRsoft names presets such as "Natural", "Interior 2", "Interior 3" and "Interior 4".

### What file types does NovaHDR take?

JPEG, PNG and WebP, up to 50 photos per property.

## Sources

Checked 2026-10-12.

- [Photomatix Pro homepage](https://www.hdrsoft.com/)
- [Photomatix Pro photomatix pro](https://www.hdrsoft.com/download/photomatix-pro.html)
- [Photomatix Pro photomatix real estate presets samples](https://www.hdrsoft.com/download/photomatix-pro.html ; https://www.hdrsoft.com/learn/photomatix-real-estate-presets-samples.html)
- [Photomatix Pro order.php](https://www.hdrsoft.com/order.php)
- [Photomatix Pro www.hdrsoft.com](https://www.hdrsoft.com/order.php ; https://www.hdrsoft.com/)
- [Photomatix Pro www.hdrsoft.com](https://www.hdrsoft.com/real-estate/ ; https://www.hdrsoft.com/)

## Related comparisons

- [NovaHDR vs Adobe Lightroom Classic](https://www.novahdr.com/compare/novahdr-vs-lightroom-classic/)
- [NovaHDR vs Luminar Neo](https://www.novahdr.com/compare/novahdr-vs-luminar-neo/)
- [Photomatix Pro vs Adobe Lightroom Classic](https://www.novahdr.com/compare/photomatix-vs-lightroom-classic/)
- [NovaHDR vs Autoenhance.ai](https://www.novahdr.com/compare/novahdr-vs-autoenhance/)
- [Photomatix Pro alternatives](https://www.novahdr.com/alternatives/photomatix/)
- [Bracketed real estate photography](https://www.novahdr.com/bracketed-real-estate-photography/)
- [All comparisons](https://www.novahdr.com/compare/)

## Merge your way. Hand off the finish.

Send the exported property and review a balanced, consistent set.

[Edit a Property](https://app.novahdr.com/sign-up)