Capturing the beauty of the night sky is one of the most exciting parts of astrophotography, but it’s not always easy to get the perfect shot. That’s where star stacking software comes in. By stacking multiple images of the night sky, this software helps reduce noise, bring out stunning details, and create breathtaking pictures of stars, galaxies, and nebulae. Without it, your photos can often look grainy or lack the clarity needed to showcase the magic of the cosmos.

We’ve tested a bunch of tools to find the best star stacking software, and while every program on this list has its strengths, we found DeepSkyStacker and Starry Landscape Stacker to stand out. DeepSkyStacker is fantastic for capturing deep-sky objects, and it’s free. Meanwhile, Starry Landscape Stacker is perfect for creating seamless star-filled landscapes if you’re a Mac user. 

In this post, we’ll break down 11 top options, explain what makes each unique, and help you pick the right tool for your astrophotography journey.

What is Starstacking Software?

Starstacking software is a tool that combines multiple images of the night sky into one single, enhanced photo. The idea is simple: by stacking several images taken at the same location and time, the software aligns the stars and averages out noise, making faint celestial objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters much clearer. This process helps bring out incredible detail that a single image simply can’t capture.

For astrophotography, starstacking software is essential. It reduces noise caused by long exposures, sharpens stars, and highlights subtle details that make your photos stand out.

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What to Look for in Starstacking Software

When choosing the best star stacking software for your needs, there are several key features to consider:

• Compatibility with Operating Systems:
  Make sure the software works with your device. Some programs are Windows-exclusive (like Sequator), while others cater to macOS users (like Starry Landscape Stacker). Others, like Siril, are cross-platform.
  
• Supported File Types:
  The best starstacking software supports high-quality file formats like RAW and TIFF. These formats retain more detail and are better for astrophotography. JPEG support can also be helpful for quick tests, but it’s not ideal for serious editing.
  
• Ease of Use:
  If you’re new to astrophotography, go for beginner-friendly software like DeepSkyStacker. For professionals, advanced tools like PixInsight or Astro Pixel Processor offer more customization options but may have a steep learning curve.
  
• Automation vs. Manual Controls:
  Some software, like Starry Landscape Stacker, automates most of the process, making it great for quick results. Others, like PixInsight, give you full manual control over stacking and editing for ultimate precision.
  
• Performance and Speed:
  Stacking dozens of images can be resource-intensive. Look for software that optimizes speed and performance on your hardware, especially if you’re working with large image files.
  
• Price:
  Your budget matters. Some tools, like DeepSkyStacker and Siril, are completely free, while others, like Astro Pixel Processor or Starry Landscape Stacker, are paid but offer advanced features worth the investment.
  

The 11 Best Star Stacking Software

Finding the right tool for your astrophotography can be a game-changer. Here’s a list of the 11 best star stacking software, starting with the most beginner-friendly options and moving to advanced tools for professionals.

1. Sequator

Sequator is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to create star trails or stack Milky Way photos. Its clean, user-friendly interface makes it easy to align and stack images, even if you’re new to astrophotography. Plus, it’s completely free!

• Pros: Free to use, straightforward interface, great for star trails and Milky Way stacking.
• Cons: Limited advanced features for deep-sky objects.
• Best for: Windows users who are just starting out.

2. DeepSkyStacker

DeepSkyStacker is widely regarded as one of the most powerful free tools for deep-sky astrophotography. It excels at aligning and calibrating light frames, dark frames, and bias frames, which are crucial for capturing faint celestial objects.

• Pros: Free, powerful alignment and calibration tools, perfect for deep-sky photography.
• Cons: Only available on Windows, no post-processing tools included.
• Best for: Windows users looking for a robust and free solution for deep-sky astrophotography.

3. Starry Landscape Stacker

Starry Landscape Stacker is my best option for for macOS users who love blending starry skies with landscape photography. It’s perfect for stacking images to reduce noise while keeping the stars and foreground sharp and aligned.

• Pros: Intuitive interface, optimized for landscape astrophotography, noise reduction.
• Cons: Only available for macOS, paid software.
• Best for: macOS users focused on creating stunning starry landscapes.

4. Astro Pixel Processor

Astro Pixel Processor is a professional-grade tool that offers advanced features for deep-sky astrophotography. It handles everything from calibration and stacking to post-processing, making it an all-in-one solution for serious astrophotographers.

• Pros: Advanced features for calibration, stacking, and integration with post-processing workflows.
• Cons: Paid software, steep learning curve for beginners.
• Best for: Professional astrophotographers who want a complete toolset for deep-sky imaging.

5. PixInsight

PixInsight is one of the most comprehensive tools available for astrophotography. It’s highly regarded for its advanced stacking and post-processing capabilities, offering a level of precision and control that few other tools can match. However, it comes with a steep learning curve, making it more suitable for experienced users who are comfortable investing time into mastering its features.

• Pros: Extremely powerful and customizable, advanced stacking and editing tools.
• Cons: Expensive and difficult to learn for beginners.
• Best for: Advanced users who need full control over their astrophotography workflow.

6. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo isn’t exclusively an astrophotography tool, but its stacking feature is surprisingly robust. It’s an excellent choice for hobbyists and creatives who want an all-in-one photo-editing software that also handles starstacking. With its user-friendly interface and affordable price, Affinity Photo is a great alternative to Adobe Photoshop.

• Pros: Affordable, powerful photo-editing tools with stacking functionality.
• Cons: Lacks some astrophotography-specific features found in dedicated tools.
• Best for: Creatives and hobbyists looking for an easy-to-use yet powerful editor.

7. Photoshop (with Plugins)

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular photo-editing tools in the world, and with plugins like Starry Sky Stacker, it can be adapted for astrophotography. While Photoshop alone doesn’t have dedicated stacking capabilities, its flexibility and powerful editing tools make it a top choice for those already familiar with the software.

• Pros: Highly versatile editing capabilities, compatibility with plugins for starstacking.
• Cons: Requires plugins for stacking, subscription-based pricing.
• Best for: Photographers familiar with Adobe tools who want an all-purpose solution.

8. Siril

Siril is a fantastic open-source option for astrophotographers on any platform. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and offers an impressive range of tools for stacking and post-processing. Its workflow includes everything from calibration to stacking and even advanced scripting options, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users.

• Pros: Free and open-source, cross-platform compatibility, robust features for stacking and processing.
• Cons: Slightly less user-friendly than some paid options.
• Best for: Linux, macOS, and Windows users looking for a free, versatile astrophotography tool.

9. Nebulosity

Nebulosity is a versatile and user-friendly software designed for amateur astronomers who want to simplify the astrophotography process. It provides tools for both image acquisition (capturing photos through your telescope) and image processing, including stacking and calibration. With its clean interface, Nebulosity makes it easy to stack images and refine your results without overwhelming you with complex features.

• Pros: Easy to use, combines image acquisition and processing in one package.
• Cons: Lacks some advanced features for professional astrophotographers.
• Best for: Windows and macOS users who want an all-in-one solution for stacking and basic editing.

10. Regim

Regim is a lightweight and straightforward tool ideal for beginners and hobbyists. It focuses on the basics of starstacking and color correction, making it a great choice for those just starting out with astrophotography. Its minimalist design allows you to quickly stack images and enhance their quality without diving into overly complicated settings.

• Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, effective for basic stacking and color correction.
• Cons: Limited advanced features, Windows-only.
• Best for: Beginners and hobbyists looking for a no-frills starstacking tool.

11. Lightroom (with LRTimelapse)

Adobe Lightroom, when paired with LRTimelapse, is a fantastic option for creating stunning star trails and time-lapse sequences. While it isn’t a dedicated starstacking tool, Lightroom’s powerful photo-editing capabilities combined with LRTimelapse’s workflow integration allow you to craft beautiful, polished visual stories. This makes it perfect for photographers who want to merge astrophotography with creative storytelling.

• Pros: Excellent for time-lapse and star trail creation, seamless workflow integration.
• Cons: Requires both Lightroom and LRTimelapse, which can be expensive.
• Best for: Timelapse enthusiasts who love combining astrophotography with storytelling.

How to Choose the Right Starstacking Software

Choosing the best star stacking software depends on several factors:

1. Skill Level: Beginners may prefer user-friendly tools like Sequator or DeepSkyStacker, while advanced users might lean toward PixInsight or Astro Pixel Processor.
2. Budget: Free options like Siril and DeepSkyStacker are great for those on a tight budget, but premium tools like Starry Landscape Stacker or PixInsight offer more features.
3. System Compatibility: Make sure the software works with your operating system (e.g., Sequator for Windows, Starry Landscape Stacker for macOS).
4. Project Goals: Decide what you need—star trails, deep-sky objects, or time-lapse sequences—and choose software designed for those tasks.

Tips for Effective Starstacking

To get the best results with your starstacking software, keep the tips below in mind and use the table for a quick guide:

Software	Best For	Platform	Price
Sequator	Beginners, star trails	Windows	Free
DeepSkyStacker	Deep-sky photography	Windows	Free
Starry Landscape Stacker	Starry landscapes	macOS	Paid
PixInsight	Advanced control	Windows/macOS/Linux	Paid
Siril	Cross-platform, free tool	Windows/macOS/Linux	Free
Nebulosity	Beginners and hobbyists	Windows/macOS	Paid

1. Capture High-Quality Source Images:

• Use RAW format for maximum detail.
• Take long-exposure shots to capture faint celestial details.
• Use a sturdy tripod and ensure minimal camera movement.

2. Reduce Noise Before Stacking:

• Take dark, flat, and biased frames during your shoot. These will help the software correct noise and sensor imperfections.

3. Align Stars Properly:

• Ensure that your starstacking software accurately aligns stars, especially if you capture wide-field or deep-sky images.

4. Blend Stars and Foregrounds Carefully:

• For landscape astrophotography, use tools like Starry Landscape Stacker to keep both stars and the foreground in focus.

5. Post-Process Your Images:

• After stacking, use editing tools to enhance contrast, adjust colors, and sharpen details. Programs like Lightroom, Photoshop, or Affinity Photo work well for this.