DIALux evo vs ReluxDesktop: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
DIALux evo and ReluxDesktop are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. DIALux evo is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version; ReluxDesktop is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version. Both are close on the basics, so the choice comes down to which free-tier limits and platform support fit your project.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick DIALux evo if…
Free, with limitsArchitectural and outdoor lighting engineers
Pick ReluxDesktop if…
Free, with limitsLighting designers who also plan sensors
Side by side
DIALux evo
Free, with limitsFull professional lighting calc/visualization is free forever; only luminaires from non-member manufacturers and IFC/BIM and Office export require the paid DIALux Pro subscription.
ReluxDesktop
Free, with limitsFree for personal, educational and commercial use with member luminaires; using non-member products needs a paid ReluxThirdParty license.
Read the full reviews
DIALux evo
Full professional lighting calc/visualization is free forever; only luminaires from non-member manufacturers and IFC/BIM and Office export require the paid DIALux Pro subscription.
ReluxDesktop
Free for personal, educational and commercial use with member luminaires; using non-member products needs a paid ReluxThirdParty license.
DIALux evo vs ReluxDesktop: questions, answered
What is the main difference between DIALux evo and ReluxDesktop?
Both are close on the basics, so the choice comes down to which free-tier limits and platform support fit your project.
Is DIALux evo or ReluxDesktop free?
DIALux evo is free, with limits and ReluxDesktop is free, with limits. DIALux evo: Full professional lighting calc/visualization is free forever; only luminaires from non-member manufacturers and IFC/BIM and Office export require the paid DIALux Pro subscription. ReluxDesktop: Free for personal, educational and commercial use with member luminaires; using non-member products needs a paid ReluxThirdParty license.