Review
ON1 Photo RAW review: a true Lightroom alternative with a lifetime license
ON1 Photo RAW bundles a RAW editor, catalog, AI masking, effects, and resize into one app — with a one-time purchase option Adobe will never offer.
4.2
Head to head
Adobe Photoshop vs DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8
A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.
Spec snapshot
| Adobe Photoshop | DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $275.88 | $139 |
| Our rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Category | software | software |
| Pros | 4 | 3 |
| Cons | 3 | 2 |
The case for each
Adobe Photoshop
4.7
Pros
- +Generative Fill is finally production-ready
- +Unmatched layer, mask, and compositing toolset
- +Best plugin ecosystem of any image editor
- +Smooth on Apple Silicon and modern GPUs
Cons
- −$22.99/mo standalone is steep
- −Steep learning curve for new users
- −Generative features require cloud connection
DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8
4.6
Pros
- +Best-in-class RAW noise reduction
- +Measured lens corrections
- +Clean Lightroom round-trip
Cons
- −Slow without a strong GPU
- −No catalog/DAM features
Winner by use case
Vlogging & videoTie
Low-light photographyDxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8
Value for moneyTie
Pro & enterprise useTie
BeginnersTie
Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.
Common questions
Is the Adobe Photoshop better than the DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8?
It depends on what you shoot. Adobe Photoshop scores 4.7/5 in our review, while the DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8 scores 4.6/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.
Which is cheaper, the Adobe Photoshop or the DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8?
Adobe Photoshop sells around $275.88, and DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8 around $139. The DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8 is the cheaper of the two.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.
Should I upgrade from the Adobe Photoshop to the DxO PureRAW 4 / PhotoLab 8?
Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.
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