DxO (PhotoLab) vs ON1: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: Choose DxO PhotoLab if RAW image quality matters most to you, especially noise reduction and automatic lens corrections; a new perpetual license is €249.99. Choose ON1 Photo RAW if you want editing and photo organizing in one app at a lower entry price, with a US$99.99 one-time purchase or a subscription from US$89.99 a year.
DxO (PhotoLab) vs ON1 at a glance
| DxO (PhotoLab) | ON1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | €249.99 new license (shown from Europe) | US$99.99 one-time (Photo RAW 2027, list price) |
| Subscription option | No; perpetual license only | Yes: Photo RAW MAX at US$89.99/year |
| Free trial | Free trial available | Free trial; 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Platforms | Windows and macOS | Mac and Windows; mobile app |
| Photo organizing | Less complete than catalog-first apps | Organizing and browsing in the same app |
| Stand-out tools | DeepPRIME noise reduction and automatic lens corrections | Layers, AI masking, HDR, panorama and focus stacking |
| Cloud sync | Not listed | 200 GB or 1 TB with subscriptions |
| Best for | Photographers who want top RAW image quality | Photographers who want a Lightroom-style editor without a forced subscription |
From each official site, checked November 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- DxO PhotoLab is sold only as a perpetual license, while ON1 offers both a one-time purchase and yearly subscriptions.
- DxO PhotoLab centres on DeepPRIME noise reduction and automatic lens corrections for distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration.
- ON1 combines photo organizing and editing in one app, and DxO's organizing is listed as less complete than catalog-first apps.
- With both, major new versions cost extra: DxO sells paid upgrades from €129.99, and ON1's one-time licenses only include updates for that year's version.
- Some DxO tools, such as film looks and perspective fixes, are separate paid apps, and ON1 keeps Restore AI and plugins for its MAX edition.
In one line each
DxO (PhotoLab)
RAW photo editor known for strong noise reduction and lab-measured lens corrections. Starting price: €249.99 new license; upgrades from €129.99 (shown from Europe). Free plan / trial: Free trial available. Best for: Photographers who want top RAW image quality.
Read the full DxO (PhotoLab) summary →ON1
Photo RAW editor and organizer for Mac and Windows, sold as a one-time purchase or subscription. Starting price: Photo RAW 2027 one-time purchase (US$99.99 list). Free plan / trial: Free trial. Best for: Photographers who want a Lightroom-style editor without a forced subscription.
Read the full ON1 summary →Frequently asked questions
Is ON1 cheaper than DxO PhotoLab?
The listed entry prices are US$99.99 for ON1 Photo RAW 2027 and €249.99 for a new DxO PhotoLab 10 license. They are shown in different currencies and can change with sales, so check each store.
Do DxO PhotoLab and ON1 need a subscription?
No. DxO PhotoLab is a perpetual license with no subscription. ON1 offers a one-time purchase and also an optional subscription from US$89.99 a year that adds annual upgrades and Cloud Sync.
Is DxO PhotoLab or ON1 better for noise reduction?
DxO PhotoLab is known for its DeepPRIME and DeepPRIME XD noise reduction for high-ISO photos. ON1 also includes noise reduction, along with layers, masking and photo organizing.
Do DxO PhotoLab and ON1 have free trials?
Yes, both offer a free trial. ON1 also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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We summarise each product from its official website, pricing page and documentation. We don't run hands-on tests or give star ratings. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.