ON1 Photo RAW 2026 Review: The Best All-in-One Photo Editor?

ON1 Photo RAW has quietly become one of the most capable photo editors on the market. While Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop dominate the conversation, ON1 has been building something genuinely impressive — a single application that handles everything from photo management to advanced compositing.

With the release of ON1 Photo RAW 2026, the software has taken another significant leap forward. New AI masking tools, creative filters, and built-in super resolution make this the most feature-rich version yet. But does it actually deliver on the promise of replacing your entire editing workflow?

I’ve been putting ON1 Photo RAW 2026.2 through its paces — editing landscapes, retouching portraits, and stress-testing the new AI features. Here’s what I found.

ON1 Photo RAW 2026: Overview

ON1 Photo RAW 2026 is built on a simple premise: you shouldn’t need multiple applications to edit your photos. While most photographers juggle Lightroom for RAW processing, Photoshop for compositing, and maybe a separate app for noise reduction — ON1 rolls all of that into one.

The software is organized into several core modules:

• Browse — Photo management, cataloging, keywording, and organization
• Develop — RAW processing with tone, color, exposure, and detail controls
• Effects — Creative filters, presets, LUTs, and textures with layer-based stacking
• Layers — Full compositing with blend modes, masks, and multi-image editing
• Resize AI — AI-powered super resolution for enlargements
• NoNoise AI — Dedicated noise reduction engine

ON1 has been developing photo editing software for over 20 years, and Photo RAW is trusted by more than 250,000 photographers worldwide. The company is based in Oregon and prides itself on listening to user feedback — they claim to have implemented over 1,000 user-requested features.

What’s New in ON1 Photo RAW 2026

The 2026 release (currently at version 2026.2) is one of the most substantial updates ON1 has ever shipped. Here are the standout additions:

One-Click Subject and Background Masking

This is the headline feature, and it works remarkably well. Click a single button and ON1 automatically creates a precise mask for your subject or background. The AI detection handles people, animals, vehicles, and complex edge cases like hair and fur with noticeably improved accuracy over previous versions.

You can also stack multiple masks on a single layer — combining brush masks, color range selections, and luminosity masks for granular control. This is the kind of workflow that previously required jumping into Photoshop.

Cinematic Depth Lighting Filter

The new Depth Lighting filter uses AI depth maps to relight scenes after the fact. Want to darken the background and spotlight your subject? It’s now a slider adjustment rather than a manual masking job. The results are surprisingly natural and open up creative possibilities that were previously time-consuming.

Built-in Resize AI 2026

ON1’s photo enlargement technology is now built directly into Photo RAW. Two new AI models are available:

• Highest Quality Model — Uses diffusion to rebuild lost detail with stunning realism. Perfect for gallery-quality prints from cropped images.
• Standard Model — Optimized for speed and batch processing, delivering clean results even on older GPUs.

Both models automatically reduce noise and JPEG artifacts during the enlargement process, saving you a separate step.

Four New Creative Filters

Version 2026 adds four creative filters that expand what you can do without leaving the app:

• Split Field Filter — Expands landscape backgrounds without losing foreground detail
• Double Exposure Filter — Blends two images with flexible opacity and masking controls
• Motion Filter — Adds realistic panning, zoom, or twist motion blur to still photos
• Negative Mode — Automatically inverts and color-corrects film negatives for photographers digitizing their film archives

Other Notable Improvements

• Improved perspective correction — New keystone tools fix crooked buildings without black corners
• Workspace customization — Panels can now be docked on either side or floated freely
• Filter favorites and search — Quickly find your go-to effects
• Native grayscale support — Proper black-and-white editing from legacy cameras and scans
• Windows ARM support — Full compatibility with the latest ARM-based Windows devices
• Enhanced face restoration — Better results for eyes, teeth, and glasses in portraits

Key Features Deep Dive

RAW Processing (Develop Module)

The Develop module is where most photographers will spend their time, and ON1 delivers a mature, full-featured RAW processor. You get comprehensive controls for exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, blacks, clarity, and vibrance — similar to what you’d find in Lightroom.

Where ON1 differentiates itself is with Brilliance AI, which intelligently analyzes your image and applies optimized adjustments to different regions (sky, water, foliage) independently. It’s not a magic button, but it provides a genuinely useful starting point that often gets you 80% of the way to a finished edit.

The local adjustment tools are particularly strong. You can paint adjustments with a brush, use gradient masks, or create AI-powered selections that target specific areas of your image. The new mask stacking feature lets you combine multiple mask types on a single adjustment layer for precise control.

ON1 supports RAW files from virtually every major camera manufacturer, including the latest models from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and more. Lens correction profiles are extensive, and the software handles PSD, PSB, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, and DNG files as well.

AI-Powered Tools

ON1 has invested heavily in AI, and the results show. Here’s a rundown of the AI-powered editing tools available:

• Super Select AI — Tap on any object to instantly select it for adjustments. Remarkably intuitive.
• NoNoise AI — One of the best noise reduction engines available, preserving detail while removing grain from high-ISO shots.
• TackSharp AI — Sharpens slightly out-of-focus images using AI-powered algorithms.
• Sky Swap AI — Replaces skies with realistic results, including proper lighting adjustments to the foreground. See our roundup of the best sky replacement software for comparisons.
• Portrait AI — Automatically detects and retouches faces, enhancing skin, eyes, and teeth with natural-looking results.
• Keyword AI — Automatically generates searchable keywords based on image content, saving hours of manual tagging.
• Generative Erase — Removes unwanted objects with AI-powered content fill.
• AI Style Advisor — Learns your editing habits and suggests personalized presets.

The AI tools aren’t gimmicks — they genuinely save time. The combination of Super Select AI with the new one-click masking makes targeted adjustments dramatically faster than manual workflows.

Layers and Compositing

This is where ON1 really separates itself from Lightroom. The Layers module brings Photoshop-like compositing capabilities directly into your RAW workflow. You can:

• Add multiple image layers with blend modes and opacity controls
• Create focus stacks from multiple exposures
• Merge HDR images from bracketed shots
• Stitch panoramas from multiple frames
• Create time-lapse videos from still image sequences

The layer-based editing is genuinely powerful and means you don’t need to round-trip to Photoshop for compositing work. For photographers who occasionally need to combine images, replace elements, or do creative composites, this feature alone justifies considering ON1 over Lightroom.

Effects and Presets

The Effects module is essentially a creative playground. ON1 includes over 30 effect categories — from vintage film looks and grunge textures to dynamic contrast and color grading — with hundreds of presets included out of the box.

What makes this module special is the stacking system. You can layer multiple effects on top of each other, each with its own opacity and mask settings. Combined with the new Starting Points feature (which lets you set up your favorite filters as default starting configurations), the creative possibilities are virtually unlimited.

ON1 also supports LUTs (Look-Up Tables), so if you have existing color grading presets from other software, you can import and use them directly.

Photo Management (Browse Module)

Unlike some competitors that focus solely on editing, ON1 includes a full-featured photo management system. The Browse module lets you:

• Browse and organize photos without importing them first (non-destructive, folder-based browsing)
• Create albums, rate images, and apply color labels
• Use Keyword AI to automatically tag images with searchable keywords
• Build Smart Albums that automatically populate based on metadata criteria
• Stack similar shots (like bracketed exposures or burst sequences)

One major advantage over Lightroom: there’s no mandatory import step. ON1 can browse your existing folder structure directly, which means you can start working with your photos immediately. For photographers who prefer organizing files in Finder or Explorer, this is a big plus. If you’re looking for dedicated photo organization software, ON1 handles that role as well.

Portrait Retouching

ON1’s Portrait AI automatically detects faces in your images and provides targeted retouching controls for skin smoothing, eye enhancement, teeth whitening, and blemish removal. The 2026 version significantly improved results for glasses, small faces, and distant subjects.

Additional retouching tools include the Generative Eraser (for removing distractions), Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Liquify tools. There’s also automatic dust spot detection and power line removal — handy features that save significant editing time.

Performance and System Requirements

Let’s be honest: ON1 Photo RAW is demanding software. It does a lot, and it needs hardware to match. The minimum requirements are macOS 13 or Windows 11 with 8 GB RAM and a GPU with 4 GB VRAM. But the recommended specs tell the real story:

• macOS: M2 Apple Silicon or better, 32+ GB RAM
• Windows: Eight-core processor, 32+ GB RAM, GPU with 8 GB VRAM
• Storage: 6 GB for installation, SSD recommended

On a modern Apple Silicon Mac or a Windows machine with a decent GPU, performance is genuinely good. The Develop module is responsive, previews render quickly, and most AI operations complete in seconds. The 2026.2 update also improved filter loading speeds and preview smoothness.

However, on older hardware, you’ll notice slowdowns — particularly with AI features like NoNoise AI, Generative Erase, and Resize AI. The software is also more resource-intensive than Lightroom when handling very large catalogs (50,000+ images). If you’re working with a 5-year-old laptop, you may want to use the free trial before committing.

One notable addition: Windows ARM support means ON1 runs natively on Snapdragon-powered laptops like the Surface Pro, which is forward-thinking.

Pricing and Plans

ON1’s pricing model is one of its biggest selling points. Unlike Adobe, you have a genuine choice between a one-time purchase and a subscription:

Perpetual License (License to Own)

• Photo RAW 2026.2 — Currently on sale for $49.99 (regularly $189.99). Use as a standalone app on 2 computers.
• Photo RAW MAX 2026.2 — Adds plugin support for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, and Affinity Photo. Use on 3 computers. Also includes 200 GB cloud sync.

The perpetual license includes all free updates within the 2026 version year, but does not include the next major version (e.g., 2027).

Subscription

• Photo RAW MAX — $79.99/year (currently on sale from $89.99/year). Includes all future upgrades, 200 GB cloud sync, and ON1 Plus training.
• Photo Studio — Higher tier that includes all ON1 apps, 1 TB cloud sync, and installation on up to 5 computers.

For comparison, Adobe’s Photography Plan (Lightroom + Photoshop) runs about $120/year — and there’s no option to own it outright. ON1 gives you similar functionality for significantly less money, with the flexibility to choose your preferred buying model.

💡 Pro tip: Use coupon code PHOTOWORKOUT at checkout for an additional 20% off your purchase.

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and there’s a free 30-day trial available so you can test the full software before buying.

Workflow Options: Standalone vs. Plugin

ON1 Photo RAW works in two modes:

• Standalone — Use it as your primary photo editor, replacing Lightroom and Photoshop entirely.
• Plugin (MAX edition) — Integrate ON1’s tools directly into Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Apple Photos, Capture One, and Affinity Photo.

The plugin mode is particularly valuable for photographers who aren’t ready to leave Adobe entirely. You can continue using Lightroom for your core workflow while leveraging ON1’s superior masking tools, effects, or noise reduction as needed.

ON1 also includes mobile apps for iOS and Android, letting you start edits on the go and sync them to your desktop. The 200 GB cloud sync (1 TB with the Photo Studio plan) keeps everything connected.

ON1 Photo RAW vs. Competitors

How does ON1 stack up against the other major players? Here’s a quick comparison:

ON1 vs. Adobe Lightroom

Lightroom remains the industry standard for RAW processing and photo management, but it requires a subscription ($120+/year) and doesn’t include layers or compositing. ON1 offers more features for less money, with the added benefit of a perpetual license. However, Lightroom’s catalog performance with massive libraries is still superior, and its mobile integration is more polished.

Choose ON1 if: You want layers, effects, and RAW processing in one app without a subscription.
Choose Lightroom if: You need the most refined catalog system and already use other Adobe apps.

ON1 vs. Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo focuses heavily on AI-powered editing with a simpler interface. It’s great for beginners who want impressive results quickly. However, ON1 offers significantly more depth — better masking tools, layers, focus stacking, HDR merge, and panorama stitching. Luminar Neo also lacks ON1’s photo management capabilities.

Choose ON1 if: You need advanced editing capabilities and a complete workflow.
Choose Luminar Neo if: You prefer simplicity and AI-driven one-click editing.

ON1 vs. Capture One

Capture One is widely considered to have the best RAW processing engine and color science, particularly for commercial and studio photography. However, it’s significantly more expensive and doesn’t include the creative effects, HDR merge, focus stacking, or AI tools that ON1 offers. ON1 is the better value for most photographers.

Choose ON1 if: You want an all-in-one solution with creative tools at a reasonable price.
Choose Capture One if: RAW processing quality is your absolute top priority and budget isn’t a constraint.

ON1 vs. DxO PhotoLab

DxO PhotoLab excels at optical corrections and AI noise reduction (DeepPRIME is outstanding). But it’s primarily a RAW processor — it doesn’t offer layers, creative effects, or the breadth of features ON1 includes. ON1 is the more versatile and complete solution, while DxO wins on pure RAW processing precision.

Choose ON1 if: You want everything in one app.
Choose DxO if: Your primary need is optical corrections and noise reduction.

Who Should Use ON1 Photo RAW?

ON1 Photo RAW 2026 is best suited for:

• Intermediate to advanced photographers who want a comprehensive editing toolkit without paying for multiple apps
• Lightroom users frustrated with subscriptions who want a perpetual license option with similar (or more) functionality
• Photographers who need compositing but don’t want to learn Photoshop — the Layers module is much more approachable
• Landscape and nature photographers who rely on HDR merge, focus stacking, and panorama stitching
• Anyone who wants plugin flexibility — the MAX edition works alongside your existing Adobe or Capture One workflow

Who should look elsewhere:

• Complete beginners may find the interface overwhelming — consider InPixio or Luminar Neo instead
• Commercial photographers with massive catalogs (100,000+ images) may prefer Lightroom or Capture One for catalog performance
• Users with older hardware should definitely use the free trial first — the AI features need a capable GPU

Final Verdict: Is ON1 Photo RAW 2026 Worth It?

ON1 Photo RAW 2026 is genuinely impressive software. The combination of RAW processing, layers, creative effects, AI tools, and photo management in a single application — available with a one-time purchase — is hard to beat on value.

The 2026 update addresses many of the weaknesses from previous versions. The improved masking is a game-changer, the new creative filters add real value, and the built-in Resize AI means one less separate tool to buy. Performance has improved too, though it still needs decent hardware to run smoothly.

Is it perfect? No. The interface can feel cluttered with so many features packed in, catalog performance doesn’t quite match Lightroom at scale, and the AI features need a modern GPU. But for the vast majority of photographers, these are minor trade-offs against an outstanding feature set at a fair price.

At $49.99 for a perpetual license (with our PHOTOWORKOUT coupon for an additional 20% off), ON1 Photo RAW 2026 offers exceptional value. The free 30-day trial means there’s no risk in trying it — and I’d strongly encourage you to do so.

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Featured image: Photo by Marco Bianchetti on Unsplash.