The Best Lightroom Alternative? Capture One 2023 vs. ON1 2023 vs DxO Photolab 6 vs. Luminar Neo

There are a variety of different programs out there that photographers can use to edit their photos if they want to avoid paying Adobe's monthly subscription fee for Lightroom. The most popular choices being Capture One, ON1, DxO, and Luminar. In this video, I discuss a few key points about each software to help you make the decision on which photo editing program will work best for you.

If you are going to purchase any of these softwares, please use these links:

Introduction - 0:00
Price - 1:20
Speed - 2:42
Layers and Masking - 3:52
Effects and Plugins - 6:10
Overall Layout - 8:07
Final Opinions - 9:42

[stuartsherman]

Thank you for the very helpful video. It really helped me to figure out what I needed.

[michaelyolch]

Great job! Thank you for the effort you put in here. Very helpful and to the point. :)

[librarycollection]

I just discovered your channel, and I love everything about it. Happy to subscribe.

[pisces]

Two things: Capture One adjustments are instantaneous on my M1 Mac Mini. Also, the UI is extremely customizable. You can have as many or few tools as you like on the desktop. Also you can save multiple "Work Spaces". I have one for culling, weddings, etc.

[sabergo]

Well Done. Very clear breakdown and recommendations. Thanks!

[Bassbarbie]

Interesting summary thanks. Sad to say I have the 2022 version of all of these. DxO Photolab 5 (and now 6) has been my main editor of choice. Although there are lots of tools, I actually think this is the easiest one for beginners because it renders the raw files so beautifully and little more needs to be done. I usually just tweak the crop if necessary and that is it. I agree that there is a much bigger learning curve with Capture One.

[marvellis]

Tip top video and will help many I for me On1 just keeps getting better and better and is truly for the photographer

[rlhspiz]

Thank you for the review, that was great !!

[membler]

I have all the current versions of these programs except DxO. As a professional events photographer, Capture One is my main editor and coming from Lightroom, I believe it's an easy transition because it does a lot of similar edits and is very customizable in its layout. There's also the ability to shoot tethered with Capture One which is unmatched in the industry. I do use all three programs for different processing needs. ON1 is great for quick edits right off the memory card. Luminar Neo is a simply editor for the beginner wanting a simply program to make great looking images by just moving a few sliders. I think Capture One is very fast editor, especially its newest version Capture One 23. It's speed, Raw image conversion and auto keystone function make it indispensable for my needs. Mike

[tikevangogh]

Great overview and comparison. Thank you!

[PhotoAmateur]

Thank you very much, it was so easy to understand.

[Xero_Wolf]

Thank you! I wish more software reviews was more like this. Was with Capture One since 2016 but their recent change in upgrade and subscription model is a real turn off. I think I'll be moving to On1 as my main Photo editing app it seems to have all the main features I need. Gonna definitely give it a proper trial first before I throw my cash at it lol

[Patastroph]

Great video, thanks. I like the fact that you let the user decide himself, based on his knowledge and experience 👍🏻

[hholton]

Thanks for this summary of the available editing software - it helped me to differentiate between the options available.

[PeterMcDadeArtist]

Top review. Really made it clear where each one sits. One thing I want is a really good photo manager/organiser to replace Lightroom.

[DannyFyffe]

Great review. I have used On1 for years and find it has more then I can use. I love it and replaced LR with it some years ago now with no regrets.

[linkernetir]

very very helpful review. thank youuuu :D

[hepgeoff]

Great analysis of the four apps. I'm currently trying the free trial of DxO Photolab 6. I like how it's laid out, but not having layers and the $219 pricetag ruled it out for me. I was using Neo until they forced a subscription model on me. Still use it, but didn't get the added extensions. My main editor now is ON1. I Love the masking options. Anyway, nice review. I subscribed.

[leandros.]

Hi James, I share your review. I tried all these software and finally bought ON1! There are still several things to improve but it is very simple and intuitive in the workflow. I'm not a professional, I don't process photos every day so even learning Photoshop, Affinity Photo or Capture One, I have a lot of difficulty remembering the various steps, it takes me a long time to do anything.

[ManfredKubanik]

I don´t know what you are talking about the speed of Capture one. I am working on a ten year old Mac Pro and every slider in C1 reacts immediately. Check your settings.