pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Which is best? You will get a large number of answers to this question. There are a lot of editing programs out there and there is probably something good to say about most of them. But the best one is likely to be the one you know best how to use.

I use several different ones and often switch between them for the particular advantage I find in using them.

Usually I start with LR because it shines at file management and it's quite good for basic adjustments. But actually, for noise reduction I do prefer Topaz Denoise so in some cases I launch it before doing much with LR. Generally, I save the best images as .tif files and then do a subsequent pass of editing using Topaz Studio.

Sometimes (like yesterday) I go back to using Paintshop Pro. I used Corel tools for many years and it just happens that I know how to do a few things with it that I could probably do in PS but I've never learned how.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I have several standalone editors including (but not limited to) Luminar, On1, Capture One, Gimp and Photoshop Express. I use all of these at different times for different reasons but it depends on what you want to do. For simple edits I like the free Photoshop Express. For more complex editing like adding or removing objects or using layers and masks I like Luminar or Gimp. If you want an editor that has a photo organization function like Lightroom then you may like Capture One.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Topaz Studio is free and a stand alone program. You can then purchase some of their filters to add to the studio.
I have been using it very frequently lately. I use ACR and photoshop.
Message me if you want a slight discount on any filters.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use Photoshop pretty exclusively.
--Bob

Nikon1201

On1 Photo Raw . 30 day trial

Nikon1201

On1 Photo Raw . 30 day trial

pahtspix

I've been on Adobe's subscription plan for Photographers since 2014 when it 1st became available, and I jumped at the opportunity..And for just $10/month it is indeed a bargain, including all updates and new features..It does include Lightroom and it's updates as well, but I currently use Photoshop CC 2018 exclusively with Nik and Topaz plug-ins. I also print 99% of my own work up to 13x19", and use Nations Photo Labs for anything larger.Many other companies are also developing processing apps, but have a long way to go in attempting to catch up to Adobe, and the support of years of on-line videos from the real experts in the field..I say "Just DO it"!!

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

Light room and Photoshop are my pics. I use them because they work best for me, have many tutorials (because they are popular) and turn out nice photos. I do not use them simply because they are well marketed.

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Several good post processing programs have been suggested. I use Affinity (Windows Version. They also have a Mac Version). One time fee of $49 and they provide free updates.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

What do you mean by best? Cheapest? Easiest to use? Professional results? The most features? Are you looking for a full-featured product with a digital asset management system built in? Are you looking for professional level products which are the best with regard to the final images, or is price a major factor.

If you are looking for pro level software that is not by subscription, and primarily shoot Raw, the best ones to look at are Capture One Pro and DXO Photolab Elite. But, they are both pricey. While it lacks some of the functionality of more full-featured post processing software, DXO Photolab Elite will give you extraordinarily good results very quickly and with relatively little effort. If you want a more full featured post processing program than DXO Photolab Elite the clear answer is Capture One Pro.

The results and usability of both these programs is head and shoulders above the other non-subscription competition. If budget is a concern, consider ON1. It's a fraction of the cost of these other programs, and while the results you will get will not be as good as Capture One and DXO Photolab, it's still an excellent value. Keep in mind when selecting a post processing program, while the final results are of course the most important feature, the implementation of the tools that get you there are almost equally as important. While many of the tools in competing software packages seem to be similar, more often than not the ease of use, the range of control, and the final results will vary greatly.

stevetassi

The best photo editing software is the one that you’ve mastered using.

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

Capture One Pro 11. It does everything I want to do, is very flexible, and fairly easy to learn. There webinars cover everything and are very comprehensive.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I use mainly LR 6, but On1 and Affinity, among others, are very good stand-alone programs.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I agree. For serious editing, I use Lightroom Classic and Photoshop CC 2018. I have and occasionally use, Luminar, On1, Capture One, Affinity and a couple of others. My work product is important to me so I don't experiment with the others.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I also use ON1 and PSE. Tho, I'll admit that often I have to relearn how to use features of both due to my personal issue with remembering how to do specific things.