I’ve been using ON1 for a few years now.
I’ve tried most major competitors but always found myself back to ON1.
The software doesn’t do any individual thing the best, but is competent or as good as the others on every one of them.

The software combines into one what others require multiple outside modules to do. And there is no separate charge to add the features. If there are any issues, the company addresses them quickly and releases updates. Updates are timely and include fixes, new features and add new camera/lens support.
Many competitors, including Skylum, rarely offer updates and patches. When they do, they often charge as a new version, or change the name slightly and offer as a new product.

What impresses me most is that ON1 will often revisit already good features and make them better. They actually read and implement customer suggestions and ideas.
One of the biggest complaints the software has is the steep learning curve. The reason for this is because it offers so much, it can overwhelm a new user. Once you understand the fact that it contains the equivalent of numerous modules in other software, you’ll pick it up quick.
Focus and get proficient on one thing at a time and you’ll not only enjoy it more, but will grow in your post processing abilities.
Also there are tons of training videos on both YouTube and the paid ON1 plus.
Good Luck

I bought ON1 Photo Raw in 2018 or 2919 as a LR replacement. And have updated it every year and have been a Plus member the last two years. Current version is 2022.1, which I’ve installed on two computers. For version 2019.5, I had to upgrade my computers GPU to get satisfactory performance. Raw image loading was painfully slow. Performance is now satisfactory. It’s a Swiss Army knife of capability, if you know what you want to do. I had a tendency of initial overwhelm coming from LR 5.7. I found most of the training videos okay but lacking in “why” or for what purpose. Anytime I’ve had an issue, the customer service has been fairly responsive. Some find the software easy to use, coming from that old LR version, I didn’t and still occasionally struggle with figuring out how to do certain operations, but acknowledge it could be me. I think honestly that it tries to do too much and consequently leaves me feeling that it’s still not ready for prime time. Quick comment on cost vs the LR/PS model. If you update every year and are a Plus member, you will not save a dime. There are a few discounts available even for updates from sites like Anthony Morganti. I’ve learned that you’re willing to not jump when updates are first made available, you can also save when “special” deals are offered. I wish I could say, “go for it, it just works,” but I can’t. Fortunately, there is a free trial available. I highly recommend you download it and beat on it doing what you need it to do, then decide.

I have used the 2021 version as a standalone program and very satisfied with it; however, I have not been successful in downloading the new RAW 2022 version. I use a MAC; the program will not install and run, and their technical support has not been helpful in determining the issue. I have uninstalled and downloaded the program as well as the older version several times with no luck. Since the old version is working after reinstallation, I will continue to use it until such time that I can find another photo processing program.

I have been using ON1 for quite some time, and have the just released upgrade to 2022. I have looked at all the popular software offerings – and some not so popular – for several years, and find that ON1 is the best – for me, at least.

I find the file management system to be better and easier to use than Lightroom – or anything else.

The new noise reduction (which was needed) is easier to use, and every bit as good as Topaz – probably better.

As has been mentioned, the company tutorials are numerous and very good.

The AI modifications are very fast and very good (if desired) and very easily changed in any direction.

The “effects” offered are numerous and very good, though most are beyond my need.

The workflow layout is logical, and is easy to follow, change if desired and obviates jumping around as required in some other systems.

File resizing and exporting is simple to use, but very powerful, with many options.

I’m certain I have missed some points, but this should suffice: Simply put, for me, ON1 is really easy to learn and use, is very fast, does an excellent job in post processing – and is not priced out of reach!!!

Loren – in Beautiful Baguio City

I am an 80 yr old basic user of ON1 2022.1. I love how fast the No Noise works on my old Dell Mini Tower 3020 I5 CPU w/ 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD Hard drive, and a 2GB RAM video card.

My basic processing: 1] Select the Camera or ON1, 2] Choose AI( most cases but not always), 3] Go to Effects and select Dynamic Contrast, 4] most of the time I will go to Color Enhancement to adjust several color bands, 5] maybe a Vignette. With ON1 2022.1, I am using the No Noise because of my Canon 80D. My lens are Canon F4 24-105L, Tamron 70-300 USD VC, 2 pancake 24 & 40 mm F2.8, and Canon 18-55 STM. I tend to take darker photos which can add noise.

No Noise on my old slow Dell 3020 computer it takes about 2 minutes to processing an image. But WOW, the improvement is outstanding. In fact, I have taken a low noise photo and processed with No Noise for sharping the image.

I am a slow learner as I came from PSE15. Then I obtained ON1 early version. Most of my learning has been with ON1 training videos and of course You Tube videos from a host of presenters.

I have bought the upgrades for the past 3 years and was able to secure very good discounts, like $79.95.

Plus I am an Oregonian, wanting to support local business.

I use both Lr/PS CC and On1 PhotoRaw 2022.1 - LR and PS are truly complete and finished - the stuff works as it is supposed to. On1 feels more like an advanced Beta version - they are trying to strike a balance between getting some of Adobes HUGE market share by introducing new features, and maintaining their existing software and things that just don't work well - like magic eraser and other tools. They are closer than they have ever been to making a product that pros will use, but they aren't quite there yet. I do use it, but overall, it is not as fast for me as LR and PS.

As far as your objection to software subscription - if I may be blunt - it is a ridiculous reason to reject otherwise perfectly good software because you don't like "how" you pay for the license to use it. You do realize you own NOTHING when you buy a license, other than the permission to use someone's software - regardless of whether you pay a lump sum up front for a software application's license, or you pay on a monthly basis - which turns out to be cheaper in the long run if you keep your software up to date.

I have ON1 2020 and 2022. I give it several 👍👍👍. I still use Apple Photos as my primary editor. I am in the process of exploring ON1 2022. it has some very nice features like enhanced dust spot finder and correction as well as they claim their de-noise is faster and better than Topas. I have Lightroom but rarely use it. I also like ON1 because the have lots of learning videos as well as their customer service is right here in Oregon. Plus they give me a military discount. I believe you can try it for free..