Head-to-head · Photo Editing Software
ON1 Photo RAW vs Affinity Photo
ON1 Photo RAW leads on 0 checks, Affinity Photo on 1, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreON1 Photo RAW · 8.6/10
- Free planonly Affinity Photo
- Free trialonly ON1 Photo RAW
- Most featuresON1 Photo RAW · 6 of 6
ON1 Photo RAW scores higher on our rubric for photo editing software: 8.6 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #22.
Affinity Photo offers free plan; ON1 Photo RAW doesn't.
ON1 Photo RAW is the better fit for all-in-one desktop RAW editing. Affinity Photo is the better fit for free desktop editing with deep controls.
- ON1 Photo RAW fits best
All-in-one desktop RAW editing
- Affinity Photo fits best
Free desktop editing with deep controls
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Side by side
| Feature | ON1 Photo RAW 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Photo Editing Software | #22 in Photo Editing Software |
| Best for | All-in-one desktop RAW editing | Free desktop editing with deep controls |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Features ON1 Photo RAW 6/6 · Affinity Photo 5/6 | ||
| RAW photo support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| AI retouching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Desktop | Desktop |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ON1 Photo RAW is desktop photo editing software for photographers who want RAW processing, organization, layer-based editing, masking, retouching, effects, and export in one application. It is aimed at hobbyists, enthusiasts, and… Read the review → |
Affinity Photo is professional photo-editing software for photographers, designers, and other visual creators. It runs on macOS and Windows and combines non-destructive editing, RAW development, layered compositions, masks, retouching, HDR… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ON1 Photo RAW — where it wins
- Combines RAW editing, layers, masking, organization, and batch processing
- Includes HDR, panorama, focus stacking, and time-lapse tools
- Adds AI retouching, Generative Erase, Sky Swap, and cloud synchronization
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- The desktop application supports only Windows and macOS
- The listed subscription uses annual billing rather than monthly billing
Affinity Photo — where it wins
- Free plan includes RAW development, unlimited layers, and batch processing
- Advanced masking, retouching, HDR Merge, and Focus Merge tools
- Generative fill, expand, smart selections, and depth-aware masking
Where it doesn't
- Available for macOS and Windows; iPad support is coming soon
- Some optional Canva AI tools require a Canva premium plan
- The extensive toolset may be more than casual editors need
- ON1 Photo RAW8.6/10 · 30-day trial
A broad desktop RAW editor with layers, masking, organization, AI, and cloud sync.
Visit ON1Full verdict → - Affinity Photo7.7/10 · Free plan
A free desktop editor with deep controls for RAW, layers, masking, retouching, and batch work.
Visit Affinity PhotoFull verdict →
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All photo editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






