ON1 Photo RAW vs PaintFE

ON1 Photo RAW8.6Visit PaintFE5.6Visit

Higher score ON1 Photo RAW #6 in Photo Editing Software 8.6/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit ON1

vs

PaintFE #37 in Photo Editing Software 5.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit PaintFE

• ON1 Photo RAW fits best

  All-in-one desktop RAW editing

• PaintFE fits best

  Free flexible editing and automation

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Side by side

Feature	ON1 Photo RAW 8.6/10 Visit ↗	PaintFE 5.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.6	5.6
Ranking	#6 in Photo Editing Software	#37 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	All-in-one desktop RAW editing	Free flexible editing and automation
Pricing model	Paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop, Cloud	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Tickets, Docs, Community	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features ON1 Photo RAW 6/6 · PaintFE 5/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	✓	✓
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓ (best)	—
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Desktop	Multi-platform
Our review
Pros	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	Supports RAW formats, layered PFE projects, masks, and blend modes Local AI background removal with compatible ONNX models Batch CLI workflows and Rhai scripting support repeatable edits
Cons	No free plan is available The desktop application supports only Windows and macOS The listed subscription uses annual billing rather than monthly billing	Browser edition is beta and has native-only feature limitations AI background removal requires desktop setup and compatible local models No cloud sync for cross-device project access
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 →	PaintFE is a free, MIT-licensed photo and raster editor for Windows, macOS, Linux, and the browser. It suits photographers, designers, and technical users who want local editing without an account, subscription, telemetry, or required… 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

• PaintFE — where it wins

  • Supports RAW formats, layered PFE projects, masks, and blend modes
  • Local AI background removal with compatible ONNX models
  • Batch CLI workflows and Rhai scripting support repeatable edits

  Where it doesn't

  • Browser edition is beta and has native-only feature limitations
  • AI background removal requires desktop setup and compatible local models
  • No cloud sync for cross-device project access

• ON1 Photo RAW8.6/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad desktop RAW editor with layers, masking, organization, AI, and cloud sync.

  Visit ON1Full verdict →
• PaintFE5.6/10 · Free plan

  A flexible free editor with RAW, layers, automation, and local AI tools.

  Visit PaintFEFull verdict →