Best Adobe Alternatives Without a Subscription in 2025

If you’re ready to break free from Adobe’s monthly fees, you’re not alone. More photographers than ever are asking for a powerful, one-time purchase photo editor that can replace Lightroom and Photoshop. ON1 Photo RAW is the leading choice: a perpetual license editor that combines RAW processing, layers, advanced masking, AI tools, cataloging, printing, and plugin options.

Quick Verdict: Can ON1 Replace Lightroom + Photoshop?

Yes. ON1 Photo RAW is a true all-in-one solution for photographers who want to own their software outright. Here’s how ON1 maps to Adobe’s tools:

Try It: Download the Free Trial and recreate your workflow in minutes.

The True Cost: Subscription vs. Perpetual License

1, 3, and 5-Year Cost Comparison

*Assumes paid upgrades every 12 months. Skipping upgrades saves even more.

Why It Matters

With ON1, you own the version you buy. If you skip upgrades, you keep using the software with no expiration. That means you can plan your software costs rather than being locked into monthly billing.

Non-Subscription Photo Editors: What to Look For

When replacing a subscription editor, make sure your new software includes:

• High-Quality RAW Processing: Color accuracy, highlight/shadow recovery.
• Layers + Local Adjustments: To fully replace Photoshop.
• AI Tools: Noise reduction, sharpening, upscaling, masking.
• Digital Asset Management: Cataloging, keywords, search.
• Print & Export Controls: Color profiles, proofing.
• Plugin Support: If you rely on Nik Collection or other tools.

ON1 Photo RAW checks all of these boxes and offers them in a single, perpetual license app.

Neutral Shortlist: Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro.

Migration Guide: Move from Lightroom to ON1 in an Afternoon

Switching doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s a proven step-by-step path:

1. Prep Your Library: Back up your Lightroom catalog and ensure your photos are in well-labeled folders.
2. Import into ON1: Use Browse to add folders; ON1 will read existing metadata and sidecars.
3. Recreate Collections: Set up albums and smart albums in ON1 to mirror collections.
4. Presets & Profiles: Rebuild your favorite looks with ON1 presets or import LUTs.
5. Verify Colors: Export a test batch and compare with Lightroom to fine-tune color settings.

Pro Tip: Keep Lightroom installed for 30 days so you can round-trip any in-progress jobs while you transition.

Perpetual License + Modern AI (No Compromise)

A common concern is that perpetual software lags behind in features. ON1’s AI tools are proof that this isn’t true:

• NoNoise AI: Automatic noise reduction without destroying detail.
• Tack Sharp AI: Recover slightly blurry shots.
• Resize AI: Print-ready enlargements without pixelation.
• Portrait AI: One-click retouching that still looks natural.

All included with your perpetual license — no monthly upsell.

FAQs

Does ON1 Photo RAW require a subscription?
No. ON1 Photo RAW is sold as a perpetual license. You own it outright and can choose if and when to pay for future upgrades.

What’s the cheapest professional alternative to Photoshop?
ON1 Photo RAW’s one-time price is a fraction of Adobe’s ongoing cost, and it includes layers, masking, AI sharpening, and plugins.

Can ON1 import my Lightroom catalog?
Yes. It reads your folders, metadata, keywords, and develops a near match for most adjustments.

Will my presets work in ON1?
Some Lightroom presets can be recreated with ON1 filters or LUTs. ON1 also includes a large preset library by default.

Your First 15 Minutes in ON1

1. Download and install the free trial.
2. Add your main photo folder to Browse.
3. Apply a preset to a few favorites.
4. Fine-tune exposure and color with AI masks.
5. Export a JPEG and print a test image.

Get ON1 Photo RAW Free Trial — own your editor, own your workflow.