Test DxO PL9 by Phototrend

be51 · February 12, 2026, 10:01pm

Phototrend has made a complete test of PL9.

I have not read it in detail.

platypus · February 13, 2026, 8:40am

If the test is about whether PL can replace Lr, the answer is a clear NO.

PL lacks in asset management functionality
PL is not as stable as Lr
PL’s database gets off-track easily and must be re-built because it cannot be fixed
PL’s printing is so-so at best
…

PL’s strong points are in its denoising and optical corrections and if that is one’s first priority, PL seems to be a good choice.

Nevertheless: No app does it all and does things well and one’s preferred solution entirely depends on one’s requirements - check out some of mine above

Benefit: Others’ tests can help to build one’s own testing strategy.
Careful: Others’ tests should not be THE reason to buy a license.

Fineus · February 13, 2026, 10:20am

I’d add that PL has better contrast control versus anything else I’ve seen on the market (provided you buy the “optional” FilmPack and ViewPoint to unlock everything).

(Although maybe Lightroom achieves similar results through its texture and clarity sliders).

I maintain that Lightroom and Capture One are faster and can apply a similar look to a large quantity of imagesd quickly, making them useful for professional work e.g. weddings.

PhotoLab shines where you want (and have the time to) take time editing each image individually and putting up with its various drawbacks and issues.

N80 · February 13, 2026, 2:08pm

I agree that PL cannot ‘replace’ LR. That does not necessarily mean it is inferior. A pickup truck cannot replace a dump truck. But not everyone needs a dump truck. A Miata cannot replace a Ferrari but it can be just as fun.

I think it is also important to keep in mind that PL is $100 less than a CO license and in my opinion more economical than a LR/PS subscription (considering that I rarely get on the version upgrade treadmill with licenses). In this regard it can be a better fit for amateurs on a budget.

But maybe the biggest issue with me is Adobe’s predatory nature, both with subscriptions but also with AI learning. It would have no real effect on me but I just don’t like the idea of it. I like a software license and at least DxO gives lip service to not use AI learning on your images.

Fineus · February 13, 2026, 3:38pm

I’m not so sure about that!

PhotoLab - £359.99

If I’m starting from scratch it’ll cost me £359.99 to buy PhotoLab and ViewPoint and FilmPack.

I would argue I need to do this in order to get the maximum amount of functionality - a complete product - as I’d get if I signed up to Lightroom.

Adobe Lightroom £119.21

A year’s Lightroom subscription is available on Amazon for £119.21.

That’s the complete Lightroom product plus Lightroom Mobile (PhotoLab doesn’t have a mobile app) plus 1TB cloud storage (PhotoLab doesn’t offer any cloud storage) plus various other bits and pieces that come with it.

Now it’s true that in 12 months I’ll need to spend that £119 again. But it’s only after 3 years that I’ll have spent enough for that PhotoLab investment.

Plus during that time I’ll get every Lightroom advancement as it’s released.

With PhotoLab I’ll get bug fixes and minor advancements, but we all know they’ll gate-keep the big stuff behind future version releases. That means I’ll need to spend £359.99 today plus another what… £120+ in September for the next PhotoLab release, nevermind ViewPoint and FilmPack releases?

I don’t have to buy those - it’s true - I could buy PhotoLab today and have it work “as is” for years, in theory. But it’ll quickly fall behind the competition in terms of functionality and performance tweaks.

I don’t like Adobe. I agree they’ve a predatory approach and aren’t a great company ethically. However as much as PhotoLab can be that fun Miata that you tinker with and love despite it leaving you on the side of the road every few months… It’s still an expensive investment and not necessarily the most economical one!

N80 · February 13, 2026, 3:54pm

Agree. It all depends on what you need. When you need to move a mountain of dirt a dump truck is the right tool. When you need to pick up a few boards from the hardware store a dump truck is not necessary.

I got PhotoLab for $203. I do not need ViewPoint and I never use film presets. I can shoot film for that. So for me, LR would cost more than PL in two years and I won’t upgrade PL for probably 3-4 years. Again, I do not get on the gee-whizz new feature treadmill with software licenses. I only upgrade when the changes are significant and for an amateur that doesn’t need to be very often.

And by the way, that Miata is never going to leave anyone stranded, they’re incredibly reliable……..thus the analogy. A Ferrari on the other hand……………………….

platypus · February 13, 2026, 4:06pm

As we can read in the posts here and in other threads, we can fairly confidently say that an app should meet the requirements, be they technical, emotional or budget related.

Whatever app better fits one’s needs, constraints etc. should be in one’s toolbox and be sufficient. And if needs change, we can get into another evaluation again. Fun and lots to learn, and an investment before anything else.

Regarding the test proposed by the OP, I see a well documented report that, alas, repeats statements that have been made elsewhere already and omits to document the things that make or break an app and the assets it handles: reliability