DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI are comparably effective photo denoisers. However, DxO PureRaw applies additional image corrections and enhancements, resulting in a better image overall.
But DxO PureRaw costs US$129 and cannot denoise anything other than raw files. In contrast, Topaz Denoise AI costs just $79 and processes Raw and JPEG. So, which is right for you? Jump to Conclusion
TOPAZ DENOISE AI
OUTSTANDING NOISE REDUCTION
US$79.99
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
DXO PURERAW
BLACK FRIDAY!
$129 US$89
UNTIL NOV 27TH
Table of Contents
- DxO PureRaw vs Topaz Denoise AI – Noise Reduction
- DxO PureRaw vs Topaz Denoise AI – Overall Image Quality
- DxO PureRaw vs. Topaz Denoise AI – Workflow
- DxO PureRaw vs. Topaz Denoise AI – Which is best?
- Conclusion
DxO PureRaw vs Topaz Denoise AI – Noise Reduction
To begin, we’re comparing DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI on noise reduction alone. In other words, we’re turning off all other enhancement features for an apples-for-apples-like comparison.
This comparison is beneficial if you already use other image enhancement products and are exclusively interested in which product removes the most noise while preserving the most detail. Below is a 100% crop of the image before applying noise reduction.
Now, we run the image through DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI to see which photo looks best.
As you can see, DxO PureRaw automatically brightens the image, somewhat distorting our comparison. But, comparing the pictures on noise and detail alone, I see DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI doing an equally excellent job.
But it is fair to say we’ve held back DxO PureRaw to make the comparison fair. So what happens if we turn on all of PureRaw’s other features?
DxO PureRaw vs Topaz Denoise AI – Overall Image Quality
This test compares Topaz Denoise AI against DxO PureRaw with all features turned on. Specifically, PureRaw is correcting vignetting, color, chromatic aberration, and lens softness. I left lens distortion correction disabled since I wanted both images to align.
As you can see, the DxO PureRaw 3 image looks clean, sharp, and bright and is pretty much ready to be shared or printed.
In contrast, the image processed in Topaz Denoise AI looks very clean but, for best results, needs to be exported to a photo editing application for a final polish.
DxO PureRaw vs. Topaz Denoise AI – Workflow
DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI approach their common objective in different ways. Specifically, DxO PureRaw 3 is primarily automated in that you select one or many photos, select a few preferences, and PureRaw will process your image(s) without your involvement.
Moreover, DxO PureRaw’s automated process is reliably excellent and can be trusted to do a great job despite your absence.
As with PureRaw, you can use Topaz Denoise AI’s automatic mode to process images in batches. However, Topaz Denoise AI is at its best when manually tuning your image using its multiple AI models and discrete adjustments.
Therefore, Topaz Denoise AI demands more of you but, in return, rewards you with more control and the potential for superior results.
DxO PureRaw vs. Topaz Denoise AI – Which is best?
Why you should buy DxO PureRaw
Like Topaz Denoise AI, DxO PureRaw offers outstanding noise reduction. However, DxO PureRaw offers class-leading Raw conversion, correction, and enhancement. As a result, and as the sample below demonstrates, DxO PureRaw has the potential to produce images of such quality that no further editing is required, thus saving you time.
Moreover, PureRaw is primarily automated, meaning you can queue your images and leave PureRaw to do the heavy lifting in your absence. As a result, DxO PureRaw is an outstanding tool for processing large batches of raw files quickly and well.
Why you should buy Topaz Denoise AI
As a noise reduction tool, Topaz Denoise AI is at least as effective as DxO PureRaw. However, it is considerably cheaper than PureRaw and, unlike PureRaw, can denoise Raw and JPEG files.
While Topaz Denoise AI’s automated modes are not quite as reliable as that of DxO PureRaw – it does offer you the opportunity to process your image yourself. Specifically, you can choose between multiple AI denoising models and apply granular adjustments to noise reduction strength and detail.
For these reasons, Topaz Denoise AI has the potential to produce a better-denoised image than DxO PureRaw – so long as you’re willing to put the time in.
However, Topaz Denoise AI lacks PureRaw’s more comprehensive range of enhancements, and your images are more likely to need additional processing using other software.
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Conclusion
Both DxO PureRaw and Topaz Denoise AI are equally effective noise-reduction applications. Thanks to its supplemental enhancements and automated workflow, DxO PureRaw will enable you to effortlessly breeze through large batches of photos and end up with great results on the other side.
In contrast, Topaz Denoise AI is cheaper and offers flexibility in processing Raw and JPEG files. Moreover, Topaz Denoise AI gives you the precision to process your images to taste using its range of manual adjustments.
In summary, if you’re looking to blitz through large batches of photos, DxO PureRaw is an outstanding choice. But, if you prefer to pour lots of time into perfecting fewer images, go with Topaz Denoise AI.
TOPAZ DENOISE AI
OUTSTANDING NOISE REDUCTION
US$79.99
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
DXO PURERAW
BLACK FRIDAY!
$129 US$89
UNTIL NOV 27TH
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