Hello, I don't mind sharing my experience as well.
I've always used plugins due to the amount of control you can get by using them in complete software packages (such as c4d, 3dsmax or blender). I am demanding, so stuff like advanced uvwmapping, unwrapping, light\materials workflow are a must to me.
I never ever stuck with Standalone software for rendering due to the lack of workflow. I find them unusable and uncomfortable. I want everything in a single application.

I started out with VRay 11 years ago, few years ago I tried Corona-Renderer (beautiful CPU renderer) and Octane, and now I completely switched to this new GPU renderer called FStormRender. Best choice ever. It is simple, it is fast and produces unbelievably realistic results.

So my two cents:
Best CPU renderer: Corona Render
Best GPU renderer: FStormRender
Best Standalone renderer: Keyshot
Best Realtime Standalone renderer: Lumion if you don't care, otherwise Unreal Engine 4

Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone!

M.