Adobe Lightroom vs Darkroom

Adobe Lightroom9.2Visit Darkroom7.0Visit

Higher score Adobe Lightroom #2 in Photo Editing Software 9.2/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 6 features Try Adobe Lightroom

vs

Darkroom #25 in Photo Editing Software 7.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Darkroom

• Adobe Lightroom fits best

  RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing

• Darkroom fits best

  Apple users needing RAW batch edits

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Side by side

Feature	Adobe Lightroom 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Darkroom 7.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	7.0
Ranking	#2 in Photo Editing Software	#25 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing	Apple users needing RAW batch edits
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	macOS, iOS
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Adobe Lightroom 5/6 · Darkroom 5/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓	✓
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Multi-platform
Our review
Pros	Comprehensive RAW processing, masking, and selective adjustments AI tools cover culling, retouching, Lens Blur, and distraction removal Syncs photos and edits across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android	RAW and ProRAW editing with AI-powered subject and detail masks Batch adjustments, organization, copying, editing, and export Works with Apple Photos, iCloud Photos, and Siri Shortcuts
Cons	Advanced features and expanded synchronization require a subscription The broad feature set may exceed the needs of occasional editors Lightroom Classic is oriented toward desktop-focused workflows	Limited to iOS and macOS ecosystems Premium edits require a paid plan for export Layer editing is not part of the documented feature set
Our verdict	Adobe Lightroom combines photo organization with editing tools for photographers, creators, and anyone managing digital image libraries. It supports exposure, color, effects, cropping, presets, selective adjustments, masking, RAW import… Read the review →	Darkroom is a non-destructive photo and video editor for Apple users who want advanced adjustments without leaving the Apple Photos workflow. It supports RAW and ProRAW files, presets, curves, color grading, metadata controls, video… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Adobe Lightroom — where it wins

  • Comprehensive RAW processing, masking, and selective adjustments
  • AI tools cover culling, retouching, Lens Blur, and distraction removal
  • Syncs photos and edits across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced features and expanded synchronization require a subscription
  • The broad feature set may exceed the needs of occasional editors
  • Lightroom Classic is oriented toward desktop-focused workflows

• Darkroom — where it wins

  • RAW and ProRAW editing with AI-powered subject and detail masks
  • Batch adjustments, organization, copying, editing, and export
  • Works with Apple Photos, iCloud Photos, and Siri Shortcuts

  Where it doesn't

  • Limited to iOS and macOS ecosystems
  • Premium edits require a paid plan for export
  • Layer editing is not part of the documented feature set

• Adobe Lightroom9.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A broad Lightroom workflow for RAW editing, masking, organization, and synchronized access.

  Try Adobe LightroomFull verdict →
• Darkroom7.0/10 · Free plan

  A capable Apple-only editor for RAW files, masks, batch workflows, and video.

  Visit DarkroomFull verdict →