Adobe Lightroom vs darktable

Adobe Lightroom9.2Visit darktable8.8Visit

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

darktable #4 in Photo Editing Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit darktable

• Adobe Lightroom fits best

  RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

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Side by side

Feature	Adobe Lightroom 9.2/10 Visit ↗	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#2 in Photo Editing Software	#4 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	RAW workflows and cross-device photo editing	Free open-source RAW cataloging
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Adobe Lightroom 5/6 · darktable 4/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓ (best)	—
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	Non-destructive RAW processing preserves original images Cataloging, masking, batch editing, and tethered shooting in one workflow Runs across Windows, macOS, and Linux with GPL licensing
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	Tethered live view is limited to some camera brands The workflow is centered on desktop cataloging and RAW development Cloud synchronization is outside the documented workflow
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 →	darktable is an open-source photography workflow application and RAW developer for photographers who want a free desktop system for organizing and processing digital images. Its virtual lighttable manages digital negatives in a database,… 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

• darktable — where it wins

  • Non-destructive RAW processing preserves original images
  • Cataloging, masking, batch editing, and tethered shooting in one workflow
  • Runs across Windows, macOS, and Linux with GPL licensing

  Where it doesn't

  • Tethered live view is limited to some camera brands
  • The workflow is centered on desktop cataloging and RAW development
  • Cloud synchronization is outside the documented workflow

• 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 →
• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

  A free, cross-platform RAW workflow with cataloging, masking, batch editing, and AI tools.

  Visit darktableFull verdict →