Head-to-head · Display Calibration Software
ArgyllCMS vs DisplayCAL
ArgyllCMS leads on 0 checks, DisplayCAL on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreArgyllCMS · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
ArgyllCMS scores higher on our rubric for display calibration software: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
ArgyllCMS is the better fit for free, expert instrument-based calibration. DisplayCAL is the better fit for free, full-featured display profiling.
- ArgyllCMS fits best
Free, expert instrument-based calibration
- DisplayCAL fits best
Free, full-featured display profiling
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Side by side
| Feature | ArgyllCMS 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | DisplayCAL 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #7 in Display Calibration Software | #8 in Display Calibration Software |
| Best for | Free, expert instrument-based calibration | Free, full-featured display profiling |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features ArgyllCMS 4/4 · DisplayCAL 4/4 | ||
| ICC profile export | ✓ | ✓ |
| LUT calibration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-monitor calibration | ✓ | ✓ |
| HDR calibration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Monitor limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ArgyllCMS is an open-source color management system for calibrating and profiling displays and other devices. Its command-line tools are designed for technically capable users, developers, color-management specialists, and production… Read the review → |
DisplayCAL is desktop software for calibrating and profiling computer displays with supported colorimeters and spectrometers. It is intended for photographers, video professionals, colorists, and other users who need measured display color… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ArgyllCMS — where it wins
- Free, open-source calibration and profiling across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports ICC profiles, VideoLUTs, 3D LUTs, HDR, and multi-display workflows
- Works with numerous colorimeters and spectroradiometers
Where it doesn't
- Command-line software rather than a native graphical interface
- Requires compatible color measurement hardware for instrument-based workflows
- Technical users may need to rely on comprehensive documentation
DisplayCAL — where it wins
- Free open-source access with ICC profile creation
- Supports multi-display calibration, LUT generation, and HDR workflows
- Includes verification reports and display uniformity measurement
Where it doesn't
- Requires a supported colorimeter or spectrometer
- Release information lists DisplayCAL 3.8 from 2019
- ArgyllCMS underpins measurement, calibration, and profile creation
- ArgyllCMS7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, technical toolkit for instrument-based calibration, ICC profiles, LUTs, and HDR workflows.
Visit ArgyllCMSFull verdict → - DisplayCAL7.8/10 · Free plan
A free, full-featured choice for measured display profiling across three desktop platforms.
Visit DisplayCALFull verdict →
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- NEC SpectraView II vs DisplayCAL
All display calibration software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update