darktable vs Darkroom

darktable8.8Visit Darkroom7.0Visit

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

vs

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

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

• Darkroom fits best

  Apple users needing RAW batch edits

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Side by side

Feature	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Darkroom 7.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	7.0
Ranking	#4 in Photo Editing Software	#25 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Free open-source RAW cataloging	Apple users needing RAW batch edits
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS, iOS
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features darktable 4/6 · Darkroom 5/6
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	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	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	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	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	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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit darktableFull verdict →
• Darkroom7.0/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit DarkroomFull verdict →