darktable vs ON1 Photo RAW

darktable8.8Visit ON1 Photo RAW8.6Visit

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

vs

ON1 Photo RAW #6 in Photo Editing Software 8.6/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit ON1

• darktable fits best

  Free open-source RAW cataloging

• ON1 Photo RAW fits best

  All-in-one desktop RAW editing

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	darktable 8.8/10 Visit ↗	ON1 Photo RAW 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
Ranking	#4 in Photo Editing Software	#6 in Photo Editing Software
Best for	Free open-source RAW cataloging	All-in-one desktop RAW editing
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	—
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Cloud
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS
Support	Community, Docs	Tickets, Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features darktable 4/6 · ON1 Photo RAW 6/6
RAW photo support	✓	✓
Layer editing	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Masking tools	✓	✓
Batch editing	✓	✓
Cloud sync	—	✓ (best)
AI retouching	✓	✓
Specs
Platform	Multi-platform	Desktop
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	Combines RAW editing, layers, masking, organization, and batch processing Includes HDR, panorama, focus stacking, and time-lapse tools Adds AI retouching, Generative Erase, Sky Swap, and cloud synchronization
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	No free plan is available The desktop application supports only Windows and macOS The listed subscription uses annual billing rather than monthly billing
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 →	ON1 Photo RAW is desktop photo editing software for photographers who want RAW processing, organization, layer-based editing, masking, retouching, effects, and export in one application. It is aimed at hobbyists, enthusiasts, and… 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

• ON1 Photo RAW — where it wins

  • Combines RAW editing, layers, masking, organization, and batch processing
  • Includes HDR, panorama, focus stacking, and time-lapse tools
  • Adds AI retouching, Generative Erase, Sky Swap, and cloud synchronization

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • The desktop application supports only Windows and macOS
  • The listed subscription uses annual billing rather than monthly billing

• darktable8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit darktableFull verdict →
• ON1 Photo RAW8.6/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad desktop RAW editor with layers, masking, organization, AI, and cloud sync.

  Visit ON1Full verdict →