Head-to-head · Photo Viewer Software
Geeqie vs Gwenview
Geeqie leads on 0 checks, Gwenview on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGeeqie · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGeeqie · 5 of 5
Geeqie scores higher on our rubric for photo viewer software: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
Geeqie is the better fit for free cross-platform photo organization. Gwenview is the better fit for linux users wanting viewing and annotation.
- Geeqie fits best
Free cross-platform photo organization
- Gwenview fits best
Linux users wanting viewing and annotation
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Side by side
| Feature | Geeqie 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Gwenview 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #4 in Photo Viewer Software | #7 in Photo Viewer Software |
| Best for | Free cross-platform photo organization | Linux users wanting viewing and annotation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Geeqie 5/5 · Gwenview 3/5 | ||
| RAW image support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Side-by-side compare | ✓ | ✓ |
| Contact sheets | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Color management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Metadata viewer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Geeqie is a free, open-source desktop photo viewer and organizer for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is aimed at people who want to browse folders directly, inspect RAW and other image formats, compare images, and organize files without… Read the review → |
Gwenview is KDE’s desktop image and video viewer for Linux, built for browsing and displaying image collections. Its Browse and View modes support thumbnail navigation, folder-based discovery, filtering by filename, date, tag, or rating,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Geeqie — where it wins
- Supports RAW files, broad image formats, and color-managed viewing.
- Compares images in split view with up to four panes.
- Combines metadata editing, collections, search, and duplicate finding.
Where it doesn't
- Its workflow centers on desktop folders rather than imported libraries.
- The listed integration is GIMP, so its ecosystem focus is narrow.
- File management is extensive, but advanced editing uses external editors.
Gwenview — where it wins
- Side-by-side viewing, thumbnails, filtering, and full-screen slideshows
- Annotations include arrows, shapes, text boxes, and stamps
- Color-profile handling plus JPEG EXIF comment viewing and editing
Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
- Editing tools focus on basic crop, rotate, resize, mirror, and flip actions
- Metadata editing is limited to JPEG comments
- Geeqie8.8/10 · Free plan
A capable free viewer for RAW files, comparisons, metadata, collections, and bulk file work.
Visit GeeqieFull verdict → - Gwenview8.4/10 · Free plan
A capable open-source Linux viewer with annotation, comparison, and collection tools.
Visit KDEFull verdict →
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All photo viewer software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update