Head-to-head
Adobe Lightroom vs darktable
2 tools, 11 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
From
$11.99/mo billed yearly (Lightroom)
Free plan
Yes
The verdict
Adobe Lightroom or darktable?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
AAdobe Lightroom
Lightroom
— · $11.99/mo billed yearly
Photography
— · $19.99/mo billed yearly
Adds Photoshop and Lightroom Classic
ddarktable
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
AAdobe Lightroom
Pros
- Non-destructive raw editing with AI-powered masking, such as Select Subject and Select Sky, across desktop, web and mobile.
- Generative Remove and generative upscale, powered by Adobe Firefly and Topaz Gigapixel, clear distractions and enlarge low-resolution photos.
- A cloud-synced library keeps photos and edits consistent across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
- Adobe does not train Firefly on Creative Cloud subscribers' personal content.
Cons
- Sold only by subscription, with no perpetual license to buy the software outright.
- Tethered capture, HDR and panorama merging, and plug-in support belong to Lightroom Classic rather than cloud Lightroom.
- The free tier is the mobile app only; full editing across devices requires a paid plan.
ddarktable
Pros
- Free with no paid tier, subscription or account, released under the GPL 3.0.
- Non-destructive raw editing across a wide range of camera formats, with the original file never modified.
- Optional AI-powered masking, denoising and 2x or 4x upscaling that run entirely on-device.
- A documented Lua scripting API lets contributors extend the application with shared scripts.
Cons
- Object and distraction removal rely on manual clone, heal and fill tools rather than an AI-driven remover.
- No cloud sync or companion mobile app; darktable runs only as desktop software.
- It has no way to share photos with clients for comments or review.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1982 | — |
| HQ | USA | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | — |
| Free plan | Yes, mobile app | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days | No |
| Starting price | $11.99/mo billed yearly (Lightroom) | Free |
| All plans | Lightroom Photography | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photographers who want their raw library and edits synced across computer, phone and web | Photographers who want a free, open-source raw developer and library with on-device AI tools |
| Differentiator | Adobe Lightroom syncs a raw photo library across devices, with AI masks and Generative Remove. | darktable is a free, open-source raw developer and photo library with optional on-device AI. |
| Competitors | Capture One, darktable, Luminar Neo | Adobe Lightroom, DxO PhotoLab, Capture One |
Section 03
Adobe Lightroom vs darktable: common questions
Is Adobe Lightroom or darktable cheaper?
Adobe Lightroom's cheapest paid plan is $11.99/mo billed yearly (Lightroom) and darktable's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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