Head-to-head
Capture One vs darktable
2 tools, 11 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
Capture One or darktable?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
CCapture One
Pro
$28/mo · $18/mo billed yearly
All in One
$38/mo · $24.67/mo billed yearly
Adds the iPad and iPhone app
Studio
$63/mo · $48.50/mo billed yearly
Pro License
$349 one-time
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.
CCapture One
Pros
- Non-destructive raw processing with camera-specific colour profiles and tethered capture support.
- A one-time Pro License purchase, or the option to switch from a subscription to a perpetual license at any time.
- Capture One does not train its AI models on customer data, and its masking and denoise run locally.
- Cloud File Transfer and Capture One Live sync images and support remote review without a full cloud-editing platform.
Cons
- No free tier; every plan is a paid subscription or the one-time license.
- Object and distraction removal rely on manual Heal and Clone tools rather than an AI-driven remover, and there is no AI upscaler.
- Paying month to month costs noticeably more than the same plan billed yearly.
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 | 1994 | — |
| HQ | Denmark | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | One-time purchase or subscription | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days | No |
| Starting price | $18/mo billed yearly (Pro) | Free |
| All plans | Pro — $28/mo All in One — $38/mo Studio — $63/mo Pro License — $349 one-time | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Studio and commercial photographers who shoot tethered and need precise colour | Photographers who want a free, open-source raw developer and library with on-device AI tools |
| Differentiator | Capture One is built for tethered studio shooting and precise colour, rented or bought once. | darktable is a free, open-source raw developer and photo library with optional on-device AI. |
| Competitors | Adobe Lightroom, DxO PhotoLab, ON1 Photo RAW | Adobe Lightroom, DxO PhotoLab, Capture One |
Section 03
Capture One vs darktable: common questions
Is Capture One or darktable cheaper?
Capture One's cheapest paid plan is $18/mo billed yearly (Pro) and darktable's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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