Adobe Lightroom vs darktable
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Photo editing and organization for photographers.
The verdict
Both Adobe Lightroom and darktable are credible photo editing tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you want a longer free trial (7 days). Photo editing and organization for photographers.
Choose darktable if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. Open-source RAW photo workflow.
Adobe Lightroom vs darktable: side by side
| Dimension | Adobe Lightroom | darktable |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $9.99/mo | FreeWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 7 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Open source |
| Best for | Photographers | Photographers, Budget Conscious |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Adobe Lightroom key facts
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $9.99/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Photographers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- San Jose, CA, USA
darktable key facts
- Vendor
- darktable
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Photographers, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2009
- Headquarters
- Open source
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe Lightroom better than darktable?
Neither is universally better — Adobe Lightroom edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Adobe Lightroom or darktable cheaper?
darktable is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Adobe Lightroom starts at from $9.99/mo; darktable starts at free.
Can Adobe Lightroom replace darktable?
Yes for most teams — both are photo editing tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.