darktable vs DxO PhotoLab: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for darktable and DxO PhotoLab side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, darktable leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
darktable
Open source photography workflow
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (DxO PhotoLab requires payment)
DxO PhotoLab
Refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections
| At a Glance | darktable | DxO PhotoLab |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Not published |
Category | Image Editing File Management | Image Editing |
Rating | 5.0/5 1 review | 4.3/5 G2 4.2 · Capterra 4.4 88 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose darktable or DxO PhotoLab?
Choose darktable if
- You want a fully free tool (DxO PhotoLab requires payment)
Choose DxO PhotoLab if
- You need image editing features specifically.
In-Depth Analysis
darktable
Open source photography workflow
The pricing for darktable is exceptionally fair and generous, as it is completely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open source
- Pro: Non-destructive editing
- Pro: Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Less polished UI
Key features
DxO PhotoLab
Refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections
At $139 for a perpetual license, DxO PhotoLab 10 offers strong value for photographers who want advanced RAW editing and AI noise reduction without a subscription.
Strengths
- Pro: Unmatched noise reduction and detail recovery, especially for high ISO images.
- Pro: Superior image quality through lab-supported optical corrections.
- Pro: Intuitive and powerful local adjustments with AI assistance.
- Pro: Comprehensive color management and creative tools.
- Pro: Efficient workflow with smart automated tools and presets.
Weaknesses
- Con: No free version, only a trial.
- Con: May have a learning curve for new users due to advanced features.
Key features
Plans and prices: darktable vs DxO PhotoLab
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| darktable |
| darktable.org read Oct 7, 2026 |
| DxO PhotoLab |
| dxo.com/dxo-photolab read Oct 13, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on darktable pricing and DxO PhotoLab pricing.
Key Takeaways
darktable
- Has a free plan
DxO PhotoLab
- Worth considering for image editing
What the data shows
On the data below, darktable leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (5.0/5 from 1 reviews for darktable, 4.3/5 from 88 reviews for DxO PhotoLab; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Only darktable has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
What Users Say
darktable Reviews
Easy to use
organisation of all the pics, screenshots, posters etc. editing is easy. options are also good to edit.
DxO PhotoLab Reviews
No reviews yet
Frequently Asked Questions
How do darktable and DxO PhotoLab compare in 2026?
On the data below, darktable leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (5.0/5 from 1 reviews for darktable, 4.3/5 from 88 reviews for DxO PhotoLab; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Only darktable has a free plan.
What are darktable and DxO PhotoLab used for?
darktable: Open source photography workflow. DxO PhotoLab: Refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections.
What does darktable cost vs DxO PhotoLab?
darktable is free. DxO PhotoLab has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 13, 2026.
What's the main difference between darktable and DxO PhotoLab?
darktable's main strength: free and open source. DxO PhotoLab's main strength: unmatched noise reduction and detail recovery, especially for high ISO images.
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