DxO PhotoLab vs RawTherapee: 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 DxO PhotoLab and RawTherapee side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, RawTherapee 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:
DxO PhotoLab
Refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections
Best for you if:
- • You want unmatched noise reduction and detail recovery, especially for high ISO images
RawTherapee
Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (DxO PhotoLab requires payment)
| At a Glance | DxO PhotoLab | RawTherapee |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Image Editing | Image Editing Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.3/5 G2 4.2 · Capterra 4.4 88 reviews | 4.3/5 G2 4.1 · Capterra 4.4 · SourceForge 5.0 61 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose DxO PhotoLab or RawTherapee?
Choose DxO PhotoLab if
- You want unmatched noise reduction and detail recovery, especially for high ISO images
- You want superior image quality through lab-supported optical corrections
Choose RawTherapee if
- You want a fully free tool (DxO PhotoLab requires payment)
- You want completely free and open-source
- You want high image quality processing capabilities
In-Depth Analysis
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
RawTherapee
Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
RawTherapee offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is completely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free and open-source
- Pro: High image quality processing capabilities
- Pro: Extensive raw file support and correction tools
- Pro: Cross-platform availability
- Pro: Active and helpful community with documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires time to learn due to its powerful features
- Con: May be overwhelming for absolute beginners
Key features
Plans and prices: DxO PhotoLab vs RawTherapee
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DxO PhotoLab |
| dxo.com/dxo-photolab read Oct 13, 2026 |
| RawTherapee |
| rawtherapee.com read Nov 2, 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 DxO PhotoLab pricing and RawTherapee pricing.
Key Takeaways
DxO PhotoLab
- Choose if you want refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections
RawTherapee
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, RawTherapee leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.3/5 from 88 reviews for DxO PhotoLab, 4.3/5 from 61 reviews for RawTherapee).
- Only RawTherapee 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do DxO PhotoLab and RawTherapee compare in 2026?
On the data below, RawTherapee leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.3/5 from 88 reviews for DxO PhotoLab, 4.3/5 from 61 reviews for RawTherapee). Only RawTherapee has a free plan.
What are DxO PhotoLab and RawTherapee used for?
DxO PhotoLab: Refine RAW photos with DeepPRIME noise reduction and precise optical corrections. RawTherapee: Free, cross-platform raw image processing for photographers of all levels.
What does DxO PhotoLab cost vs RawTherapee?
DxO PhotoLab has no public paid-plan price on file. RawTherapee is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 2, 2026.
What's the main difference between DxO PhotoLab and RawTherapee?
DxO PhotoLab's main strength: unmatched noise reduction and detail recovery, especially for high ISO images. RawTherapee's main strength: completely free and open-source.