DaVinci Resolve vs Darkroom
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.8. DaVinci Resolve wins on 4 of the 5 scores, Darkroom on 1.
YouTubers, filmmakers and colorists who want pro tools without a subscription
Apple users who want quick, high-quality edits straight from the Photos app
Score by score
The details
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | Darkroom |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photo & Video | Photo & Video |
| Category rank | #1 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Developer | Blackmagic Design | Bergen Co. |
| Pricing | Free + paid plans | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | — |
| Linux | ✓ | — |
Common questions
Is DaVinci Resolve better than Darkroom?
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.8. DaVinci Resolve wins on 4 of the 5 scores, Darkroom on 1.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or Darkroom?
DaVinci Resolve: Free version; Studio is a one-time $295 (now $236), or $94.99 on iPad. Darkroom: Free to try; Darkroom+ $9.99/month, $39.99/year or $99.99 once. On value for money, DaVinci Resolve scores higher.
Do DaVinci Resolve and Darkroom work on the same devices?
Only DaVinci Resolve runs on Windows, Linux.
Which is more private, DaVinci Resolve or Darkroom?
DaVinci Resolve scores higher on privacy (9.4/10). Every App Store listing, for iPad and Mac, says Data Not Collected: no tracking and nothing linked to you.
Strengths and weaknesses
DaVinci Resolve
- Free version is enough for most creators
- Studio is a one-time purchase with free upgrades
- No data collected, per Apple's labels
- Steep learning curve
- Needs a powerful computer
- Most AI tools are Studio-only
DaVinci Resolve packs editing, color grading, Fusion visual effects and Fairlight audio into one app, and the free version handles Ultra HD at up to 60fps. Version 21 added a Photo page and AI tools like IntelliSearch and CineFocus, mostly in Studio. If you outgrow the free version, Studio is a one-time purchase with free upgrades, never a subscription. Expect a learning curve, and a powerful computer helps.
Full DaVinci Resolve review
Darkroom
- Clean interface that stays out of your way
- No import step thanks to Photos library integration
- Lifetime unlock if you'd rather not subscribe
- Apple devices only
- Paid tools need Darkroom+ before you can export with them
Darkroom is the best-designed photo editor on Apple devices. It works straight from your Photos library, so there's no import step, and it handles RAW files, AI masks, curves, color grading and batch edits on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Video gets the same tools. You can try every tool for free, and Darkroom+ is needed when you export with the paid ones. Get it if you live in Apple Photos.
Full Darkroom review
