Darkroom review

Darkroom is the strongest pick for people whose camera is an iPhone. It opens straight into the Apple Photos library, so there is no import or export step, and every edit is non-destructive. The tool set goes well beyond filters: curves, selective color, batch edits, RAW and ProRAW files, and depth-based AI tools that can brighten a person or darken the sky with a tap through Magic Select. Video gets the same treatment, with LUT presets and 4K color grading. The app also handles culling, letting you flag and reject shots before you edit. Darkroom+ costs $9.99 a month or $39.99 a year on the US App Store, and there is a lifetime purchase at $99.99 for people who would rather pay once. The limit is reach: it runs only on iPhone, iPad and Mac, so Windows and Android users should look at Lightroom or Snapseed instead.

Who it is for

iPhone photographers who want desktop-style curves, masking and RAW editing without importing files.

Price

Free download; Darkroom+ $9.99 per month or $39.99 per year as an in-app purchase on the US App Store (about $3.33 per month); one-time lifetime purchase $99.99.

Monthly Subscription $9.99 Yearly Subscription $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Works directly with the Apple Photos library, no importing or exporting
• RAW and Apple ProRAW editing at full fidelity
• Curves, selective color and batch editing
• Depth-based AI edits and Magic Select masks
• Film-inspired LUT presets and 4K video color grading

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No import step: your whole photo library is ready to edit
• Strength: Runs on iPhone, iPad and Mac with iCloud sync
• Strength: A one-time purchase option exists for people who dislike subscriptions
• Weakness: Apple devices only, with no Android or Windows app
• Weakness: Darkroom+ membership is needed for every tool, preset and filter
• Weakness: Fewer library and cataloging tools than Lightroom

Key facts

• Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac
• Yearly price (US App Store): $39.99
• One-time option: Lifetime purchase, $99.99
• RAW support: RAW and Apple ProRAW
• Recognition: Apple Design Award winner 2020

Where it ranks

Darkroom is No. 2 in our Best Photo Editing Apps verdict.