View all Color Calibration Alternatives

Best Free Alternatives to X-Rite i1Profiler

Stop paying Hardware Based. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.

Category: Color CalibrationVerified for 2025

Top Recommended Replacements

DisplayCAL

Best Overall FOSS Alternative

Why we like it

The most accurate open-source GUI for calibration; supports high-end LUTs for video grading; massive community presets.

Keep in mind

Requires 3rd-party hardware (colorimeter) to function; interface can be overwhelming for beginners.

ArgyllCMS

Best for Advanced Technical Users

Why we like it

The powerful command-line engine behind DisplayCAL; compatible with almost every colorimeter ever made; support for scanners and printers.

Keep in mind

Command-line only; requires significant color science knowledge to use manually.

TruHu

FREE

Best Budget/No-Hardware Option

Why we like it

Uses your smartphone camera as a colorimeter; incredibly fast; no need to buy expensive X-Rite or Spyder hardware.

Keep in mind

Less accurate than a dedicated hardware sensor; requires a specific mobile app + desktop companion setup.

LPROF

Best for Legacy Profiles

Why we like it

Dedicated tool for creating ICC profiles for cameras, scanners, and displays; completely free.

Keep in mind

Development is slow; may struggle with the latest Windows/macOS versions or modern HDR displays.

HCFR Colormeter

Best for Home Theater/TVs

Why we like it

Specifically designed for TV and projector calibration; deep control over greyscale and CMS; excellent for videophiles.

Keep in mind

Tailored for video playback rather than professional photography/print workflows.

Quick调色 (QuickColor)

FREE

Best for Quick Adjustments

Why we like it

Lightweight utility for managing ICC profiles and quick white-point adjustments without full re-profiling.

Keep in mind

Limited features; more of a management tool than a full calibration suite.

Calibrite PROFILER (Free for Hardware)

FREE

Best Official Modern Suite

Why we like it

The official successor to i1Profiler for Calibrite hardware; modern UI; native support for Apple Silicon.

Keep in mind

Locked to specific hardware (Calibrite/X-Rite sensors); not open source.

Little CMS (lcms)

Best for Developers

Why we like it

A CMM engine for transforming ICC profiles; extremely lightweight and portable; used by major Linux distros.

Keep in mind

It is a library/engine, not a consumer-facing calibration software with a GUI.

EIZO ColorNavigator

FREE

Best for Hardware-Level Control

Why we like it

Calibrates the monitor hardware directly (LUT); ensures 10-bit accuracy; industry-leading reliability.

Keep in mind

Only works with EIZO ColorEdge series monitors.

Lagom LCD Test

FREE

Best for Visual Benchmarking

Why we like it

Web-based; requires zero installation; excellent for checking black levels, gamma, and contrast by eye.

Keep in mind

Not a profiler; it helps you adjust settings but does not create an ICC color profile.

OpenICC

Best Linux Integration

Why we like it

Collaborative project to bring professional color management to Linux desktops; handles system-wide color.

Keep in mind

Highly technical; fragmented into various sub-projects for advanced users.

Windows Display Color Calibration

FREE

Best for Casual Users

Why we like it

Already on your computer; easy step-by-step wizard; zero cost or setup.

Keep in mind

Purely visual; subjective to the user's eye and significantly less accurate than sensor-based tools.

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