ArgyllCMS vs Calman

ArgyllCMS is a free, open-source ICC-compatible color management system for creating profiles and calibrating devices. Its command-line tools support scanners, cameras, film recorders, displays, and RGB, CMY and CMYK printers. It can create device-link profiles with options such as video calibration standards and 3D LUTs, and work with spectral samples, selectable illuminants and observer types, and paper fluorescent-whitener compensation. Color conversion tools handle 8-bit raster data and fully accurate 16-bit conversion. Documentation lists direct support for measurement instruments from JETI, Klein, X-Rite and Calibrite, DataColor and other manufacturers; some chart results can be converted into Argyll CGATS format. ArgyllCMS runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, but does not include a graphical interface. DisplayCAL, The Little Argyll GUI and CoCa are listed as front ends that use it. The package is licensed under AGPLv3; commercial licensing is available for code copyrighted by Graeme Gill through ArgyllPRO. On Linux, native display calibration and profiling under Wayland are not currently supported; the maker recommends X11 for color-managed displays.

Calman is display calibration software for measuring, adjusting, and verifying display performance. Its Home editions are aimed at home theater use and support automated calibration on supported displays: users work with reference patterns and a colorimeter, and the software adjusts the TV based on the measurements. Calman Studio adds automated SDR and HDR calibration, ICC profiling, 1D and 3D LUT creation, and display validation wizards. Ultimate supports customizable workflows and reports, automated calibration, 3D LUT creation, and multi-display environments such as LED walls. Calman supports measurement devices and pattern generators, with workflows for displays from ASUS, BenQ, Dell, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony. Home editions for supported brands cost $249 as a one-time purchase. Studio costs $1,199, paid once, while Ultimate costs $2,995, paid once; both require Windows 10 or later and include one year of software updates and technical support. Continued Studio and Ultimate updates and support can be renewed through All Access: $549 a year for Studio or $849 a year for Ultimate. Display compatibility varies by model, and not every variation is supported.