DaVinci Resolve
Blackmagic Design's editing, colour, effects and audio suite, with a very capable free version.
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- 4 of 4
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- 6
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- 0
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About DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve began as a high-end colour grading system and is now a complete post-production application, with separate pages for cutting, editing, colour, Fusion visual effects and motion graphics, and Fairlight audio. Its colour tools remain the industry reference, and the free version is unusually generous: it handles most 8-bit formats up to Ultra HD at 60fps, with multi-user collaboration and HDR grading. DaVinci Resolve Studio adds the AI Neural Engine features, extra effects, advanced noise reduction, higher resolutions and frame rates and wider format support, for a one-time price that includes future updates, and it is bundled with many Blackmagic cameras. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and there is an iPad version. The learning curve is steep, especially across the Fusion and Fairlight pages, and it wants a strong GPU. For anyone prepared to learn it, it is the best value in professional editing.
Best for: Editors and colourists who want pro tools without a subscription.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free version is enough for most professional work
- Industry-leading colour grading
- Studio is a one-time purchase with free updates
Why people leave
- Steep learning curve across many pages
- Needs a powerful GPU for smooth playback
- Some AI and format features are Studio only
Top DaVinci Resolve alternatives
See all 6- 1
Adobe Premiere66.5Easier hiring and collaboration in agencies that standardise on Adobe.
- 2
Final Cut Pro62.6Simpler, faster editing on Macs with a magnetic timeline.
- 3
Lightworks59.6Another long-standing pro editor with a free tier and Linux support.
- 4
Kdenlive57.2Fully open source and lighter on hardware.
- 5
CapCut53.6Much easier for quick social edits with templates and auto-captions.
Why people left DaVinci Resolve
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DaVinci Resolve: common questions
Is DaVinci Resolve free?
DaVinci Resolve has a free plan and paid plans. Free version: Yes (checked on DaVinci Resolve's own site).
Is DaVinci Resolve open source?
No, DaVinci Resolve is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Kdenlive.
What platforms does DaVinci Resolve run on?
DaVinci Resolve is available for Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS.
What are the best alternatives to DaVinci Resolve?
The highest-ranked DaVinci Resolve alternatives right now are Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro and Lightworks. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.