DaVinci Resolve vs Lightworks
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editor famous for its industry-leading color grading, combining editing, color, visual effects, and audio post-production in a single application. Its free version is remarkably capable, making pro tools accessible to hobbyists and studios alike.
Lightworks is a professional video editing software designed for creating and editing high-quality videos. It offers a range of advanced features and tools to help users achieve professional-grade results.
Free version available; DaVinci Resolve Studio is a $295 one-time purchase.
- Best-in-class color grading
- Extremely capable free version
- All-in-one edit/color/audio/VFX
- One-time purchase for Studio (no subscription)
- Advanced features and tools
- High-quality video output
- Real-time collaboration and sharing
- Customizable templates and presets
- Steep learning curve
- Demands a powerful GPU
- Heavier than lightweight editors
- Steep learning curve
- Resource-intensive
- Limited free version features
- No cloud-based collaboration
What reviewers say
DaVinci Resolve Reviews
4.7 (3)Solid choice
We rolled out DaVinci Resolve last quarter. One-time purchase for Studio (no subscription). No real complaints. Would recommend.
Great video-editing
DaVinci Resolve has been part of our stack. Extremely capable free version. Minor gripe: heavier than lightweight editors. Would recommend.
Solid choice
DaVinci Resolve has been part of our stack. Extremely capable free version. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Lightworks Reviews
No reviews yet.
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Prosumer, non-subscription video editor with multi-track editing, color grading, and AI-assisted tools.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDaVinci Resolve offers a more powerful free tier and one‑time purchase, while Lightworks adds real‑time collaboration but limits free features.
Key differences
- •DaVinci Resolve’s free version includes full editing, color, audio, and VFX; Lightworks free tier is limited.
- •Resolve uses a one‑time $295 purchase for Studio; Lightworks remains freemium with no paid tier listed.
- •Lightworks provides built‑in real‑time collaboration and sharing; Resolve does not list collaboration features.
- •Resolve demands a strong GPU and is heavier; Lightworks is also resource‑intensive but noted as less feature‑rich in free mode.
- •Lightworks includes specific hardware integrations (AJA, Blackmagic Design, Matrox); Resolve lists no such integrations.
Pricing & value
Resolve offers a fully featured free tier and a one‑time $295 Studio purchase; Lightworks free tier is limited with no paid upgrade mentioned.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both have steep learning curves per their pros; no data suggests one is easier than the other.
Features & depth
Resolve’s free version includes editing, color grading, Fairlight audio, Fusion VFX; Lightworks free version lacks many advanced tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
Lightworks lists integrations with AJA, Blackmagic Design, Matrox; Resolve lists none.
Collaboration
Lightworks offers real‑time collaboration and sharing; Resolve does not mention collaboration features.
Scalability
Resolve scales from free tier to Studio with a one‑time upgrade; Lightworks free tier remains limited.
Support
Lightworks provides email, phone, and online documentation support; Resolve support details not specified.
Choose DaVinci Resolve if…
Video editors needing full-featured free tools and a one‑time purchase upgrade.
Choose Lightworks if…
Teams requiring built‑in real‑time collaboration and specific hardware integration support.
Common questions
Can I get professional‑grade color grading without paying?
Yes, Resolve’s free tier includes industry‑leading color grading; Lightworks free tier offers limited color tools.
What is the cost to unlock all features?
Resolve Studio costs $295 one‑time; Lightworks does not list a paid tier, only a limited free version.
Does either tool support real‑time collaboration?
Lightworks includes real‑time collaboration and sharing; Resolve does not list collaboration capabilities.