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Head-to-head · Free Tools

Audacity vs DaVinci Resolve

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Audacity #4 in Free Tools 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Audacity
DaVinci Resolve #7 in Free Tools 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Try DaVinci Resolve

Audacity leads on 0 checks, DaVinci Resolve on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAudacity · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAudacity · 1 of 2

Audacity scores higher on our rubric for free tools: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Audacity is the better fit for free multitrack audio editing and recording. DaVinci Resolve is the better fit for free video editing, color, and audio post.

  • Audacity fits best

    Free multitrack audio editing and recording

  • DaVinci Resolve fits best

    Free video editing, color, and audio post

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Side by side

Feature Audacity 9.1/10 Visit ↗ DaVinci Resolve 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #4 in Free Tools #7 in Free Tools
Best for Free multitrack audio editing and recording Free video editing, color, and audio post
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS
Integrations 2 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Audacity 1/2 · DaVinci Resolve 0/2
Open source ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Self-hosted option Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free user limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free storage Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free open-source editor with no subscription required
  • Multitrack editing, recording, mixing, and noise reduction
  • VST3, Nyquist, LV2, and Audio Unit plugin support
  • Free edition combines editing, color, Fusion effects and Fairlight audio.
  • Supports Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution and editing up to 60 fps.
  • Blackmagic Cloud collaboration and YouTube, Vimeo and TikTok workflows.
Cons
  • Desktop deployment only on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • MIDI editing is limited and there is no MIDI sequencing
  • Cloud saving and collaboration run through Audio.com
  • Studio is a $295 one-time upgrade for higher limits and extra tools.
  • Studio is required for frame rates up to 120 fps and resolutions up to 32K.
  • Its broad post-production feature set may exceed the needs of simple edits.
Our verdict

Audacity is free, open-source desktop software for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for solo creators and small teams such as podcasters, musicians, educators, field…

Read the review →

DaVinci Resolve brings video editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, audio post-production and media delivery into one application. Its free edition is aimed at creators and teams who want a full post-production…

Read the review →
  1. AudacityFree Tools 9.1Free plan
  2. DaVinci ResolveFree Tools 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Audacity — where it wins

    • Free open-source editor with no subscription required
    • Multitrack editing, recording, mixing, and noise reduction
    • VST3, Nyquist, LV2, and Audio Unit plugin support

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment only on Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • MIDI editing is limited and there is no MIDI sequencing
    • Cloud saving and collaboration run through Audio.com

  • DaVinci Resolve — where it wins

    • Free edition combines editing, color, Fusion effects and Fairlight audio.
    • Supports Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution and editing up to 60 fps.
    • Blackmagic Cloud collaboration and YouTube, Vimeo and TikTok workflows.

    Where it doesn't

    • Studio is a $295 one-time upgrade for higher limits and extra tools.
    • Studio is required for frame rates up to 120 fps and resolutions up to 32K.
    • Its broad post-production feature set may exceed the needs of simple edits.

More comparisons

All free tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update