Head-to-head · Multimedia Software
DaVinci Resolve vs Adobe Photoshop
DaVinci Resolve leads on 1 check, Adobe Photoshop on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDaVinci Resolve · 9.4/10
- Free planonly DaVinci Resolve
- Free trialonly Adobe Photoshop
DaVinci Resolve scores higher on our rubric for multimedia software: 9.4 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
DaVinci Resolve offers free plan; Adobe Photoshop doesn't.
DaVinci Resolve is the better fit for editors seeking an all-in-one post-production suite. Adobe Photoshop is the better fit for image editors needing deep compositing and retouching.
- DaVinci Resolve fits best
Editors seeking an all-in-one post-production suite
- Adobe Photoshop fits best
Image editors needing deep compositing and retouching
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Side by side
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Adobe Photoshop 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #1 in Multimedia Software | #4 in Multimedia Software |
| Best for | Editors seeking an all-in-one post-production suite | Image editors needing deep compositing and retouching |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features DaVinci Resolve 0/2 · Adobe Photoshop 0/2 | ||
| Team collaboration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| AI media tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Media types | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Primary workflow | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| License type | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | DaVinci Resolve brings video editing, color correction, Fusion visual effects, Fairlight audio post-production and media delivery into one application. Its mix of dedicated workspaces is aimed at editors who want to handle more of a… Read the review → |
For photographers, designers, digital artists, and other creative professionals, Photoshop is an image editing and design application centered on layered compositions and detailed image work. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iOS,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
DaVinci Resolve — where it wins
- Combines editing, color grading, Fusion effects and Fairlight audio tools
- Free version supports Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 and multi-user collaboration
- Studio adds up to 120 fps, up to 32K resolution and AI features
Where it doesn't
- Studio's $295 price is a substantial one-time purchase
- The broad workflow may be more than editors needing only basic cuts require
- Blackmagic Cloud collaboration may not suit teams seeking cloud storage included
Adobe Photoshop — where it wins
- Combines layers, vector masks, selections, and background removal.
- Supports Camera Raw editing and batch adjustments for RAW, JPEG, and TIFF.
- Offers desktop, web, and mobile apps with cloud documents and generative tools.
Where it doesn't
- Paid access is subscription-based rather than a perpetual license.
- No free plan; the free trial lasts 7 days.
- Specialist editing depth may be more than occasional or simple edits require.
- DaVinci Resolve9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad post-production suite with a free version and a $295 one-time Studio upgrade.
Try DaVinci ResolveFull verdict → - Adobe Photoshop9.1/10 · 7-day trial
A deep editing toolkit for compositing, RAW workflows, retouching, and generative changes.
Visit AdobeFull verdict →
More comparisons
- DaVinci Resolve vs Adobe After Effects
- DaVinci Resolve vs Blender
- DaVinci Resolve vs Ardour
- DaVinci Resolve vs Pro Tools
- Avid Media Composer vs Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Photoshop vs Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Photoshop vs Blender
- Adobe Photoshop vs Ardour
All multimedia software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




