DaVinci Resolve vs Ardour

DaVinci Resolve9.4Visit Ardour8.8Visit

Higher score DaVinci Resolve #1 in Multimedia Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Try DaVinci Resolve

vs

Ardour #7 in Multimedia Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Ardour

• DaVinci Resolve fits best

  Editors seeking an all-in-one post-production suite

• Ardour fits best

  Audio producers wanting an open-source DAW

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Side by side

Feature	DaVinci Resolve 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Ardour 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.8
Ranking	#1 in Multimedia Software	#7 in Multimedia Software
Best for	Editors seeking an all-in-one post-production suite	Audio producers wanting an open-source DAW
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$1/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	6 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DaVinci Resolve 0/2 · Ardour 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	Linux, macOS, Windows
License type	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	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	Multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, composition, and mixing Supports AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA plugins Frame-accurate video synchronization with extensive export options
Cons	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	Audio-centered workflow may not suit broader multimedia production Desktop deployment only across Linux, macOS, and Windows Ready-to-run builds use monthly support subscriptions for updates
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 →	Ardour is an open-source digital audio workstation for audio engineers, musicians, composers, soundtrack editors, podcasters, and radio producers. It records, edits, mixes, masters, and exports audio and MIDI projects, with piano-roll… 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

• Ardour — where it wins

  • Multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, composition, and mixing
  • Supports AudioUnit, LV2, VST2/VST3, and LADSPA plugins
  • Frame-accurate video synchronization with extensive export options

  Where it doesn't

  • Audio-centered workflow may not suit broader multimedia production
  • Desktop deployment only across Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Ready-to-run builds use monthly support subscriptions for updates

• 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 →
• Ardour8.8/10 · Free plan

  A capable open-source desktop DAW for multitrack audio, MIDI, plugins, and video sync.

  Visit ArdourFull verdict →