DaVinci Resolve vs CyberLink PowerDirector

DaVinci Resolve9.3Visit CyberLink PowerDirector8.9Visit

Higher score DaVinci Resolve #1 in Video Editing Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Resolve

vs

CyberLink PowerDirector #4 in Video Editing Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit CyberLink

• DaVinci Resolve fits best

  Professional editors wanting maximum free depth

• CyberLink PowerDirector fits best

  Value-focused creators needing AI tools

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Side by side

Feature	DaVinci Resolve 9.3/10 Visit ↗	CyberLink PowerDirector 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.9
Ranking	#1 in Video Editing Software	#4 in Video Editing Software
Best for	Professional editors wanting maximum free depth	Value-focused creators needing AI tools
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$79.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Integrations	6 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features DaVinci Resolve 4/5 · CyberLink PowerDirector 3/5
Desktop app	✓	✓
Web app	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Mobile app	✓	✓
4K export	✓	✓
Team collaboration	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Included cloud storage	Not checked yet	50 GB
Our review
Pros	Free plan includes editing, color, VFX, audio and collaboration Supports up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 and 60 fps in the free plan Works across Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS	Free plan with no time limit AI video, audio, captions, and generative features Desktop and mobile apps with 4K export support
Cons	Advanced AI, HDR and additional effects require the Studio upgrade Studio costs $295 as a one-time purchase Its broad post-production scope may exceed simple editing needs	Essential includes only limited features 365 requires annual recurring billing Cloud storage varies by plan
Our verdict	DaVinci Resolve is a professional post-production application for editors who need more than basic cutting. It brings non-linear editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, audio post-production, media organization and… Read the review →	CyberLink PowerDirector is video editing software for beginners, enthusiasts, content creators, brands, and influencers. It combines multi-track timeline editing, keyframes, effects, transitions, color tools, audio tools, captions, stock… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• DaVinci Resolve — where it wins

  • Free plan includes editing, color, VFX, audio and collaboration
  • Supports up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 and 60 fps in the free plan
  • Works across Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS

  Where it doesn't

  • Advanced AI, HDR and additional effects require the Studio upgrade
  • Studio costs $295 as a one-time purchase
  • Its broad post-production scope may exceed simple editing needs

• CyberLink PowerDirector — where it wins

  • Free plan with no time limit
  • AI video, audio, captions, and generative features
  • Desktop and mobile apps with 4K export support

  Where it doesn't

  • Essential includes only limited features
  • 365 requires annual recurring billing
  • Cloud storage varies by plan

• DaVinci Resolve9.3/10 · Free plan

  A deep free editor with professional post-production tools across desktop and iPad.

  Visit ResolveFull verdict →
• CyberLink PowerDirector8.9/10 · Free plan

  A broad, value-focused editor with free access and extensive AI features.

  Visit CyberLinkFull verdict →