DaVinci Resolve vs Lightworks

DaVinci Resolve9.3Visit Lightworks8.5Visit

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

vs

Lightworks #8 in Video Editing Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Lightworks

• DaVinci Resolve fits best

  Professional editors wanting maximum free depth

• Lightworks fits best

  Editors seeking a capable free desktop tool

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Side by side

Feature	DaVinci Resolve 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Lightworks 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.5
Ranking	#1 in Video Editing Software	#8 in Video Editing Software
Best for	Professional editors wanting maximum free depth	Editors seeking a capable free desktop tool
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	6 integrations	8 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DaVinci Resolve 4/5 · Lightworks 3/5
Desktop app	✓	✓
Web app	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Mobile app	✓ (best)	—
4K export	✓	✓
Team collaboration	✓	✓
Specs
Included cloud storage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
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 timeline editing with automatic saving and 720p HD export Multicam, colour, audio, VFX, proxy editing, and subtitles Windows, macOS, and Linux support with cloud-library connections
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	Free export is limited to 720p HD 4K, 8K, 10-bit, and advanced features depend on paid tiers No mobile or tablet download; it is a desktop application
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 →	Lightworks is non-linear video editing software for beginners, content creators, filmmakers, and professional editors. Its desktop application runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Free, Create, and Pro editions. The workflow covers… 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

• Lightworks — where it wins

  • Free timeline editing with automatic saving and 720p HD export
  • Multicam, colour, audio, VFX, proxy editing, and subtitles
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux support with cloud-library connections

  Where it doesn't

  • Free export is limited to 720p HD
  • 4K, 8K, 10-bit, and advanced features depend on paid tiers
  • No mobile or tablet download; it is a desktop application

• DaVinci Resolve9.3/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit ResolveFull verdict →
• Lightworks8.5/10 · Free plan

  A capable free desktop editor with broader export and workflow features in paid tiers.

  Visit LightworksFull verdict →