Head-to-head · Video Editing Software
VEGAS Pro vs Lightworks
VEGAS Pro leads on 0 checks, Lightworks on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreVEGAS Pro · 8.6/10
- Free planonly Lightworks
- Free trialonly VEGAS Pro
- Most featuresLightworks · 3 of 5
VEGAS Pro scores higher on our rubric for video editing software: 8.6 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
Lightworks offers free plan; VEGAS Pro doesn't.
VEGAS Pro is the better fit for windows editors needing advanced AI editing. Lightworks is the better fit for editors seeking a capable free desktop tool.
- VEGAS Pro fits best
Windows editors needing advanced AI editing
- Lightworks fits best
Editors seeking a capable free desktop tool
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Side by side
| Feature | VEGAS Pro 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Lightworks 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #7 in Video Editing Software | #8 in Video Editing Software |
| Best for | Windows editors needing advanced AI editing | Editors seeking a capable free desktop tool |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 15 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Live chat, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features VEGAS Pro 2/5 · Lightworks 3/5 | ||
| Desktop app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mobile app | Not checked yet | — |
| 4K export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Team collaboration | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Included cloud storage | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | VEGAS Pro is a Windows-based nonlinear video editor for content creators, filmmakers, and post-production professionals. Its core workflow combines timeline editing, multicamera production, compositing, color grading, visual effects,… 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
VEGAS Pro — where it wins
- Unlimited video and audio tracks with GPU-accelerated processing
- AI text editing, subtitles, speech-to-text, and voice generation
- Advanced color, multicam, compositing, audio, and 4K/8K export
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform limits cross-platform workflows
- No free plan for ongoing use
- Higher editions add specialist tools at additional plan levels
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
- VEGAS Pro8.6/10 · 15-day trial
A feature-rich Windows editor with advanced AI, color, multicam, audio, and 4K/8K export.
Visit VEGAS ProFull verdict → - Lightworks8.5/10 · Free plan
A capable free desktop editor with broader export and workflow features in paid tiers.
Visit LightworksFull verdict →
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All video editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




