After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between After Effects and DaVinci Resolve comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: DaVinci Resolve wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. Pick After Effects if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
After Effects
Motion graphics and visual effects
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard
- • You want powerful features
DaVinci Resolve
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want powerful free version
- • You want industry-standard color
| At a Glance | After Effects | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $19.99/month (annual)Students | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose After Effects or DaVinci Resolve?
Choose After Effects if
Motion graphics and visual effects
- You want industry standard
- You want powerful features
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want powerful free version
- You want industry-standard color
| Feature | After Effects | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,093 reviews | ★4.8/5 494 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingAnimation | Video EditingAudio Editing |
In-Depth Analysis
After Effects
Motion graphics and visual effects
Adobe's After Effects pricing is fair for individual users at $22.99/month (annual), offering essential features.
Strengths
- +Industry standard
- +Powerful features
- +Huge plugin ecosystem
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Subscription cost
- -Resource intensive
Key features
DaVinci Resolve
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
DaVinci Resolve is the best deal in professional video editing, period.
Watch out
iPad Studio ($94.99) is a SEPARATE purchase from desktop Studio ($295), buying one does not unlock the other. Full cross-platform costs $390
Strengths
- +Powerful free version
- +Industry-standard color
- +All-in-one solution
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Hardware intensive
Key features
Pricing: After Effects vs DaVinci Resolve
| Plan | After Effects | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $22.99 month (annual) After Effects | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $59.99 month (annual) All Apps | $295 Studio |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 month (annual) Students | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on After Effects pricing and DaVinci Resolve pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DaVinci Resolve has a free tier. After Effects is paid only.
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
Want the highest-rated option?
After Effects: 4.6/5 (1,093 reviews). DaVinci Resolve: 4.8/5 (494 reviews).
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
Value user reviews?
After Effects: 1,093 reviews (4.6/5). DaVinci Resolve: 494 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: After Effects
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
After Effects is paid. DaVinci Resolve is freemium. DaVinci Resolve lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
DaVinci Resolve is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
DaVinci Resolve
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
- More user reviews (1)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
After Effects
- Larger review base (1,093 reviews)
The Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is After Effects or DaVinci Resolve better?
DaVinci Resolve is rated in our evaluation. After Effects is paid and DaVinci Resolve is freemium.
What are After Effects and DaVinci Resolve used for?
After Effects: Motion graphics and visual effects. DaVinci Resolve: Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app.
What does After Effects cost vs DaVinci Resolve?
After Effects is a paid tool. DaVinci Resolve is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.