Camtasia vs DaVinci Resolve: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Camtasia 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 is our overall pick for video editing workflows. Pick Camtasia if you need screen recording.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Camtasia
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
Best for you if:
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • Camtasia is screen recording and video editing software for creating tutorials and presentations
- • It combines screen capture with a full editing suite for professional-looking videos
DaVinci Resolve
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need video editing features specifically
- • All-in-one solution for video editing, color, VFX, motion graphics, and audio post-production.
- • Used by Hollywood professionals, offering high-quality tools and advanced features including AI.
| At a Glance |  Camtasia | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $39.84/moStarter | $295/moStudio |
Best For | Screen Recording | Video Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Camtasia or DaVinci Resolve?
Choose Camtasia if
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
- Good screen recording
- Video editing included
- Good for tutorials
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not video editing-shaped
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
- Powerful free version
- Industry-standard color
- All-in-one solution
- Your work is video editing-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
| Feature | Camtasia | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,227 reviews | ★4.7/5 471 reviews |
| Categories | Screen RecordingVideo Editing | Video EditingAudio Editing |
In-Depth Analysis
Camtasia
Record and edit polished videos without prior experience
Strengths
- +Good screen recording
- +Video editing included
- +Good for tutorials
- +Templates
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Subscription now
- -Heavy application
- -Learning curve
- -Updates cost extra
Key features
DaVinci Resolve
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
Strengths
- +Powerful free version
- +Industry-standard color
- +All-in-one solution
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Hardware intensive
Key features
Pricing: Camtasia vs DaVinci Resolve
| Plan | Camtasia | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $39.84 Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $183.75 Essentials | $295 Studio |
| Tier 3 | $254.36 Create | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $611.89 Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Camtasia pricing and DaVinci Resolve pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
DaVinci Resolve has a free tier. Camtasia is paid only.
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Camtasia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Camtasia is paid. DaVinci Resolve is freemium. DaVinci Resolve lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Camtasia is a screen recording tool. DaVinci Resolve is in video editing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
DaVinci Resolve
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Camtasia
- Larger review base (1,227 reviews)
- Better fit for screen recording
The Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camtasia or DaVinci Resolve better?
DaVinci Resolve is rated in our evaluation. Camtasia is paid and DaVinci Resolve is freemium.
What are Camtasia and DaVinci Resolve used for?
Camtasia: Record and edit polished videos without prior experience. DaVinci Resolve: Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app.
What does Camtasia cost vs DaVinci Resolve?
Camtasia is a paid tool. DaVinci Resolve is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.