DaVinci Resolve vs OpenShot: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot 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. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Video Editing pick. VEED is our free Video Editing pick. Pick OpenShot if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
DaVinci Resolve
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
Best for you if:
- • You want powerful free version
- • You want industry-standard color
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (DaVinci Resolve requires payment)
- • You want free video editor
- • You want open source
| At a Glance | OpenShot | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose DaVinci Resolve or OpenShot?
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app
- You want powerful free version
- You want industry-standard color
Choose OpenShot if
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
- You want a fully free tool (DaVinci Resolve requires payment)
- You want free video editor
- You want open source
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | OpenShot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 494 reviews | ★4.5/5 37 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingAudio Editing | Video EditingAnimation |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Free version limits GPU acceleration: only one GPU is used, and some GPU-accelerated effects (noise reduction, lens blur) are Studio-only. On large projects, this means slower renders
Strengths
- +Powerful free version
- +Industry-standard color
- +All-in-one solution
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Hardware intensive
Key features
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
OpenShot's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it offers a fully-featured, award-winning video editor for $0 under an open-source license.
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for beginners
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Performance issues
- -Limited features
- -UI dated
- -Stability varies
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: DaVinci Resolve vs OpenShot
| Plan | DaVinci Resolve | OpenShot |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $295 Studio | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on DaVinci Resolve pricing and OpenShot pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenShot is free. DaVinci Resolve is freemium.
Go with: OpenShot
Want the highest-rated option?
DaVinci Resolve: 4.8/5 (494 reviews). OpenShot: 4.5/5 (37 reviews).
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
Value user reviews?
DaVinci Resolve: 494 reviews (4.8/5). OpenShot: 37 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: DaVinci Resolve
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
DaVinci Resolve is freemium. OpenShot is free. Go with OpenShot if free matters most.
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 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
DaVinci Resolve
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (494 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenShot
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Video Editing pick. VEED is our free Video Editing pick. That said, OpenShot is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DaVinci Resolve or OpenShot better?
DaVinci Resolve is rated in our evaluation. DaVinci Resolve is freemium and OpenShot is free.
What are DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot used for?
DaVinci Resolve: Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app. OpenShot: Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows..
What does DaVinci Resolve cost vs OpenShot?
DaVinci Resolve is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenShot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.