DaVinci Resolve vs Shotcut: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, DaVinci Resolve leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, 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
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (DaVinci Resolve requires payment)
| At a Glance | Shotcut | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Video Editing Audio Editing | Video Editing Audio Editing |
Rating | 4.8/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.7 494 reviews | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.2 · SourceForge 2.4 125 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | 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 | No overage fees or seat minimums. |
Choose DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut?
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
- You want powerful free version
- You want industry-standard color
Choose Shotcut if
- You want a fully free tool (DaVinci Resolve requires payment)
- You want free video editor
- You want open source
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
- Pro: Powerful free version
- Pro: Industry-standard color
- Pro: All-in-one solution
Weaknesses
- Con: Steep learning curve
- Con: Hardware intensive
Key features
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Shotcut's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source, offering all features without any cost.
Watch out
No overage fees or seat minimums.
Strengths
- Pro: Free video editor
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Cross-platform
- Pro: Good for beginners
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: UI dated
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Performance varies
- Con: Feature gaps
- Con: Better alternatives exist
Key features
Plans and prices: DaVinci Resolve vs Shotcut
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve |
| blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/pr… read Oct 10, 2026 |
| Shotcut |
| shotcut.org read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on DaVinci Resolve pricing and Shotcut pricing.
Key Takeaways
DaVinci Resolve
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.0/5
Shotcut
- Choose if you want free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features
What the data shows
On the data below, DaVinci Resolve leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- DaVinci Resolve has the higher user rating (4.8/5 from 494 reviews for DaVinci Resolve, 4.0/5 from 125 reviews for Shotcut).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut compare in 2026?
On the data below, DaVinci Resolve leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. DaVinci Resolve has the higher user rating (4.8/5 from 494 reviews for DaVinci Resolve, 4.0/5 from 125 reviews for Shotcut). Both have a free plan.
What are DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut used for?
DaVinci Resolve: Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app. Shotcut: Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
What does DaVinci Resolve cost vs Shotcut?
DaVinci Resolve has no public paid-plan price on file. Shotcut is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut?
DaVinci Resolve's main strength: powerful free version. Shotcut's main strength: free video editor.