DaVinci Resolve vs Lightworks: 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 Lightworks 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
Lightworks
Unlock your video editing potential with a powerful, professional-grade video editor.
Best for you if:
- • You want offers a free version for beginners to get started
| At a Glance | Lightworks | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | Free plan |
Category | Video Editing Audio Editing | Video Editing Audio Editing |
Rating | 4.8/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.7 494 reviews | 3.9/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.5 · SourceForge 2.0 191 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 | n/a |
Choose DaVinci Resolve or Lightworks?
Choose DaVinci Resolve if
- You want powerful free version
- You want industry-standard color
Choose Lightworks if
- You want offers a free version for beginners to get started
- You want scales with user skill level from beginner to professional
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
Lightworks
Unlock your video editing potential with a powerful, professional-grade video editor.
Lightworks offers a generous free tier, making it accessible for beginners.
Strengths
- Pro: Offers a free version for beginners to get started.
- Pro: Scales with user skill level from beginner to professional.
- Pro: Provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools (video, audio, VFX, color).
- Pro: Supports high-quality footage and offers advanced features like HDR workflows.
- Pro: Streamlined sharing and export options, including direct social media integration.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced VFX features (supplied by NewBlue) are only available for Windows and Mac.
- Con: The full range of professional features requires a paid subscription.
Key features
Plans and prices: DaVinci Resolve vs Lightworks
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve |
| blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/pr…read Oct 10, 2026 |
| Lightworks |
| lwks.com/pricingread Sep 30, 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 Lightworks pricing.
Key Takeaways
DaVinci Resolve
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 3.9/5
Lightworks
- Choose if you want unlock your video editing potential with a powerful, professional-grade video editor
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, 3.9/5 from 191 reviews for Lightworks).
- 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 Lightworks 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, 3.9/5 from 191 reviews for Lightworks). Both have a free plan.
What are DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks used for?
DaVinci Resolve: Edit, color grade, VFX, and mix audio in one app. Lightworks: Unlock your video editing potential with a powerful, professional-grade video editor.
What does DaVinci Resolve cost vs Lightworks?
DaVinci Resolve has no public paid-plan price on file. Lightworks has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 10, 2026.
What's the main difference between DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks?
DaVinci Resolve's main strength: powerful free version. Lightworks's main strength: offers a free version for beginners to get started.