A professional video editing, colour grading, visual effects and audio post suite, with a free version that is genuinely production-capable.
Why we recommend it
The free version is not a trial or a feature-starved teaser — it is used on commercial work, and its colour grading is the industry reference. For designers doing occasional video, it removes the subscription question entirely.
Strengths
- Colour grading is best in class, full stop. The free tier covers editing, grading, Fusion effects and Fairlight audio in one application. Studio is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, which over a few years is dramatically cheaper than Adobe.
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve, with a page-based structure that is unlike any other editor. Demanding on hardware — an underpowered machine will struggle badly. Motion graphics via Fusion is node-based and much harder to pick up than After Effects for anyone used to layers.
How much does DaVinci Resolve cost?
Free version; Studio is a one-time purchase — Free tier, with paid plans.
List price, excluding tax. Compare prices across the directory.
DaVinci Resolve alternatives and related tools
Adobe After Effects
The professional standard for motion graphics and visual effects, used by broadcasters, filmmakers, and design teams worldwide.
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Adobe Color
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Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is Adobe's generative AI integrated across Creative Cloud apps. Generate images, remove or expand objects, and…
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