DaVinci Resolve vs iMovie

DaVinci Resolve

• Editors and colorists who want editing, color, effects and audio in one app
• Learning professional post-production tools on the free version
• Teams working on the same project through Blackmagic Cloud

iMovie

• First-time editors who already own an iPhone, iPad or Mac
• Family, school and travel videos built from templates
• Starting an edit on a phone and finishing it on a Mac

DaVinci Resolve

• The free version stops at 8-bit formats, 60fps and Ultra HD 3840 x 2160; 10-bit video, 120fps and higher resolutions need Studio.
• The DaVinci AI Neural Engine tools, temporal and AI spatial noise reduction and text-based editing are in Studio only.
• The App Store version is for iPad, where Studio is a $94.99 in-app purchase; no browser version is listed.
• Rental licenses for Studio are described for companies using Blackmagic Cloud Organizations; individuals buy a license.

iMovie

• Apple lists iMovie for Mac, iPad and iPhone only.
• Magic Movie and Storyboards are created in the iPhone and iPad app; the Mac app imports those projects into its timeline.
• The current Mac version requires macOS 26.6 or later, and the iPhone and iPad version requires iOS or iPadOS 17.6 or later.
• For more advanced tools Apple points to Final Cut Pro, which can import iMovie projects and is a paid product.

DaVinci Resolve

Cut and edit pages

Two editing workspaces: the cut page for fast turnarounds and multicam work, and the edit page with a traditional track layout, trimming tools and subtitles.

Color page

Node-based color correction with primary sliders, qualifiers, PowerWindows, trackers and HDR grading tools. HDR grading is in the free version.

Fusion effects and motion graphics

A node-based compositor in a 3D workspace for visual effects, animated 2D and 3D titles and particle systems.

Fairlight audio

Audio post-production with up to 2,000 tracks, ADR and Foley tools, and effects such as reverb, de-esser, hum remover and AI Voice Isolation.

Multi-user collaboration

Editors, colorists, effects artists and sound engineers can work on the same project at once, with projects hosted through Blackmagic Cloud.

DaVinci AI Neural Engine

Studio-only AI tools including magic mask, smart reframe, Super Scale upscaling, speed warp retiming and object removal.

iMovie

Magic Movie

On iPhone and iPad, pick an album or a group of clips and photos and iMovie assembles a video with titles, transitions and music.

Storyboards

20 Storyboards for popular video types on iPhone and iPad, with placeholder clips you record into or fill from the Photos library.

Trailers

Trailer templates with graphics and original scores: 14 on iPhone and iPad and 29 on Mac, with editable studio logos, cast names and credits.

Themes, titles and filters

The iPhone and iPad app has 8 themes, 13 video filters and 11 animated title styles. The Mac app adds 3D globes and travel maps.

Effects and Cinematic mode

Picture-in-picture, split-screen and green-screen effects, slow motion and fast-forward, and focus-point editing for Cinematic mode video.

4K editing and handoff

Edit and save at up to 4K, and send a project to a Mac by AirDrop or iCloud Drive to finish in iMovie or Final Cut Pro.

DaVinci Resolve

• DaVinci Resolve$0

  Editing, color, Fusion effects and Fairlight audio for 8-bit formats up to 60fps and Ultra HD, with multi-user collaboration and HDR grading.

• DaVinci Resolve Studio for iPad$94.99

  in-app purchase on iPad; billing period not shown

  Upgrade inside the free iPad app that adds DaVinci AI Neural Engine tools such as magic mask, smart reframe and voice isolation.

• DaVinci Resolve Studio$295

  to buy a license; no subscription period is listed

  Adds the DaVinci AI Neural Engine, more Resolve FX, noise reduction, text-based editing, 10-bit video up to 120fps and resolutions beyond 4K.

iMovie

• Free$0

  The complete app on iPhone, iPad and Mac, including trailers, themes, effects and export at up to 4K.

DaVinci Resolve

• Other savings

  Studio key included with editing hardware

  The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor ($435) and Editor Keyboard ($669) both list a DaVinci Resolve Studio activation key under What's Included.

iMovie

No public discounts listed.