DaVinci Resolve vs Kdenlive (2026): which should you pick?

Pick DaVinci Resolve if

• Fits if you want editing, color, effects and audio in one app
• Works for learning professional post-production tools without paying, on the free version

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you only trim clips for social media, as this is a full post-production suite with a learning curve
• Not for you if you shoot 10-bit video or 120fps and won't pay, since those need Studio
• Pricey if you only want magic mask or voice isolation, because the AI tools are in Studio at $236, a cut from $295 with no end date given
• Watch out: text-based editing and AI noise reduction are Studio only, and Studio on iPad is a separate $94.99
• Not for you if you want to edit on a phone or in a browser, as neither is offered

Pick Kdenlive if

• Fits if you want a free editor for projects with several tracks
• Works for people who edit on Linux

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you need a phone or browser editor, since it's desktop only
• Watch out: daily builds can be unstable and can corrupt existing projects
• Tight if your computer is old, because Windows needs 10 and macOS needs 13
• Not for you if you want templates and a quick result, since it's a full editor with a learning curve

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.

Kdenlive

• Desktop only: the download page lists Windows, Linux and macOS builds, with no mobile or browser version.
• Windows needs version 10 or newer, and macOS needs 13 (Ventura) or newer.
• Daily builds are offered for testing, and the site warns they can be unstable and can corrupt existing projects.

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.

Kdenlive

Multi-track timeline

A non-linear workflow with multicam and 3-point editing, nested sequences, markers and automatic backups.

Proxies and asset bins

Imports footage in most audio and video formats, shows metadata, and can use proxies for smoother playback on slower machines. Clips can be tagged and sorted into several bins.

Effects and transitions

Hundreds of audio and video effects that can be keyframed, plus transitions and layer compositions.

Color tools

LUTs, basic corrections and detailed grading, with histogram, vectorscope, RGB parade and waveform views.

Subtitles and titles

Subtitles can be created with automatic transcription. Simple title clips are built in, and projects can connect to Glaxnimate for motion graphics.

Audio mixing

Audio mixers, built-in voiceover recording and an audio spectrum view.

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$236

  to buy a license; no subscription period is listed

  Shown as Now $236, Was $295, with no end date. Adds the DaVinci AI Neural Engine, more Resolve FX, noise reduction, text-based editing and 10-bit up to 120fps.

Kdenlive

• Free$0

  The full editor on Windows, macOS and Linux. The project asks for optional donations.

DaVinci Resolve

• Other savings

  Studio key included with editing hardware

  The DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor ($349, shown down from $435) and Editor Keyboard ($535, down from $669) both list a DaVinci Resolve Studio activation key under What's Included.

Kdenlive

No public discounts listed.