DaVinci Resolve vs PowerDirector (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 PowerDirector if

• Fits if you edit on a Windows or Mac and want AI help with captions and cleanup
• Works for people who prefer a one-time license to a subscription

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want regular updates and the one-time license, since 2027 doesn't get them
• Tight if you use a lot of AI, as credits are metered: 100 a month on 365
• Watch out: premium stock beyond 30 downloads a month needs a separate plan
• Watch out: the page showed a time-limited promotion, so the regular prices are the struck-through ones
• Not for you if you want to edit in a browser, since there's no web version

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.

PowerDirector

• The pricing page showed a time-limited promotion ending November 15; the plan prices here are the regular ones shown struck through.
• The monthly-billing price sits behind the Monthly toggle and was not readable; the 365 prices recorded are annual.
• The one-time 2027 license does not get regular updates or new content.
• Premium stock beyond 30 downloads a month needs an Unlimited Premium Stock Content Plan.

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.

PowerDirector

Timeline editing

Multi-track editing with keyframes, multi-cam, color matching and audio cleanup.

Agentic Editor and Auto Edit

Describe a video in text, or upload up to 100 clips for an automatic first cut.

Generative AI

Text and image to video, AI music and character motion, paid from AI credits.

Captions and speech

Auto captions, transcript-based editing, text to speech and voice profiles.

AI cleanup

Object and background removal, enhancement and audio denoise.

Stock library

Getty Images and Meta Sound Collection; 365 gives 30 premium downloads a month.

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.

PowerDirector

• PowerDirector Essential$0

  Free version with core editing tools and basic AI features.

• PowerDirector 2027$139.99

  one-time, perpetual license

  Core AI and GenAI features, 4K export, 500 AI credits valid one year and 25 GB cloud storage for one year; no regular feature updates.

• PowerDirector 365$79.99

  per year

  Annual plan with monthly updates, 100 AI credits a month, stock library and 50 GB cloud storage. The page showed $69.99 ($5.83 a month) during a promotion.

• Director Suite$149.99

  per year

  PowerDirector 365 plus PhotoDirector 365 and AudioDirector 365, 250 AI credits a month, 100 GB storage. Showed $125.99 ($10.50 a month) during a promotion.

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.

PowerDirector

• Other savings

  Limited-time discount through November 15

  The pricing page showed $69.99 a year on 365 and $125.99 on Director Suite under a banner ending November 15.