Free DaVinci Resolve alternatives

All DaVinci Resolve alternatives

1. 

   

   Kdenlive

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   Kdenlive is a multi-track video editor developed by the KDE community, with effects, transitions, proxy editing and automatic subtitles.

   11 Kdenlive alternatives

   Pros

   • Free and open source, with no watermarks or paywalls
   • Multi-track editing with proxy clips for smoother playback
   • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

   Cons

   • Can crash or behave unpredictably on complex projects
   • Interface takes time for beginners to learn

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Auto captionsOffline mode

   Visit websiteMore about Kdenlive
2. 

   

   Lightworks

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   Lightworks is a long-standing non-linear editor that has been used on feature films and television, now developed by LWKS Software. It offers a multi-track timeline, precise trimming tools, color correction and wide format support on Windows, macOS and Linux. A free version lets anyone learn it with limited export options, while paid plans add higher resolution exports and pro formats.

   7 Lightworks alternatives

   Pros

   • Pro-grade trimming tools with a film and TV pedigree
   • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
   • Free version is enough to learn professional editing

   Cons

   • Free version limits export resolution and formats
   • Unconventional interface with a steep learning curve

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   4K exportColor gradingMulti-track timeline

   Visit websiteMore about Lightworks
3. 

   

   Shotcut

   15.4KstarsLike

   Shotcut is a cross-platform video editor with native timeline editing, wide format support and no import step, built on the MLT framework.

   12 Shotcut alternatives

   Pros

   • Free and open source, with no watermarks or upsells
   • Wide format support and native timeline editing with no import step
   • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

   Cons

   • Interface feels less intuitive than consumer editors
   • Fewer templates and effects than commercial tools

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   Offline mode

   Visit websiteMore about Shotcut
4. 

   

   CapCut

   4.6(1.1M) · App StoreLike

   CapCut is a video editor available on mobile, desktop and the web, with templates, effects, auto captions and AI tools aimed at short-form content.

   23 CapCut alternatives

   Pros

   • Fast editing with templates and effects tuned for short-form video
   • Auto captions and AI tools save time on social content
   • Available on mobile, desktop and in the browser

   Cons

   • Many effects and AI tools require a Pro subscription
   • Ownership by ByteDance raises data privacy questions
   • Not built for long-form or professional editing

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Video EditingAI Video Generators

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid

   Features

   AI voiceoverAuto captionsTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about CapCut
5. 

   

   OpenShot

   6.6KstarsLike

   OpenShot is a free, open source video editor designed to be easy to learn. It offers a multi-track timeline with drag and drop, keyframe animations, transitions, title templates, chroma key and 3D animated titles rendered with Blender. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS and is a common choice for beginners who want a no-cost desktop editor.

   8 OpenShot alternatives

   Pros

   • Simple drag-and-drop editing that beginners learn quickly
   • Free and open source on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS
   • Animated 3D titles rendered with Blender

   Cons

   • Performance and stability suffer on longer projects
   • Limited advanced tools compared with DaVinci Resolve or Kdenlive

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   4K exportGreen screenMulti-track timeline

   Visit websiteMore about OpenShot
6. 

   

   Filmora

   4.7(90K) · App StoreLike

   Filmora is a consumer video editor from Wondershare for YouTubers, educators and small businesses. It pairs a multi-track timeline with a large library of effects, templates and stock media, and adds AI tools such as auto captions, background removal, text-to-speech and audio denoising. It is available for Windows and macOS, with mobile apps; the free version adds a watermark on export.

   11 Filmora alternatives

   Pros

   • Beginner-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve
   • Large library of effects, templates and stock media
   • AI tools for captions, background removal and audio denoising

   Cons

   • Free version adds a watermark to exports
   • Some effects and AI features cost extra
   • Not suited to complex professional projects

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   WindowsMaciPhoneAndroid

   Features

   AI assistantAuto captionsGreen screenMulti-track timelineStock media libraryTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about Filmora
7. 

   

   iMovie

   4.4(315.9K) · App StoreLike

   iMovie is Apple's free video editor for Mac, iPhone and iPad. It covers the basics with a simple timeline, titles, transitions, filters, green-screen effects and soundtracks, plus trailer templates and storyboards that guide beginners. Projects can be moved to Final Cut Pro when more advanced editing is needed.

   8 iMovie alternatives

   Pros

   • Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad
   • Trailer templates and storyboards guide beginners
   • Projects can move to Final Cut Pro when needs grow

   Cons

   • Very limited control over tracks and effects
   • Apple-only, with no Windows or Android version

   Cost / License

   FreeProprietary

   Categories

   Video Editing

   Platforms

   MaciPhone

   Features

   4K exportGreen screenTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about iMovie