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Lightworks alternatives

Top Video Editing like Lightworks

The most popular alternative to Lightworks is DaVinci Resolve, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Lightworks are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Kdenlive, and Shotcut.

Most alternatives to Lightworks are in the Video Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Lightworks alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
7 apps

All Lightworks alternatives

  1. DaVinci Resolve

    DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design combines video editing, its well-known color grading tools, Fusion visual effects and Fairlight audio post-production in a single application. The free version is unusually complete, while the paid Studio version adds AI tools, higher resolutions and frame rates, and extra effects. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and iPad.

    10 DaVinci Resolve alternatives

    Pros

    • Free version is remarkably complete for professional work
    • Renowned color grading tools used in film and television
    • Editing, VFX and audio post-production in a single app

    Cons

    • Steep learning curve, especially for color and Fusion
    • Needs a powerful GPU for smooth playback
    • Some AI tools and higher resolutions require the paid Studio version
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Video EditingAudio Editing & Music Production
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhone
    Features
    4K exportColor gradingGreen screenMulti-track timelinePlugins & extensionsTeam collaboration
    Visit websiteMore about DaVinci Resolve

  2. Adobe Premiere Pro

    Premiere Pro is Adobe's timeline-based video editor for film, television, YouTube and corporate work. It handles multi-camera editing, Lumetri color correction, speech-to-text captions and transcript-based editing, and connects with After Effects, Audition and Frame.io for review. It is sold as a Creative Cloud subscription for Windows and macOS.

    9 Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives

    Pros

    • Widely used in professional video, so skills transfer easily
    • Transcript-based editing and automatic captions speed up cuts
    • Works smoothly with After Effects, Audition and Frame.io

    Cons

    • Subscription-only pricing adds up over time
    • Can be unstable or sluggish on large projects
    • Interface is complex for newcomers
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Video Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Auto captionsColor gradingMulti-track timelinePlugins & extensionsTeam collaborationText-based editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Premiere Pro

  3. Final Cut Pro

    4.4(3.1K) · Mac App Store

    Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional video editing software for Mac, with a companion version for iPad. Its magnetic timeline keeps clips in sync as you edit, and it includes color grading tools, multicam editing, automatic captions and a large ecosystem of third-party effects and templates. It is optimized for Apple silicon and available on the App Store, with a free trial.

    10 Final Cut Pro alternatives

    Pros

    • Magnetic timeline keeps clips in sync while editing
    • Very fast performance on Apple silicon
    • One-time purchase for the Mac version, with no subscription

    Cons

    • Only available on Mac and iPad
    • Magnetic timeline can feel unfamiliar to editors used to tracks
    • Less common than Premiere or Avid in collaborative studio workflows
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Video Editing
    Platforms
    MaciPhone
    Features
    4K exportAuto captionsColor gradingGreen screenPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Final Cut Pro

  4. Kdenlive

    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

  5. Shotcut

    15.4Kstars

    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

  6. OpenShot

    6.6Kstars

    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

  7. Filmora

    4.7(90K) · App Store

    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

Lightworks vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Lightworks, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Lightworks vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatforms4K exportColor gradingMulti-track timeline
LightworksFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux
DaVinci ResolveFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone
Adobe Premiere ProFree trialWindows, Mac
Final Cut ProFree trialMac, iPhone
KdenliveFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ShotcutFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Lightworks alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Lightworks?

The most popular alternative to Lightworks is DaVinci Resolve: Editing, color grading, VFX and audio post-production in one app. Other great alternatives are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Kdenlive, and Shotcut.

Is there a free alternative to Lightworks?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including DaVinci Resolve, Kdenlive, Shotcut, and OpenShot.

Is there an open source alternative to Lightworks?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Kdenlive, Shotcut, and OpenShot.

Is Lightworks free?

Lightworks has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Lightworks with its alternatives

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