DaVinci Resolve vs Blender
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 9.1. DaVinci Resolve wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Blender on 2, with 1 tied.
YouTubers, filmmakers and colorists who want pro tools without a subscription
3D artists, indie game makers and animators who want pro tools for free
Score by score
The details
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | Blender |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photo & Video | Design & Creativity |
| Category rank | #1 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Developer | Blackmagic Design | Blender Foundation |
| Pricing | Free + paid plans | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | — |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is DaVinci Resolve better than Blender?
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 9.1. DaVinci Resolve wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Blender on 2, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or Blender?
DaVinci Resolve: Free version; Studio is a one-time $295 (now $236), or $94.99 on iPad. Blender: Free forever for any purpose, including commercial work. On value for money, Blender scores higher.
Do DaVinci Resolve and Blender work on the same devices?
Only DaVinci Resolve runs on iPhone & iPad.
Which is more private, DaVinci Resolve or Blender?
Blender scores higher on privacy (9.6/10). No account or registration needed. Blender doesn't go online by default: Allow Online Access stays off until you turn it on, and an offline mode locks it off.
Strengths and weaknesses
DaVinci Resolve
- Free version is enough for most creators
- Studio is a one-time purchase with free upgrades
- No data collected, per Apple's labels
- Steep learning curve
- Needs a powerful computer
- Most AI tools are Studio-only
DaVinci Resolve packs editing, color grading, Fusion visual effects and Fairlight audio into one app, and the free version handles Ultra HD at up to 60fps. Version 21 added a Photo page and AI tools like IntelliSearch and CineFocus, mostly in Studio. If you outgrow the free version, Studio is a one-time purchase with free upgrades, never a subscription. Expect a learning curve, and a powerful computer helps.
Full DaVinci Resolve review
Blender
- Free and open source, even for commercial work
- No account, and it works fully offline
- One app covers modeling through final render
- Steep learning curve with a dense interface
- Mac version needs Apple silicon
- No iPad or Android tablet version yet
Blender is a complete 3D studio that costs nothing. Model, sculpt, animate, simulate, render with Cycles or real-time EEVEE, draw 2D animation with Grease Pencil and even edit video, all in one app. It's open source, needs no account and works offline, and version 5.2 added node-based cloth and hair physics. Be ready for a steep learning curve, and on Mac it needs Apple silicon.
Full Blender review
