DaVinci Resolve vs CapCut
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.1. DaVinci Resolve wins on 4 of the 5 scores, CapCut on 1.
YouTubers, filmmakers and colorists who want pro tools without a subscription
Creators making TikToks, Reels and Shorts who want speed over fine control
Score by score
The details
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photo & Video | Photo & Video |
| Category rank | #1 of 10 | #9 of 10 |
| Developer | Blackmagic Design | ByteDance |
| Pricing | Free + paid plans | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | — | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux | ✓ | — |
| Web | — | ✓ |
Common questions
Is DaVinci Resolve better than CapCut?
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.1. DaVinci Resolve wins on 4 of the 5 scores, CapCut on 1.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or CapCut?
DaVinci Resolve: Free version; Studio is a one-time $295 (now $236), or $94.99 on iPad. CapCut: Free plan; Standard $9.99/month and Pro $19.99/month on the App Store. On value for money, DaVinci Resolve scores higher.
Do DaVinci Resolve and CapCut work on the same devices?
Only DaVinci Resolve runs on Linux. Only CapCut runs on Android, Web.
Which is more private, DaVinci Resolve or CapCut?
DaVinci Resolve scores higher on privacy (9.4/10). Every App Store listing, for iPad and Mac, says Data Not Collected: no tracking and nothing linked to you.
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
CapCut
- Very quick to get from raw clips to a finished video
- Auto captions save real time
- Huge library of templates, effects and music
- Many popular tools need a paid plan
- Tracking, ads and ByteDance ownership raise privacy concerns
CapCut is the fastest way to make a polished short-form video. Templates, auto captions, effects and background removal do most of the work, and it runs on phone, desktop and web. The catches are real: many tools sit behind paid plans, AI video generation runs on credits, and ByteDance ownership plus declared tracking give privacy-minded creators pause. Get it for social clips you need to post quickly.
Full CapCut review
