DaVinci Resolve vs Adobe Lightroom
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.9. DaVinci Resolve wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Adobe Lightroom on 2.
YouTubers, filmmakers and colorists who want pro tools without a subscription
Photographers who shoot RAW and edit across phone, tablet and computer
Score by score
The details
| Feature | DaVinci Resolve | Adobe Lightroom |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Photo & Video | Photo & Video |
| Category rank | #1 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Developer | Blackmagic Design | Adobe |
| 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 Adobe Lightroom?
DaVinci Resolve is the better app overall, scoring 9.3 to 8.9. DaVinci Resolve wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Adobe Lightroom on 2.
Which is cheaper, DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Lightroom?
DaVinci Resolve: Free version; Studio is a one-time $295 (now $236), or $94.99 on iPad. Adobe Lightroom: Free mobile app; Lightroom plan with 1TB is $11.99/month, billed yearly. On value for money, DaVinci Resolve scores higher.
Do DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Lightroom work on the same devices?
Only DaVinci Resolve runs on Linux. Only Adobe Lightroom runs on Android, Web.
Which is more private, DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Lightroom?
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
Adobe Lightroom
- Masking tools are precise and fast to apply
- Same edits and presets on phone, tablet and desktop
- Free mobile version covers core adjustments
- Best AI tools and cloud storage require a paid plan
- Cloud-first library can feel heavy for quick edits
- Privacy label declares tracking
Lightroom is the most complete photo editor you can carry between phone, tablet and desktop. AI masks select skies, subjects and people in a tap, Generative Remove and Expand clean up or extend a shot, and edits sync across devices through Adobe's cloud. The catch is the subscription: the best AI tools, cloud storage and the desktop apps sit behind it. Get it if you shoot RAW or edit on several devices.
Full Adobe Lightroom review
