Base Price
Free (full version)
$299.99 one-time
Studio / Pro Upgrade
$295 one-time (DaVinci Resolve Studio)
No upgrade needed — it's already the full app
Platform
Mac, Windows, Linux
Mac only
Free Trial
Free tier is permanent, not a trial
90-day free trial available
Color Grading
Industry-standard node-based grading (Resolve is THE standard)
Solid color tools, but layer-based and less deep
Audio Post (DAW built-in)
Fairlight DAW fully integrated — broadcast ready
Basic audio roles and effects, no deep DAW
Render / Export Speed (Apple Silicon)
Fast, improving with Apple Silicon support
Blazing fast — Metal + ProRes optimized natively
Timeline Editing Model
Traditional track-based NLE
Magnetic timeline — faster rough cuts, less precision
Collaboration / Multi-user
Real-time multi-user (Studio tier)
Basic library sharing, no real-time collaboration
Learning Curve
Steep — 6 dedicated workspaces to learn
Gentler — familiar to iMovie upgraders
VFX / Fusion
Fusion compositing built-in (node-based VFX)
Motion integration only — separate $49.99 app
Updates
Free major updates forever
Free updates via Mac App Store
If you wantYou want pro color grading and a free tool
Resolve's color tools are what Hollywood actually uses, and it costs nothing to start.
→ Pick DaVinci Resolve If you wantYou're on a Mac and value speed above all
Final Cut Pro is stupidly fast on Apple Silicon and ProRes workflows are buttery smooth.
→ Pick Final Cut Pro If you wantYou edit on Windows or Linux
Final Cut Pro simply doesn't exist on those platforms — no contest.
→ Pick DaVinci Resolve If you wantYou're a YouTuber or solo creator upgrading from iMovie
The learning curve is much gentler and the one-time price beats a Premiere subscription long-term.
→ Pick Final Cut Pro Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.