Comparison · Video editing software
Adobe Premiere Pro vs Lightworks: which is better in 2026?
Adobe Premiere Pro87.5#3 in best video editing software
Lightworks81.0#7 in best video editing softwareAdobe Premiere Pro ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#3 against #7, score 87.5 against 81.0).
- 87.5Editorial score81.0
- 2Platforms3
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Adobe Premiere Pro if you want
Professional editing in Adobe-based workflows.
A mature timeline editor with wide format support and close links to After Effects and other Adobe tools. It is subscription-only, unlike DaVinci Resolve's free edition or Final Cut Pro's one-time price.
Choose Lightworks if you want
Desktop editing with a free tier.
A long-established editor with a free tier that has no time limit, plus paid Create and Pro plans. It runs on desktop only, and mobile and tablet users cannot install it.
The main differences
- Only Lightworks runs on Linux.
- Lightworks can be used for free; Adobe Premiere Pro requires payment.
Side by side
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Lightworks | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.5 | 81.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #7 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionCreative Cloud subscription; a free trial is offered | Free plan, paid upgradesFree tier; Create and Pro plans billed monthly, yearly or once |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Adobe | Not stated |
| Best for | Professional editing in Adobe-based workflows | Desktop editing with a free tier |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Adobe Premiere Pro vs Lightworks
- Is Adobe Premiere Pro better than Lightworks?
- Adobe Premiere Pro ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#3 against #7, score 87.5 against 81.0). Adobe Premiere Pro is best for: professional editing in Adobe-based workflows. Lightworks is best for: desktop editing with a free tier.
- Which is cheaper, Adobe Premiere Pro or Lightworks?
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Creative Cloud subscription; a free trial is offered. Lightworks: Free tier; Create and Pro plans billed monthly, yearly or once.
- Do Adobe Premiere Pro and Lightworks run on the same platforms?
- Adobe Premiere Pro supports Windows, macOS. Lightworks supports Windows, macOS, Linux.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Adobe Premiere Pro and Lightworks
All articles- Comparisons · 5 min readDaVinci Resolve vs Adobe Premiere Pro: Which Video Editor Fits You?DaVinci Resolve offers a free editor with color grading and audio, while Premiere Pro is a subscription timeline editor tied to Adobe apps. Compare the two.
- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose video editing software for your projectsChoose video editing software by timeline depth, hardware needs, export formats and price. Compare DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Shotcut, Kdenlive and CapCut.
