Comparison · Video editing software
Avid Media Composer vs DaVinci Resolve: which is better in 2026?
Avid Media Composer86.0#5 in best video editing software
DaVinci Resolve93.0#1 in best video editing software
DaVinci Resolve93.0#1 in best video editing softwareDaVinci Resolve ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#1 against #5, score 93.0 against 86.0).
- 86.0Editorial score93.0
- 2Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Avid Media Composer if you want
Professional film and TV editing.
The editing system that film, TV and news studios use, on Mac and PC, with a free Media Composer First tier. Paid tiers are annual subscriptions from $259.99 a year, while DaVinci Resolve here has a free version.
Choose DaVinci Resolve if you want
Color grading and free professional editing.
The most complete free editor here, with color grading, visual effects and audio in one app for Mac, Windows and Linux. Its interface is dense, and the paid Studio edition, sold for $295, adds features beyond the free version.
The main differences
- Only DaVinci Resolve runs on Linux.
Side by side
| Avid Media Composer | DaVinci Resolve | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.0 | 93.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree Media Composer First; paid annual Standard, Ultimate and Enterprise | Free plan, paid upgradesFree version; DaVinci Resolve Studio is sold online for $295 |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | macOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux |
| Made by | Avid Technology, Inc. | Blackmagic Design |
| Best for | Professional film and TV editing | Color grading and free professional editing |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Avid Media Composer vs DaVinci Resolve
- Is DaVinci Resolve better than Avid Media Composer?
- DaVinci Resolve ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#1 against #5, score 93.0 against 86.0). Avid Media Composer is best for: professional film and TV editing. DaVinci Resolve is best for: color grading and free professional editing.
- Which is cheaper, Avid Media Composer or DaVinci Resolve?
- Avid Media Composer: Free Media Composer First; paid annual Standard, Ultimate and Enterprise. DaVinci Resolve: Free version; DaVinci Resolve Studio is sold online for $295.
- Do Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve run on the same platforms?
- Avid Media Composer supports Windows, macOS. DaVinci Resolve supports macOS, Windows, 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 Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve
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.
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